Barber & Cosmetology

Barber & cosmetology exam with PSI

Relevant test content and superior delivery, both online and in-person.

Dreams deserve…

a modern experience for barber and cosmetology state testing

The landscape of online barber and cosmetology testing online is rapidly evolving. State Licencing Bodies recognize the need for a national approach that reduces barriers to licensure while protecting public safety. Understanding and preparing for the cosmetology state board exam and other state board exams is crucial for aspiring beauty professionals to obtain their licenses. Our PSI National Barber and Cosmetology program offers test content of choice, and flexible test delivery with our assurance of CBT test security.

Questions about our exam process? Contact PSI.

Chosen by leading organizations

Fair, valid and reliable test content

Our experienced barber and cosmetology team works with national Subject Matter Experts to develop a diverse series of written and practical exams. These exams are based on the techniques necessary to be both skilled and safe. Understanding scientific concepts is crucial for the written exam, as it assesses theoretical knowledge essential for providing safe services. That’s why our testing goes beyond simple recall and recognition with the innovative PSI Item Banking Platform and scoring. Tests are based on important skills to be applied on the job – for the health and safety of the public and your test takers.

Legislative friendly test content

Created and reviewed by national experts

Minimal competency testing

Goes beyond written exam recall and recognition

Secure test taker experience

Flexible and convenient test delivery

Your barber and cosmetology test takers want a convenient time and location for their test. Our network of 300+ quality-assured certification centres are in convenient locations across all US States and territories. And our state-of-the-art online proctoring solution supports secure barber and cosmetology testing online at home or in the workplace. Or give your test takers the power of choice with multi-modal testing. Plus, ensure your test takers are prepared with cosmetology practice test opportunities. Although The National Interstate Council plays a significant role in administering standardised cosmetology exams across various states, influencing certification processes and offering tests in diverse languages, each state has their own passing grade, which means your test takers will want to be assured that they are as prepared as possible to reach it.

Convenient test center locations

Secure online testing options

Offer the power of choice

24/7 test taker support

Easy and flexible scheduling

Evening and weekend access

The industry is changing...

Keep your Barber & Cosmetology program up to date

In recent years PSI has been developing a market-leading, legislative-friendly, secure alternative to traditional Barber and Cosmetology testing. The importance of the written portion of the exam, which assesses test taker’s theoretical knowledge, is emphasized as it complements their practical skills crucial for licensure. In direct response to the changing needs of the industry, PSI launched the National Barber and Cosmetology Program. In this open discussion, PSI experts discuss this industry shift with expert guest Leslie Roste, Government Relations, FBIC.

"Given the current viral environment, it is more evident than ever that proper health & public safety protocols are necessary to protect clients and licensees throughout the professional beauty industry. It’s great to see that PSI has developed a battery of written and practical examinations that base Licensure assessments exclusively on the safety aspects of the techniques necessary to be both skilled and safe. This is a win-win for the public, the states and professional licensees!"

Leslie Roste, BSN, RN

National Director – Industry Relations & Education, BlueCo Brands

Rigorous and innovative test security

Balance your program needs with leading test technology to maintain end-to-end test integrity and security. Whether you test through our network of proctored testing centers, remotely with secure online proctoring, or via a choice of both. Protect your test content and deliver statistically equivalent tests with Formcast^™, PSI’s proprietary Linear On The Fly Testing.

Secure and protected facilities

Secure online proctoring options

Protect proprietary test content

Safeguard test takers data

Immediate accurate scoring for practical tests

You want to reduce barriers to testing while protecting public health, safety and welfare. Our highly trained certified national examiners are recruited and certified to meet today’s evolving standards. Our scoring tool ensures reliable results and instant score reporting means test takers know the outcome of their practical examination immediately. Applicants for various roles, including nail technicians, must successfully pass examinations to obtain their licenses. The option to take a test all at one time or topic by topic ensures essential knowledge is assessed accurately with up-to-date information.

Success stories

"The level of communication that we have means that, together, we can get anything done. Picking up the phone and calling at any time and I know I’ll get a response. That’s a huge comfort level. I know we can tackle it."

Aurelio Romero

Executive Director, New Jersey Real Estate Commission

View Case Study

"I would underscore that PSI was consistently committed to meeting our deadlines through the many challenges of a pandemic. It’s impressive how dedicated they were to see the project through and get the job done during a period of unforeseen roadblocks."

Jeff Oboyski

Assistant Commissioner, Licensing, California Department of Real Estate

View Case Study

"This [hybrid insurance exam] is revolutionary for the insurance industry, both from a regulatory standpoint and for PSI’s online proctoring itself."

Jeff Baughman

Producer Licensing & Oversight Program Manager, WA State OIC

View Case Study