Cosmetology Examinations are given at several new testing locations for the theory portion of the exam. Click here to obtain the locations of the testing centers and the candidate information bulletins. Each profession has a different bulletin. You may download your bulletin from their site.

Application for Examination

To be eligible for examination, you must submit an application to the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and meet the requirements. You are required to complete training in a licensed school of cosmetology or comply with the standards established by the cosmetology board. Any questions concerning liability should be directed to:

Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology
Dept. of Commerce and Insurance
Division of Regulatory Boards
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-1147

Once your application and papers have been sent to the State Board for approval, you will need to contact PSI to schedule your exam.

PSI Examination Service
3210 East Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89121
1.800.733.9267
PSI Website

* All fees mailed to PSI must be in the form of Cashier's Check or Money Order.

No Personal Checks Accepted

The exam fee will be forfeited if the candidate does not test within 6 months of the date their exam fee is received by PSI. Refunds are available upon request prior to the 6 month expiration.

Examination Attendance

You are to report to the scheduled examination site on the date and time indicated on your admission notice. You must bring your admission notice and a photo ID (driver's license or State ID) for admittance to the examination. The Model must also have proper identification.

You and your model must arrive at the examination site at the times specified on the admission notice. Candidates or models will not be admitted in after the examination has begun.

Special Arrangements

Review the personal information listed on the admission letter. If you have any changes, please call PSI at 1.800.733.9267.

If a visual or physical disability or other special need prevents you from taking the examination under regular conditions, you may request special arrangements. Please submit written documentation of your disability to help PSI determine the arrangements to be made. PSI complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Rescheduling

Any candidate who will not be able to attend the scheduled examination must send a written request to, or call PSI in order to be rescheduled for the next examination date. This notification must be received by PSI at least two business days prior to the original examination session. There is a $15.00 rescheduling fee which will be paid prior to rescheduling your next examination date if notification is not received 2 days before the exam date.

Examination Results

Same day scoring is available. If you receive a passing score on the "theory portion" of the exam, you will receive information on obtaining the "practical part" of the exam. If you do not pass the "theory portion" you will receive information for retaking the test. After you pass both the "theory and practical" portions of the exam you will receive form necessary to obtain your license.

For confidentiality, scores will not be given over the telephone.

Candidate Brochures will be available with each application with an outline of what to expect on the test. They are available online or at the schools.
Click here to obtain a brochure online.

If you would like information on Examination fees, please click here. [pdf]