You made it through cosmetology school (1200 hours!). You are only one step away from your dream career in Florida!
That last step may feel difficult.
If you graduated from a Florida cosmetology program or are moving to Florida and not able to apply by endorsement, you must pass the Florida cosmetology exam to get your Florida cosmetology license.
I know you want to pass your exam and get your Florida cosmetology license with as little stress as possible. You may be confused about the requirements and even a little (or a lot) nervous about taking a professional licensing exam.
Whatever you do, do not let this exam get in the way of your career plans. Even if you struggle with exam anxiety, previously failed, or are taking the exam after being out of school for years; I believe you can do this.
I talk to people in similar situations all the time who go on to pass their exam and get their license. A majority of the time, people just do not know where to begin. The unknown creates anxiety and typically halts progress towards goals or dreams.
I will walk you step by step through this process and hopefully calm the fear of the unknown along the way. Plus, I have a short practice quiz for you at the end of the article.
Florida does not use the National-Interstate Council of Board of Cosmetology (NIC) exam like many other state cosmetology boards. Florida has its own cosmetology exam and its own registration process. They do not require you to demonstrate your talents, or have a practical exam. Florida only requires a written exam.
This may be disappointing. Many creatives, like yourself, prefer practical exams to written exams. Instead of focusing on things you and I can’t change, let’s prepare to pass this exam.
Here is everything you need to know to schedule, take, and pass the Florida Cosmetology Exam – so you can get licensed!
Florida Cosmetology Exam Requirements
You may be eligible to take the Florida Cosmetology Exam if you:
- Graduated from a Florida cosmetology school
- Have a cosmetology license in another country and cannot get your Florida license by endorsement
- Have at least 1,000 hours of education from another state and have held a cosmetology license for at least one year
Examination Steps
Step 1: Apply for a Florida Cosmetology License
After successfully completing your educational hours, you will first need to submit a completed cosmetology examination application to the Department of Professional Business Regulation, specifically the Cosmetology Board, along with the applicable fees.
Application
The fee for a Florida cosmetology license is $63.50.
Step 2: Schedule Your Exam
Once the examination application has been approved by the cosmetology board office, you will receive a written notification from the board’s examination vendor, Pearson VUE, to schedule a date and time for your cosmetology examination. Once you have received your notice from Pearson Vue, go to their website, choose your exam, and create an account. You will also have the option to take the exam in English or Spanish.
To create an account and schedule your exam, you will need:
- Your FLBPR ID number/Candidate Identification number listed on your authorization notice
- Payment method
- Credit card number, check, or voucher
- The fee is $15.75 for the written clinical exam
- The fee is $15.75 for the written theory exam
You will need to provide:
- Your full name, address, and a daytime telephone number
- The location of the test center where you prefer to take your exam
- In 2020, due to COVID, there is a new option to take the exam remotely (at home!) via Pearson. There is more on Remote Online Proctored Testing in the candidate handbook.
Find the Pearson Vue testing location nearest you here.
Step 3: Take Exam
I broke this step down into three parts.
1. Arriving at the exam center (if you choose to take it at a test center)
2. Taking the exam
3. Getting your results
Part 1: Arriving at the Exam Center on Exam Day
You should arrive at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to ensure adequate time to sign in and get settled. You will feel much better if you are not running late. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to your scheduled time, you may be refused admission and your exam fees will be forfeited.
Pearson Vue Admission and Identification Policy
You must show two forms of identification when you arrive for your exams. The name on both identifications must match the name on the appointment. Failure to provide identification matching the above name will result in your not being admitted to the exam and forfeiting the exam fee.
If you provided an incorrect name, contact the Florida Department of Business and Regulation Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395 to have your name corrected and your authorization updated.
One form of identification (primary) must be a government-issued photo-identification that is valid and unexpired. The second form of identification (secondary) must contain a signature.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
Primary Identification
- Valid, unexpired driver’s license
- Valid, unexpired passport
- Valid, unexpired military ID card
- Valid, unexpired state ID card
Secondary Identification
- Signed U.S. Social Security card
- Signed debit/(ATM) card
- Signed credit card
- Another form of ID on the Primary identification list
Exam Room Tips
No personal items. You are not allowed to bring any personal items into the testing room. This includes all unauthorized books, bags, purses notes, phones, pagers, watches, and wallets. Pearson centers do have lockers for you to place personal items in during your exam.
You are permitted to bring pre-approved resources found under “Supplies” in the Candidate Information Booklet for Cosmetology found on the DBPR website.
Dress in layers. There is no way for you to control the temperature of the room. You will want to be comfortable during your exam to perform your best.
No tools needed. Again, this section is not a practical exam. You do not need to bring mannequins, tools, or perform techniques in front of an examiner.
Part 2: Taking the Exam
The exam is actually two separate examinations, a written theory exam and a written clinical exam, hence the two separate fees. If you do not pass either part of the exam, you will need to retake just that part of the exam and the exam fee will need to be paid again. After successfully passing both portions of the cosmetology examination, you will be issued a Florida cosmetology license.
Both exams are completed on a computer. Each exam has 65 multiple choice questions and a 90 minute time limit. All questions are weighted equally, meaning one question is not worth more than another question. You can mark a question for review and come back to it later and also move forward or backward one question at a time.
The summary screen, which can be accessed at any time during the examination, shows testers the following:
- Number of questions answered
- Number of questions unanswered and/or skipped
- Time remaining for the examination
Exam Content Breakdown
The Florida Board of Cosmetology posts a content outline of the exam. Here is what you can expect to be tested on during your exam.
Written Theory Exam
Again, the written theory exam consists of 65 multiple choice questions with a 90 minute time limit.
- General Safety and Sanitation Procedures (34%)
- Client Services (24%)
- Facials, Make-up and Hair Removal (16%)
- Manicuring and Pedicuring (16%)
- Professional/Legal and Ethical/Laws and Rules (10%)
Written Clinical Exam
The clinical exam also consists of 65 multiple choice questions with a 90 minute time limit.
- Hair Coloring and Lightening (39%)
- Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing (34%)
- Scalp and Hair Care (5%)
- Hair Cutting/Shaping (10%)
- Hair Styling (12%)
As you can see, the subject of General Safety and Sanitation Procedures is 34% of the Written Theory Exam. This means 34% of 65 questions (or 22 questions) on your exam to pertain to the subject of Safety and Sanitation.
All references used for the exam can also be found in the candidate handbook under “References”. References include, but are not limited to, Chapter 477 (The Florida Cosmetology Act), Chapter 61G5 Florida Administrative Code (Rules and Regulations of the Florida Cosmetology Board), Milady Standard: Cosmetology (2012), Salon Fundamentals: A Resource for Your Cosmetology Career (2010 Edition), Playing It Safe: Milady’s Guide to Decontamination, Sterilization, and Personal Protection, and HIV/AIDS & HEPATITIS: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Others.
Part 3: Getting Your Results
Once the exam is complete it will be scored and you will immediately be provided with the results. Examination scores are reported as a scaled score. The minimum score needed to pass each section of the exam is 75%. The Florida Board of Cosmetology will be notified about your results by Pearson Vue.
If you fail one or both parts of the exam, you are eligible to retest after the submission of a reexamination application.
If you pass both sections, the board will issue your Florida cosmetology license if all other requirements have been met. Congrats!
Step 4: Complete an HIV/AIDS Course (Florida Transfers ONLY)
All applicants moving to Florida will need to complete a board-approved 4-hour Initial HIV/AIDS course. You can complete our Florida Cosmetology Board-Approved 4-hour HIV/AIDS course online and be one step closer to having your Florida cosmetology license.
That is it!
It is normal to be nervous about taking a professional exam. There is no way to know the exact questions that will be on your exam, but being familiar with the process and outline will help reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
The cosmetology industry if full of endless opportunities that many people will never explore. It is time for you to crush this exam and begin your dream career in the Sunshine State.
I would love for you to share your questions, struggles, and success stories in the comments below!
I recently graduated from my cosmetology course here in Florida and I am prepping for the exam! My nerves are crazy but coming across this gave me some ease. Having an idea of what the exam will consist of gives me comfort on what to study (mainly every part) . Thank you very much!
Please stop back and let me know how it goes!
I’m looking forward to scheomy test as soon as tomorrow and really just shines the light on a lot. I feel a lot better and more aware. Thank you and best to luck in the industry!
how was the test? i am a hair dresser from newyork state, moving to florida and its sucks to take the test again after 20 years!!!
I know that it isn’t fun taking the exam after so many years. However, I see people in your position take the exam and pass without to many issues. You have a lot of experience under your belt.
hello i am looking for someone who can tell me about the exam. i am so nervous and i failed in chicago with an 74!
I AM TRYING TO GET AN LICENSE IN FLORIDA
Hi Anna! Check out the exam guide from the Board. The link is in the above article.
What if I graduated a year or 2 ago what do I need to do to take the exam?
I am not aware of any time restrictions on taking the exam.
Omg I failed 9 times already 🙁 I’m always one point away
I know that has to be frustrating!
Are you working on your weaker subjects and the areas you struggle with? Some people avoid those topics and you really need to FOCUS on improving those first.
9 times , but they really let you take it over that much?
Before they had a limit that required extra schooling, but they got rid of that rule. Some people really struggle with tests and have exam anxiety that affects their performance.
I have 1200 hours in Texas. Is it possible to take my exam in Florida and get a Florida license?
How long have you had a Texas license? If it is over a year, you may not need to take an exam.
I hava a cosmetology licence from another coutry, I was approved for cosmetology broad office (pearson Vue) in Florida.
I have been studying a lot, the Milady standard book over 1200 pages,.
I am confused Because I don’t know what else to read and study. I have also written That I have to study the regulation Of course mythology law. But I don’t know where to go and I don’t know Where to find it, I am able to take a test online with all the Questions , regulation and some other questions that you think will be on the test.
Please help or tell me where to go.
thank you!
Hi Sandy,
To you mean that you need to study Florida regulations and laws?
yes I need to study that tooo
I so appreciate your words of encouragement and the quiz at the end of your information! Due to how busy Pierson Vue is, I take my clinical exam on July 9th, and my theory on the 12th! I am in my 50’s and decided I needed to accomplish obtaining my cosmetologist license. It is something I always wanted to do!
Best wishes on your exam! Stop back and let me know how it goes.
I currently have an Indiana Cosmetology license. I have 1500 hours and have been licensed since 2005. Will I need to take the exam to receive a license in Florida?
Did you take an exam to get your Indiana license?
Do you have any suggestions for the estheticians license only? I am getting ready to take my Louisiana theory and practical for esthetics only, no nails, no hair. I see the HIV/AIDS test is a requirement but I can’t tell if I take the two or four hour?? In Louisiana we are certified for body wraps, will I need to take an additional test to obtain body wrapping certifications? The Louisiana Board requires 750 hours for esthetics certification. I will also be getting my Advanced Laser Tech certification here in Louisiana, do you have any suggestions for transferring this over to the Florida certification? Any help is very much appreciated!
Hi Laura!
You will need this 4 hour HIV/AIDS course. It can be used by transferring cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail techs. The two-hour course is for renewing a body wrapping license. You will need a different short course (which can be done online to get your BW license in FL (message me if you need a suggestion for that course). As far as laser techs. I believe that license is under the department of health (like massage therapy). I would check this link for information on that license.
Thank you so much!!
Cuantas veces se puede hacer el examen clínico
I do not believe there is a limit at this time for exams.
I went to cosmetology school in 2018, I passed my theory exam the first time I took it how ever it’s been a constant battle with passing the clinical, I’m in my 4th try witch means I’m doing my 80 hours back in school, any websites or books that focus on the clinical part of the exam that I can study from?
I know that has to be really tough! I help people with passing their massage exam and I know there are amazing people out there that are so good at what they do, but struggle with exams.
All references used for the exam can also be found in the candidate handbook under “References”.
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/servop/testing/documents/coscib.pdf
These two subjects make up most of the clinical exam. I would focus on being very familiar with them.
Hair Coloring and Lightening (39%)
Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing (34%)
Ask your school for help and classmates what worked for them for studying. Take as many practice quizzes as you can to work through sample questions. You can do this!
Hi love quick question, when you re-took the exam, did you get the same questions each time or were they different both times?
I cannot imagine the questions would be the same. Most computerized exams are randomized.
What are some of your favorite sites to study from?
I don’t have one as of now. I will have a full practice test available here in the near future.
I just sat my cosmetology exams at Pearson Vue I pass the theory and failed the clinical 2 days ago and even though I was very disappointed 😔 I will study some more and retake my clinical exam ! To arshakia who failed her clinical exam 4 times I just want to encourage you my dear ‘ you can do it ‘ ! Please study more focus ! That’s what am doing now ! Thanks for all the information given here it’s gonna make my next exam easier am sure ! Thanks !
I am sorry to hear about your exam, Sharon. But, I love your attitude! I have seen many people pass their licensing exam after failing and attitude has a lot to do with it!
To the ones that failed you can do it,
80 hours back at school ?
what happened to the 40 hour back to school first ?????? 40 before 80
Hi Michael,
I actually just read through the April 2019 board meeting minutes that were just published.
It seems there are strikes through that rule now. You can read it here – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/documents/cosmo_minutes_0419.pdf
After failing 2X you have to do 40 hours, it goes up after that.
Hi, I’m from NY and just moved to Florida.. HELP can anyone tell me where a can find information on all I need to study for this exam.. so nervous having to take this test. Thank you!
Hi Melinda! The Exam Content Breakdown on this post should give you some tips on where to focus your efforts. And all references used are in this handbook – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/servop/testing/documents/coscib.pdf .
Hi
can you please help me.
I moved from charollet south Carolina to florida about 2 years ago.
I want to take my cometology test .my test application from florida department is approved I am so nervous I don’t know where and which book should I have to study .pleae help me and guide me.
There is a recommended reading list above. Those are the best materials to study for this exam. I hope to have a practice exam available by the end of this year.
Hi I’m exactly from Florida (Jacksonvile) and I was wondering are there like practice tests or a least some type website I can study from or Do I have to just study from what I learn back at school because i’m just all over the place with this testing…
I am not aware of any at this time. I plan to have some available by the end of the year online on this website.
Hi! I took a cosmetology class in 2017, but haven’t taken my cosmetology test. I am in Florida. Will I still be able to take it? Thank you
I am not aware that there is a time limit to test.
Hello. Where you able to take the test? Is there a time limit to when you have to take the test after completing the hours? Please help! I finished school in 2018.
Hi T!
Because of Covid, there have been some changes to the exam proctoring. Read through the candidate handbook in this article. Best wishes!
Hi
I am going to take my written test in Florida,I was moved from Charlotte to Florida last year.
But I am so nervous this is my 4 time I am so scared .
Please help me where to study .i download state board practice test app.
Hi, I’m a cosmetologist in another state .i am preparing for the florida state exam . Would love help with study materials ,practice tests,etc.
We are still working on a short guide and program. I promise.
I want to ask you a request !!! If I didn’t pass the exam the second time, I need to take 40 hours at school. And the school administration tells me that I should take 120 hours. Then what should I do?
Uh, I would make sure they re-read the reexamination section in the laws and rules book –here
Remind them Rules change. Have them call the board office to confirm!!
61G5-18.004 Re-examination.
(1) Any applicant who fails the examination shall be entitled to re-examination pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth
in this rule. Those applicants not achieving a passing grade on each part will have failed that part of the examination and
shall be required to retake and pass only that part failed in order to be licensed as a cosmetologist, provided however that
the applicant must pass both parts of the examination within a two-year period. If any applicant fails to achieve a passing
grade on all parts within the 2 years as provided in this rule, the applicant shall be required to retake and successfully
complete the full examination. In rounding percentages, any percentage which is point five (.5) or above shall be rounded up
to the next whole number. Percentages less than point five (.5) shall be rounded down to the next whole number.
(2) Any person desiring to be reexamined for licensure as a cosmetologist shall apply to the Department in writing upon
forms prepared and furnished by the department and shall pay a reexamination fee as required by rule 61G5-24.006, F.A.C.
(3) Those applicants who qualified to take the examination after completion of only 1,000 hours of training pursuant to
section 477.019(1)(b), F.S., and failed, shall be entitled to reexamination only upon completion of the full requirements
provided for in section 477.019, F.S. R
Me to.I felt one time but I’m scared to go back to do it again
I hope you read this comment
Can you please tell me if you passed you test because I failed my Clinical and I’m scared to go back.
It can be hard to go back after failing. But, please believe me that you will regret it if you decide not to do it. I see it all the time. We have to do hard and scary things. Just work on the things you struggled with during the exam and that will help you go back with more confidence. Many people fail their clinicals and go on to be successful cosmos.
I’m moving from Illinois to Florida and am scheduled to take my test next Friday. I’ve been doing hair for 13 years but am nervous. Where can I find info to study?
We are working on a quick study program. Not sure of one just yet. We have a very successful one for Florida massage therapists and hope to add one for Florida cosmetologists soon.
I finished School cosmetology Florida but I did exam 2019 But I didn’t past exam now I am nervous to go back and do it again can you please help me any idea what I should study,Thank you
People commonly step away for a while after failing an exam. Your situation is pretty common. But, if this is what you want to do, go do it! Look over the resources the board uses (in the article above) and look for apps for cosmetology exams. Look over the laws and rules for Florida. Even setting small study goals at first will be really helpful!
I want to ask you a request !!! If I didn’t pass the exam the second time, I need to take 40 hours at school. And the school administration tells me that I should take 120 hours. Then what should I do?
I graduated from Cosmetology school in Florida in 2018- 2019. But I never took my State board exam for my license. My question is what do I have to do now to take my exam. It has been a little over a year … Thank you in advance for the help.
I would think you should start by applying for your license by examination. Here is that application:
Cosmo 1 – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/documents/COSMO1_Initial_License_Based_on_Florida_Education.pdf
I recently graduated from a cosmetology school in Florida.
But now that schools are closed. My student advisor isn’t responding my email questions. So I’m asking here can I take my state exam despite this pandemic?
Thanks.
Hi Allison!
Unfortunately, Pearson centers (which the DBPR uses for testing) are not scheduling exams until after May 1st due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You likely can apply to take the exam right now, you just cannot take your exam until after that date (unless it is extended).
Ivy
I am a licensed cosmetologist in the state of NH. I received my license in 1992 . I have taken the written and practical exams in NH which requires 1500 hours. I am moving to Florida and need to get my license here. Do I have to take the 2 written tests here in Florida or can I just take the HIV/AIDS test?
If your license is active in NH, I would think you could endorse your license (NH is on this list – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/documents/Cosmo_List_of_States_Meeting_Florida_Requirements.pdf)
So, I would not be afraid to move onto the HIV course. Here is our link – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/4-hour-hiv-aids-course/
Ivy
Thank you so much for your quick and informative information! 😊
I made the mistake of letting my Michigan license lapse after moving to Florida. How would I go about obtaining what I need here in Florida to attempt to get relicensed?
Hi Stephanie,
How much work is it to get your Michigan license back in good standing? If you were able to to that, you could still try then go through the endorsement licensing process (COSMO 4).
I am currently in cosmetology school in Oregon and almost done. I have completed all my hours (1835) but not all of the required services (largely due to COVID and doing online education which was only theory). In Oregon cosmetology schools administer practical exams and then once you graduate you take written exams for your license and I also haven’t done these things. Could you please tell me what I would need to do to become licensed in Florida if I moved now without doing any more towards my license here in Oregon?
Also, thank you so much for this page and your site!! I have been searching online for something like this and this is the first good, clear, concise and thorough information I have found and it is sooo helpful!!
Hi Mona!
Actually, the Governor sign a fairly significant bill this last week that should make getting a Florida license a lot easier for out of state licensees. I am still reading through the information, but it appears that having an active license in another state should make it much, much easier to get a Florida license. I would check back in a couple weeks to see what you need to do. You may not need to take an exam in FL as long as your OR license is active. So, you may need to get that license active in order to get working in FL.
Oh that’s great info, thank you! Could you tell me, though, what it would look like if I don’t get my license in Oregon before moving? I had set things up to move by the end of the month and have other personal things pending so for a variety of reasons I’m needing to move soon and I don’t believe I’ll be able to get my license in Oregon in that time.
I am not sure just yet. I would contact the board office an ask their opinion. With so many changes, I think they would have the most up to date information on how this will all work. Hopefully.
Ok, thank you!
I took this course in 1998 and I am now ready to take the exam. Is it a issue to send in my documents and schedule for the cosmetology exam ? I am now preparing and need more practice test questions before taking my exam. Where to get more practice tests questions from?
There are not a lot of places to get practice questions for Florida specifically. Read over the laws and rules for Florida and use other Cosmo board exam apps.
Hi Im currently enrolled in Cosmo school and will be done with the program in less than 10 days… I am super nervous!!!! I wanted to know in the event of failing one part of the test and challenging the state board at 1000 hrs in the state of Florida what will happen if i were to fail one part? My teacher gave us the option of challenging the test at a 1000. part of me is ready but just a little nervous…..
You can always retake one part. I don’t know what you mean by challenging though. Sorry!
Hello my name is Mary Beach, I am living in Florida now for 2 weeks because of my father-n-law passing away. I have graduated from school in Kentucky with 1500 hours. I passed my practical exam with a 96 and failed my theory exam. But the problem was I waited until a year later and now I have to take both again. But my question is can I get my Florida license with my 1500 hours from Kentucky I have until October of 2022 to get them. Please help me what can I do. I would appreciate your help. Thank you!!
Since you do not have an active license in KY, you cannot apply by endorsement. You can apply by examination and take the FLorida exams if you want to. Or if you get a KY license, you could then apply by endorsement to Florida.
Hello I graduated for Cosmo in Florida in 2015 , I Took the first test Theory & Clinical in 2015 , I pass Theory I fail Clinical , well I request to take it again In 2016 , the approved from 2016-2020 so i was very scared , and i took my time I just did it again this Dec 18 2020 , and thank God I pass , but I haven’t received my license so , I call DBPR , and they have my score but they haven’t issue my license , and they told me they were going to call me back within 2-5 business days , any idea why is that , I was approved until Dec 2020 my question is even if Pearson approve me for that time I was ok with DBPR to waited all that time … please if anyone knows I would appreciated an answer thank you
Congrats on passing your exam! I will say when I send in a question, it is normal for their response time to say 2-5 business days for a return response. Unfortunately, I cannot help beyond that. I would just keep trying to get an answer and keep checking on the status and checking for delinquencies.
Hi! I am wondering, I currently hold a full specialist in FL. Do you know if I can just take hours of hair portion to get a cosmetology license or will I need to take the whole coarse over?
Great question, but I am not sure. I would contact a school and see how many of your FS hours would transfer and how many hours it would take you to complete the cosmetology requirements. I assume many schools have encountered this in the past.
Hi, so i just recieved my email from pearson vue to take my cosmo exam. im a little confused because i have 4 different “exam” links. 1 says 20-fl-cl-wt-fl cosmetology-thory english, 2nd one says 20-fl-cl-wc-fl cosmetology-clinical english, 3rd says 20-fl-n-fl cosmetology-clinical, and 4th one says 20-fl-L-cosmetology-theory. im not quite sure of the difference or what is what. im very nervous i just want to make sure im more than prepared. it would be greatly appreciated if anyone has seen or ran into the same thing. Thank you all and good luck
Hi Courtney,
My guess is wt is written theory and wc in written clinical. The third and fourth one, I am not sure? The first two are the English ones, could they be the Spanish version? You could ask Pearson.
Did you ever figure out which to take? My daughter recently graduated and had the same 4 tests in her Pearson Vue. I left a message with Pearson but haven’t heard back yet
I graduated from Cosmetology school in 2012. I never applied for my state board.. What would I need to do to be able to test now? I am in Florida.
Hi Kim,
I would fill out the application and schedule a test date. That application is COSMO 1 on the board website. You may need to take a 4 hour HIV course since it has been over 2 years (but I am not positive about that) to get your license. I cannot think of any other issues to keep you from testing.
I’m from NY licensed for 12 years, does my license just transfer or no bc we only require 1,000 hours?
You can apply by endorsement if your license is still active. Here is a checklist I made – License by Endorsement Checklist
And here is the 4 hour HIV course that is required for endorsement applications that I offer – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/4-hour-hiv-aids-course/
Hi, I really appreciate you having this forum. Its very helpful, i took the exam and fail, i need a 40 hour refresher course.
And the school i went to is closed. Please help. Thank you and God Bless you
I am not sure the 40 hours is still in the rules. I would contact the board office about these two issues. If you do end up needing the hours, I would think you could contact cosmo schools in your area that would allow you to enroll in the needed hours.
I live in Ireland and will be relocating to florida, I am certified to do nails manicure and extensions, threading, henna brows, eyelash lifts and volume and classic lashes, and i have no clue what to apply for, and I can just apply for exams or go back to school. Any advice is greatly appreciated
Thank you!
Hi Alicia,
You sound like it could be a nail, facial, or full specialist license. Without knowing how many hours you have in each, I do not know what to tell you as far as what you would need to do (apply or go back to school). If you have that information, I would contact the cosmetology board in Florida and ask for guidance.
Hi Alicia! I would look at the nail specialist. If you have enough facial hours, you may qualify for a full specialist, which is a combination of a nail a facial specialist.
Hi Alicia just wondering what/where you applied for exams ?or did you go back to school ..many thanks
You can do the 40 hours at Palm Beach State. But all of the schools will make you pay for the 120 hours because that is their “module” but they have to sign when you are done with 40.
Again, I think that is a little outdated now. The re-examination application (Cosmo 3) says
“If the applicant fails either portion of the examination on the first attempt, the applicant can submit a reexamination application without any additional signatures from the cosmetology school. For more information regarding the Cosmetology examination, please review the Cosmetology License Examination Candidate Information Booklet.”
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1011&clientCode=0501&XACT_DEFN_ID=5211
I graduated a year ago and since I being so nervous of taking the test and finally today my husband make me do my appointment to take my test. I a nerve wreck and I’m not confident on myself. I just hope I can do it and pass it on my first try.
Oh, Karina! Thanks for sharing! So many people get so nervous they never take their exam and regret it years down the road. You can do this. And if you fail, remember it is only a bruise – not a tattoo. It is not permanent and does not mean you will not go on to pass and be successful in your career. Best wishes!
Hi, great forum. I was wondering, did you finish working on a quick study program and / or is there a practice exam available yet? Thanks!
Hi, great forum. I was wondering, did you finish working on a quick study program and / or is there a practice exam available yet?
Hi Agnes! No, I did not make one yet. The endorsement process got easier for those out of state, so not as many transfers need the exam as they used to. I still have it on my list, it just got pushed back for now.
I graduated Cosmetology School in 2018 in Florida and I took the test and failed both. But I moved to Pennsylvania and wanted to see what I could do to retake the test am I still to late to take it? I just want to get my Florida license in order to transfer it to Pennsylvania or is there another method I have to do that’s easier? I’m just scared to fail it again and have to do 40 hours again when I’m not living in Florida anymore. Please help I’m not so sure what to do.
Hi Angelica! I do not believe they make you return to school any longer if you do not pass. Have you contacted the PA board about transferring? They may have you take the NIC exam instead.
Can I take an on-line nail technician course with courses for success who claim that upon completion of their course they and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you become a qualified Nail Technician Professional. and are issued an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate, upon passing of the exam, can I still get licensed as a Florida Nail Technician?
I am not aware of any online programs that are currently approved. Sometimes they use some deceiving language that makes people think boards will accept it. I would be very skeptical. The best advice would be to contact the Board office and ask if the program is approved for Florida and if they accept online programs.
Ivy
Is the bacteria question incorrect?
Isn’t t the correct answer pseudomonas aeruginosa ?
That is also a bacteria. However, this is the specific name of the infection of the nail bed – Paronychia.
i just took (and passed!!!!!) my cosmetology tests online w pearsonVue. (both of them today) How long does it take for now the state of florida to update and give me my license number? I’m trying to sign up for a class but you have to be a licensed cosmetologist. Thanks for everything!!!
I do not know why I am just seeing this comment. But, CONGRATS! You should have your license by now. Usually it is only a couple of weeks before you get that email with your license to print.
Would you say the questions on the state board for florida are verbatim to the milady exam review booklet for the 32 chapters?
I memorized all 1,200 questions and I would hate if they do not even use that format for the test.
I cannot say for sure, but I do help other people with other state boards and questions are never verbatim. I never recommend memorizing questions. You should understand the concepts so that you can answer a question that is worded in different ways.
Thank you for the information. I am retiring from my current career next year and am planning to school for cosmetology. I am very excited about the challenge ahead as I am a guy who has no practical experience in this field except for the desire because of theater and I am very will skilled with my hands! I managed 50% on your test with no knowledge in this field other then common sense. I can’t wait to get started next year in my 3rd career and help make woman confident and full of joy! If you know of any other information sources that relate to cosmetology, please email me those so I can further educate myself even now and gain a better understanding in the field.
Milady Standard is the text most schools use. You will get a copy of that for school, so I would not spend the money on it now. I would just start with exploring the field online, joining some groups, searching for a good school, and preparing for your career change.
Hi there! I just moved to FL- been actively doing hair for over 35 years and have Loved every min! I’m 54 and am scared to death to even try to pass this test as I don’t test well and am dyslexic. Is it time to retire?
Most of those that are already licensed do not need to take an exam. Connecticut licensees are the only ones right now I know that have to take the Florida exam. You may just be able to apply by endorsement.
I been trying to pass this test a lifetime now I attempt 3 times already the first time I pass one section and fail the other part I waited too long to take it again so when I was ready the told me I had to take both part all over again was very disappointing but it ok I have kids to raise and work so I throw it on the back burner now I’m going to try one more time it all about me please lord hope I pass I done so many more things and pass my exams for all the course I have done in life but this one is a challenge I already know why it too many parts to it and a lot of studying and no test u take for this is the same it ok I’m ready this time so everyone who can’t pass this test don’t give up it a good career to have because u have many choices with one license
I hope you pass and get to move on with starting your career! Do not be afraid to reach out to your school to see if they provide assistance with helping you pass. Maybe you can sit in on a review or something. You paid money for tuition, they should be able to help you with this. It is a better look for schools when they help you with this step.
Hello! My name is Brittany Mailloux. I am looking for how to get my license transferred to Florida. I got my cosmetology in Massachusetts back in 2018. I moved to Jacksonville, FL in 2021. I would like to get my license here but I am unsure of how to do it. worked in a salon for 8 years. Do I need to go to State Board again? If so, where do I got to schedule that? Any help is much appreciated! Thank you!
Most common option is to get your MA license active again and then apply to Florida by endorsement. So, I would contact MA and see what you need to do to get that license active again. Once that license is active, you can come back here and complete the 4 hour HIV course and apply for your Florida license.
Desde el 2024 no he podido pasar mi examen clínico de cosmetologia ya que lo he intento hacer 3 veces y no lo paso . Se supone que el libro miladis están todas la preguntar y respuestas para estudiar y pasar el examen pero resulta que hacen una cantidad de preguntas en el examen que no están en el libro y con diferentes términos y así quien lo pasa, están asiento cada día más difícil las preguntas para que no lo podamos pasar algunos estudiantes no es tiendo para hacen que compremos el libro de preguntas y respuestas si no están las mismas preguntas en el examen …
You’re absolutely right to be frustrated, and you’re not alone—many students feel the same way after taking the cosmetology clinical or written exams. Here’s the truth:
Most exams, including cosmetology licensing exams, are designed to test your understanding of concepts—not your ability to memorize word-for-word answers from a book. That’s why the questions you see on the actual exam often use different wording or slightly different terms than what you studied in the Milady book.
Even though Milady is a trusted resource and a solid foundation for studying, the state boards are not allowed to copy exact questions from study guides. Instead, they create their own versions that check whether you really understand the topic—especially when it comes to client safety, infection control, or state-specific procedures.
It may feel like they’re trying to make the exam harder, but in reality, they’re trying to make sure that only people who truly understand the material—not just memorize it—get licensed. My tip – Use a mix of study materials (Milady + practice exams + flashcards with real-world terms). Get familiar with how questions are written—especially trick questions or ones with similar-sounding terms. So – make sure you do not memorize, but understand the questions.