California Cosmetologist License & PSI Theory Exam Preparation Application Exam Information
CA California Cosmetology GuideTraining · Application · PSI exam · License
Exam format

Prepare for the April 2026 theory examination.

Understand the April 2026 PSI theory test, 110-question structure, 120-minute limit, 70% passing standard, languages, and topic emphasis.

Open license pathStart free test
Total items110100 scored + 10 pilot
Time120minutes
Passing70%effective April 1, 2026
Practical examNoneremoved from licensing

Published 2026 topic emphasis

The Board's 2026 schools presentation lists updated PSI emphasis figures. Because several service areas can overlap, this site's scored practice blueprint normalizes those figures into 100 practice questions rather than claiming an official item count for each category.

Safety & Infection Control30% published emphasis
Client Consultation & Hair/Skin Analysis19% published emphasis
Hairstyling2% published emphasis
Haircutting3% published emphasis
Haircoloring10% published emphasis
Chemical Texture Services12% published emphasis
Skin Care4% published emphasis
Eyelash & Eyebrow22% published emphasis
Hair Removal8% published emphasis
Nail Care8% published emphasis
Language and name check

The application lists English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. Beginning February 1, 2026, the full legal name on exam-day ID must exactly match the Board record, including middle names.