Pass Cosmetology FAQ
NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only)
How many questions are on the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only)?
110. Format: Computer-based multiple-choice (single best answer). Source: CIB effective July 1, 2022.
How long is the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only)?
90 minutes. Source: CIB effective July 1, 2022.
What do you need to pass the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only)?
State-set cut score. Source: CIB effective July 1, 2022.
Who runs the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only)?
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This site is independent study material and is not affiliated with the exam owner.
What topics does the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only) cover?
This course's blueprint has 4 areas: Hair Care & Services (45%), Scientific Concepts (35%), Skin Care & Services (10%) and Nail Care & Services (10%).
Which NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only) concepts does this course emphasize most?
The cuticle must be opened for chemical services to work., The disulfide bond links two cysteine amino acids; breaking it forms cystine/cysteine., A guide is the first cut section every other section is measured against., Permanent waving has two steps: a reducing/waving lotion then a neutralizer., Thio waves use ammonium thioglycolate at high pH; acid waves use glyceryl monothioglycolate near neutral., A chemical relaxer permanently straightens curl by breaking disulfide bonds, the opposite goal of a perm., Lye relaxers use sodium hydroxide; no-lye relaxers use calcium hydroxide + guanidine carbonate. and Hair color has two parts: LEVEL and TONE., plus 12 more listed in the study guide.
What official materials should I read for the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only)?
[S7] CDC Infection Control basics, [S5] EPA EPA-Registered Disinfectants + [S7] CDC Infection Control basics, [S5] EPA Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants / List N program, [S6] OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens + [S7] CDC Infection Control basics and [S6] OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens 29 CFR 1910.1030 + Hazard Communication / SDS 29 CFR 1910.1200.
What can I study free for the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only)?
Hair Structure and Care and Hair Cutting and Styling — the first 2 modules of 8 — with lessons, cards and the module quiz, no payment details needed.
How much is the full NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only) course?
$29 once for all 8 modules, 110 practice questions and 2 practice forms. No subscription.
Read the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only) study guide →
National Esthetics Theory Examination
How many questions are on the National Esthetics Theory Examination?
110. Format: multiple choice (100 scored + 10 unscored pretest; all 110 treated live). Source: NIC Esthetics Theory CIB eff.
How long is the National Esthetics Theory Examination?
90 minutes. Source: NIC Esthetics Theory CIB eff.
What do you need to pass the National Esthetics Theory Examination?
~75% of 100 scored (≈75/100), STATE-set (some states scale). Source: NIC Esthetics Theory CIB eff.
Who runs the National Esthetics Theory Examination?
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This site is independent study material and is not affiliated with the exam owner.
What topics does the National Esthetics Theory Examination cover?
This course's blueprint has 2 areas: Scientific Concepts (55%) and Skin Care Services (45%).
Which National Esthetics Theory Examination concepts does this course emphasize most?
Cleaning vs disinfecting vs sterilizing, EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant + contact time, Bloodborne pathogens HIV/HBV/HCV + standard precautions, Epidermis five layers, Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, Galvanic current: desincrustation vs iontophoresis, Anaphoresis vs cataphoresis and Electrotherapy contraindications, plus 4 more listed in the study guide.
What can I study free for the National Esthetics Theory Examination?
Infection Control and Safety and Electrotherapy and Devices — the first 2 modules of 6 — with lessons, cards and the module quiz, no payment details needed.
How much is the full National Esthetics Theory Examination course?
$29 once for all 6 modules, 60 practice questions and 2 practice forms. No subscription.
Read the National Esthetics Theory Examination study guide →
NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam)
How many questions are on the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam)?
110. Format: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored pretest), multiple choice. Source: NIC Nail Technology Theory CIB eff. 09/01/2025 (rev. 03/01/2026).
How long is the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam)?
90 minutes. Source: NIC Nail Technology Theory CIB eff. 09/01/2025 (rev. 03/01/2026).
What do you need to pass the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam)?
~70-75% of the 100 scored items. Source: NIC Nail Technology Theory CIB eff. 09/01/2025 (rev. 03/01/2026).
Who runs the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam)?
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This site is independent study material and is not affiliated with the exam owner.
What topics does the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) cover?
This course's blueprint has 8 areas: Nail Enhancements: Acrylic, Gel & Dip (20%), Manicure, Pedicure & Foot-Spa Sanitation (18%), Infection Control & Safety (15%), Nail Anatomy, Disorders & Diseases (15%), Tools, Implements & Disinfection (13%), Chemistry of Nail Products (10%), Pre-Service: Consultation & Setup (5%) and Post-Service & Aftercare (4%).
What can I study free for the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam)?
Nail Enhancements, Made Simple and Manicures, Pedicures, and the Foot Spa — the first 2 modules of 8 — with lessons, cards and the module quiz, no payment details needed.
How much is the full NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) course?
$29 once for all 8 modules, 48 practice questions and 2 practice forms. No subscription.
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
How many questions are on the National Barber Styling Theory Examination?
110. Format: Multiple choice. Source: CIB eff. 2025-06-01 (rev. 2025-09-01).
How long is the National Barber Styling Theory Examination?
90 minutes. Source: CIB eff. 2025-06-01 (rev. 2025-09-01).
What do you need to pass the National Barber Styling Theory Examination?
~70-75% of 100 scored items (state-set). Source: CIB eff. 2025-06-01 (rev. 2025-09-01).
Who runs the National Barber Styling Theory Examination?
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This site is independent study material and is not affiliated with the exam owner.
What topics does the National Barber Styling Theory Examination cover?
This course's blueprint has 4 areas: Hair Care Services (40%), Scientific Concepts (35%), Facial Hair & Skin Care Services (15%) and Implements & Equipment (10%).
Which National Barber Styling Theory Examination concepts does this course emphasize most?
What does elevation control in a haircut?, What elevation creates uniform layers, and what creates a blunt cut?, What is a taper in barbering?, What is a fade?, Which test is done before an aniline-derivative haircolor, and why?, What does a strand test tell you?, How do you stop a hydroxide relaxer? and Are hydroxide and thio relaxers compatible?, plus 18 more listed in the study guide.
What official materials should I read for the National Barber Styling Theory Examination?
NIC Barber Styling Theory Content Outline, eff. 2025-06-01, CDC infection prevention & control guidance, U.S. EPA registered antimicrobial products and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.
What can I study free for the National Barber Styling Theory Examination?
Haircutting & Styling and Chemical Services — the first 2 modules of 6 — with lessons, cards and the module quiz, no payment details needed.
How much is the full National Barber Styling Theory Examination course?
$29 once for all 6 modules, 45 practice questions and 2 practice forms. No subscription.
Read the National Barber Styling Theory Examination study guide →
NIC National Electrology Written Examination
How many questions are on the NIC National Electrology Written Examination?
50. Source: NIC National Electrology Written CIB.
How long is the NIC National Electrology Written Examination?
90 minutes. Source: NIC National Electrology Written CIB.
What do you need to pass the NIC National Electrology Written Examination?
STATE-set, commonly ~75% (Iowa >=75% on the NIC exam; California = 75% aggregate on the CA State OR NIC Written). Source: NIC National Electrology Written CIB.
Who runs the NIC National Electrology Written Examination?
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This site is independent study material and is not affiliated with the exam owner.
What topics does the NIC National Electrology Written Examination cover?
This course's blueprint has 2 areas: Scientific Concepts (65%) and Services (35%).
Which NIC National Electrology Written Examination concepts does this course emphasize most?
Sanitize < disinfect < sterilize, OSHA/CDC bloodborne-pathogen precautions, Single-use disposable probes/needles, never reused, Galvanic: DC current, chemical lye production, Thermolysis: AC/HF current, heat coagulation, Electrolysis = FDA-recognized permanent; laser/IPL = reduction, Hair grows from the papilla via matrix-cell multiplication and Growth cycle: anagen / catagen / telogen, plus 3 more listed in the study guide.
What official materials should I read for the NIC National Electrology Written Examination?
NIC National Electrology Written CIB, NIC CIB, state board sites, California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology and nictesting.org NIC National Electrology Written Examination CIB.
What can I study free for the NIC National Electrology Written Examination?
Infection Control & Sterilization and Modalities & Electrical Science — the first 2 modules of 6 — with lessons, cards and the module quiz, no payment details needed.
How much is the full NIC National Electrology Written Examination course?
$29 once for all 6 modules, 60 practice questions and 2 practice forms. No subscription.
Read the NIC National Electrology Written Examination study guide →