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Taking the Exam - Cosmetologists

Exams

Examination Services

PSI Services provides examination services for the State Board of Cosmetologists.

Applicants may now submit an application through the PSI Automated Application. Effective 3/31/2025 PSI will no longer be processing applications via mail, fax or email. The application will be returned to you. You must submit the application online.

PSI registrars are available at (855) 898-0714, Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 10:00 pm, and Saturday- Sunday between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Eastern Time, to receive payment and to schedule your appointment for the examination. To schedule by phone, you need a valid credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.)

It is recommended that all first-time test takers apply to take both the theory examination and the practical examination. There is no expiration to your eligibility. If you fail, you may retest on an unlimited basis. Upon approval by PSI, you will be sent an eligibility email (if an email address is not provided, this notice will be mailed to you). Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board.

A test taker account is necessary to register for testing with PSI. If you have tested with PSI in the past, you have an existing account that needs to be used. Enter the email address of that account and recover the password if needed. Only one account per test taker can be created in our system. Email addresses upon registration must be spelled correctly and an address belonging to the test taker.

  1. Test takers will go to the PSI webpage
  2. Test takers will choose their test and whether it be the Theory or Practical portion
  3. Test takers will then create a new account if they have never tested with PSI before. If they have tested with PSI and have a previous account, please login with that information and DO NOT create an additional account.
  4. When the PSI account Sign In or Creation is completed. The application information will then be displayed.
  5. The application will begin and move through the pages as the test taker fills in or reviews the information provided. Please submit when finished.
  6. If there are deficiencies in the application, the test taker will receive an email outlining the missing information and how to submit the needed document. The process is put on HOLD status and awaits the test taker to submit the needed information.
  7. Once the application is submitted, test takers should check their email account listed on the application for information pertaining to the application or the approval email.

PSI Automated Application Tutorial

Exam Titles

Applicants for cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, and senior cosmetologist must pass an examination in order to qualify for a license.

  • Cosmetologist: Practical and Theory - $77; Practical Only - $47; Theory Only - $47
  • Nail Technician: Practical and Theory - $77; Practical Only - $47; Theory Only - $47
  • Esthetician: Practical and Theory - $77; Practical Only - $47; Theory Only - $47
  • Senior Cosmetologist: Theory - $47

To request a letter to take the Senior Cosmetologist examination or to REINSTATE your license if it has expired over 5 years, email Barbers.cos@maryland.gov with your full name, registration number, and current mailing address.

Cosmetology Practice Tests and Study Packs from the PSI Online Store

Prepare for success in your Barber or Cosmetology exam with dynamic AI-powered Practice Tests and innovative Study Packs from PSI. Discover a suite of exam readiness tools that cater to your unique needs, ensuring you're fully equipped to excel on test day and beyond.

Practice Tests and Study Packs

Testing Accommodations

View information on requesting special accommodations for testing.

Kit Preparation

View information on how to prepare your PSI National Exam Kit.

Out of State Candidates

If you completed your training outside of Maryland, or you are licensed and practice in another state, you must obtain a letter of eligibility from the State of Maryland to sit for these examinations. To obtain a letter from the State Board, email barbers.cos@maryland.gov. Upon approval, a letter of eligibility will be emailed to you and PSI on your behalf from the State Board. Complete the Eligibility/Examination Registration Form and email the application to mdcosapp@psionline.com.

Obtaining Licensure after testing

To be licensed you must pass both the theory and practical examinations. For the Senior Cosmetologist exam, you are only required to pass the theory exam.

Once you have passed both the theory and practical examinations, your results will be sent to the State. You will receive instructions in your email from barbers.cos@maryland.gov on how to obtain your license. It will take approximately 10 working days, after you pass the theory and practical examinations, to receive your instructions.

If you do not have an email from the Board after 10 working days with your license registration number and instructions to apply, email barbers.cos@maryland.gov with your full name and copies of your score reports.

Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board.

Contacting PSI

For any issues that may occur about PSI, (General Questions, Concerns, Test Scores, Application Processing, Scheduling Issues, etc) email Cosmetology@psionline.com. There is an email ticket that is generated once the inquiry is submitted. The test taker must respond and create an account and log in to activate the ticket to move it forward in the PSI system. The ticket will track all updates and communications for the inquiry. The test taker is responsible to monitor the request ticket communications and updates.

If a test taker does not successfully submit, follow their ticket, and correspond with the PSI team, the inquiry may be delayed or canceled.