TDLR Cosmetology Written Exam: 2026 Texas PSI Guide & Study Plan
Understand the current Texas written-exam format, passing score, PSI fees, topic weights and the study areas that deserve the most attention before test day.
When Can a Texas Cosmetology Student Take the Written Exam?
Texas requires a Cosmetology Operator applicant to complete a 1,000-hour cosmetology course at a licensed school. A student can become eligible for the written examination after completing 900 of those required hours, once the school reports eligibility and TDLR verifies the record.
TDLR advises applicants to allow roughly 24–48 hours after school hours are reported for exam eligibility to generate and reach PSI.
Sources: TDLR Cosmetology Operator guidance and PSI Candidate Information Bulletin .
What Is on the TDLR Cosmetology Written Exam?
The PSI blueprint is heavily concentrated in three categories. Hair and scalp care, infection control, and licensing and regulation account for 88% of the scored examination.
| Examination Area | Weight | Scored Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Hair and Scalp Care | 40% | 40 |
| Infection Control | 28% | 28 |
| Licensing and Regulation | 20% | 20 |
| Nail Care | 6% | 6 |
| Skin Care | 6% | 6 |
Hair & Scalp Care
Review haircutting, styling, chemical texture, haircolor, theory, scalp care and related service procedures.
Infection Control
Focus on cleaning, disinfection, exposure procedures, safety practices, diseases and disorders.
Texas Rules & Licensing
Study practitioner responsibilities and the applicable portions of Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83 and Occupations Code Chapter 1603.
Nail & Skin Care
Manicuring, pedicuring, enhancements, facials, hair removal and contraindications still count toward the final score.
Source: PSI Texas Cosmetology Operator Candidate Information Bulletin .
The Written Exam Has Been the Harder Test to Pass
TDLR's statewide statistics show a large gap between written and practical examination pass rates. In fiscal year 2025, 21,331 Cosmetology Operator written exams were taken and 10,463 resulted in passing scores.
Sources: TDLR FY2025 exam statistics and TDLR FY2024 exam statistics.
Prepare According to the Actual PSI Exam Weighting
A focused plan should spend the most time on the sections responsible for the greatest number of scored questions, then use a timed mixed review to identify weak areas.
Hair and Scalp Care
Review chemical services, haircolor, haircutting, hairstyling, scalp care, texture services and core theory.
Infection Control
Focus on cleaning and disinfection, sanitation scenarios, exposure procedures, safety and diseases or disorders.
Texas Licensing and Regulation
Review state rules, practitioner responsibilities, health and safety requirements, Chapter 83 and Chapter 1603.
Nail and Skin Care
Cover manicuring, pedicuring, nail enhancements, facials, hair removal, contraindications and related services.
Mixed Practice + Weak Areas
Complete a timed mixed review, classify every missed question by topic, and spend the remaining time correcting the weakest categories.
TDLR Cosmetology Written Exam FAQ
How many questions are on the Texas cosmetology written exam?
What score is needed to pass the Texas cosmetology written exam?
Can a student take the exam before completing all 1,000 hours?
How much does the PSI written exam cost in Texas?
Can the written exam be taken online?
How soon can a candidate retake the exam after failing?
Need TDLR-Approved Continuing Education?
Complete the required Texas cosmetology continuing education online with a TDLR-approved provider and keep the renewal process moving.