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Open free MI Cosmetology Exam prep resources ↗Exam facts & prep options
Michigan Cosmetology Examination
The Michigan Cosmetology Examination is the two-part licensure examination for cosmetologists in Michigan: a 100-scored-question (plus 10 experimental), 120-minute computer-based theory test and an approximately 235-minute practical test of 11 timed topic areas, both developed and scored by PSI Services LLC under the PSI National Barber/Cosmetology Program (NBCP) for the Michigan Board of Cosmetology within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Passing requires 70/100 on theory and 95/127 on the practical; the combined fee is USD 167.
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QuestionsTheory test: 100 scored multiple-choice questions plus 10 non-scored experimental questions; Practical test: 11 timed performance topic areas (not item-based)
Testing timeTheory test: 120 minutes (2.0 hours); Practical test: approximately 235 minutes; introductory tutorial time is not deducted from test timing
ScoringTheory: minimum 70 points out of 100 total points possible to pass; Practical: minimum 95 points out of 127 total points possible to pass; successful test takers receive a PASS report (numeric results not reported)
Exam feeUSD 167 for the Cosmetology Theory and Practical Test together, or USD 93 for either single part (Theory only or Practical only), paid to PSI at scheduling; test fees are not refundable or transferable (the separate State of Michigan application fee is USD 63)
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Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- LARA
- Category
- Cosmetology
- Current version
- PSI National Barber/Cosmetology Program (NBCP) examination per the Michigan Cosmetology Test Taker Guide, COSMETOLOGY V1.0 effective 2/11/26 (NBCP adopted for Michigan licensure effective November 4, 2022)
- Where it applies
- US-MI, United States
- Exam languages
- English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese
- Score scale
- Theory reported out of 100 total points; practical reported out of 127 total points; numeric results are not available to passing test takers, who receive a 'PASS' report
- Testing provider
- PSI Services LLC (PSI National Barber/Cosmetology Testing Program)
- Format
- Theory: computer-based at PSI test centers or online-proctored; Practical: onsite at practical testing centers or virtually (each part may be taken in either mode)
- Availability
- Year-round by appointment; PSI online registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the practical exam (updated format) applies to Michigan test takers as of 2/11/26
- Results
- Theory: scores emailed to the test taker upon completion of the test; Practical: result report mailed by PSI within 7 business days following the test and available online one business day after the test date
- Score validity
- A passing score is valid for 1 year from the date it was earned, and passing scores on both the practical and theory exams must be obtained within 1 year of each other
- Remote testing
- Available
Exam structure
Two required parts. (1) Theory: one 110-question computer-based test (100 scored + 10 experimental) across 10 weighted domains — Safety and Infection Control 30%, Client Consultation and Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis 19%, Hairstyling 2%, Haircutting 3%, Haircoloring 10%, Chemical Texture Services 12%, Skin Care 4%, Eyelash and Eyebrow 4%, Hair Removal 8%, Nail Care 8%. (2) Practical: approximately 235 minutes, 11 timed topic areas — Workstation Preparation (10 min), Basic Manicure (20), Nail Enhancement Using a Form (30), Basic Facial (20), Eyebrow Waxing & Tweezing (20), Haircutting (20), Chemical Wave (45), Sodium Hydroxide Relaxer Application (20), Color Lift (20), Permanent Hair Color Deposit (20), Workstation Preparation for Next Client (10)
Where rules vary
Michigan cosmetologist licensure examination required under Article 12 of the Michigan Occupational Code (Public Act 299 of 1980); candidates must qualify through Michigan's MIPLUS system, and Michigan determines eligibility.
Eligibility
Candidates must first apply for licensure with the State of Michigan via MIPLUS (Only the State of Michigan may determine eligibility) and be at least 17 years of age with an education equivalent to ninth-grade completion, having completed either a course of study of at least 1,500 hours at a licensed school of cosmetology or a 2-year apprenticeship in a licensed cosmetology establishment; after state approval the candidate applies to PSI (MI COS ID number required)
Retake policy
No published waiting period; test takers who score below the required passing score receive diagnostic topic-area scores for re-examination. Test fees are forfeited if the test taker does not test within 1 year from the date the fee is received by PSI, and both parts must be passed within 1 year of each other (a new USD 93 fee applies per part per attempt)