Retaking the Tennessee cosmetology written exam: the 2026 rules

The short answers

• How soon can I retake it?PSI and the Board don't list a waiting period. After a not-pass, retake registration is available through your PSI account. (PSI guide; PSI Tennessee page)
• How many times can I retake it?No limit on attempts is listed in PSI's guide or the Board's rules. (PSI guide; Board rule 0440-01-.09)
• Is there a time limit?You have three years to pass both the theory and practical tests. Under the Board's rule, that clock starts when you pass theory. Tests passed after the three years don't count, and you'd retake theory. (Board rule 0440-01-.09; PSI guide)
• What does it cost?$67 for the theory test, paid again each time you take it. The fee isn't refundable or transferable and is good for one year from when you pay. (PSI guide)
• Do I retake the practical too?Not yet. In Tennessee you pass theory before you can book the practical, so the practical comes after you pass theory. (PSI guide)
• Can I test from home?Yes. PSI offers the Tennessee theory test online with a live proctor or at a PSI testing center. (PSI guide)
• What languages?English, Spanish or Vietnamese. (PSI guide)

Tennessee's test is longer than you might expect

A lot of what you'll find online describes PSI's national theory test: 100 scored questions in two hours. Tennessee's version is bigger.

• 125 scored questions and 15 unscored ones.You get 180 minutes, and you need 70% to pass. (PSI guide; Board rule 0440-01-.09)
• About a fifth of it is Tennessee law.Three areas cover the state's rules: Licensure Requirements (12%), Rights and Responsibilities (2%) and Sanitary Rules (6%). (PSI guide)
• The rest is the national content.Safety and Infection Control is the biggest area, at 24% of the test, then Client Consultation and Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis at 16%. (PSI guide)
• The law references are public.PSI lists the Board's Licensing rules (Chapter 0440-01), its Sanitary Rules (Chapter 0440-02) and the Tennessee Cosmetology Act as references for the test. If you studied only from national material the first time, check the law areas first. (PSI guide; Tennessee Board rules)

How to book your retake, step by step

1. 1Keep your score report. At a test center, your result appears on screen when you finish, and a not-pass comes with a report of your strengths and weaknesses. If you tested online, the official report is emailed within 24 hours. (PSI guide)
2. 2Sign in to the same PSI account you used before at test-takers.psiexams.com/tncosmetology. Don't create a new one; PSI says a second account confuses its system. (PSI guide)
3. 3Go to the MANAGE tab to schedule your retake, pay the fee, and choose online or a test center. You can also book by phone at (855) 340-3710. (PSI Tennessee page; PSI guide)
4. 4Know the cancellation rules. Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead, online or by talking to a live PSI representative. A voicemail doesn't count. If you cancel late, arrive after the start time, miss the test or don't bring the right ID, you lose the fee. At a center, plan to arrive 30 minutes early. (PSI guide)
5. 5Bring one valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport, with your name exactly as it appears on your registration, your signature, and a photo or full physical description. A military ID works only at a test center, not online. If there's a problem with your ID, call PSI at (855) 340-3710 at least 21 days before your test. (PSI guide)
6. 6Testing online? Since July 28, 2026, PSI asks remote theory test takers to have a mobile phone for a room scan at check-in. (PSI Tennessee page)
7. 7After you pass theory, schedule the practical. Keep your three-year date in mind: both tests need to be passed within three years of passing theory. (PSI guide; Board rule 0440-01-.09)

Questions?

For registration, scheduling and payment, call PSI at (855) 340-3710. PSI's guide asks you not to call the Board about registration. For licensing questions, contact the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners at cosmetology.board@tn.gov. (PSI guide; Tennessee Board rules)

Common questions

• Do I retake the law section separately?No. For first-time licensing, the three Tennessee law areas are part of the 125-question theory test. (PSI guide)
• Is this the same exam as in Kentucky, Colorado or Georgia?The national areas are the same, but Tennessee's test is longer and adds Tennessee law, so the weights are different. (PSI guide)
• What if I pass theory but don't finish the practical in time?The Board's rule says you must pass all exams within three years of passing theory. Tests passed after that don't count, and you'd retake theory. (Board rule 0440-01-.09)
• Can I see which questions I missed?PSI's guide doesn't offer a way. You can leave comments on questions during the test, which PSI reviews but doesn't answer one by one. (PSI guide)
• Can I get accommodations?Yes. Create your PSI account and register first, then submit PSI's accommodation request with documentation from your medical provider or school. Your accommodation has to be approved and paid for before you schedule, and approval can take up to 14 business days. (PSI Tennessee page; PSI guide)