WA · Last reviewed 2026-08-27

Washington cosmetology exam preparation

Requirements can change. Confirm the current candidate bulletin and licensing-board instructions before scheduling or purchasing supplies.

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BEAUTY EXAM STUDIO COVERAGEpartially verified

Written: Foundation preview

Practical: Foundation preview

Reviewed beta packages are state-specific practice. Foundation previews are general preparation only; not currently offered tracks are not available. Practice results never predict or guarantee passing.

WRITTEN EXAM

required

Washington requires the NIC written examination and moved to Prov on May 1, 2026. The current bulletin directs cosmetologist candidates to the Hair Design Written CIB effective August 1, 2026 and limits written testing to Prov centers. The board and provider identify 75 or 75.00 as the minimum score; no percentage is stored because the score is not labeled as a raw percent.

Provider: Prov, Inc.
Questions: Not publicly confirmed
Time: Not publicly confirmed
Passing score: Not publicly confirmed
Delivery: computer based

PRACTICAL EXAM

required

Washington requires the NIC practical examination through Prov at an approved test center. The current sources report a minimum score of 75 or 75.00; no percentage is stored because that value is not labeled as a raw percent.

Provider: Prov, Inc.
Total time: Not publicly confirmed
Passing score: Not publicly confirmed
Delivery: hands on

Practical procedure preview

Published sections for Washington

The current bulletin specifies a cold thermal iron, a kit no larger than 30 by 30 inches, and disinfecting wipes or another non-aerosol disinfectant.

01NIC core cosmetology practical sectionsTiming controlled by current instructions

02Eyebrow hair removalTiming controlled by current instructions

03Manicure and polishTiming controlled by current instructions

Sample question

Original foundation question

This sample is general cosmetology preparation. It is not represented as a recalled or official Washington exam question.

NAIL DISORDERS

Onycholysis is the:

ASeparation of nail plate from bed

BBiting of nails

CInflammation of hair follicle

DGrowth of cuticle

Reference: NIC National Cosmetology Theory content outline ↗

Official sources

What this profile is based on.

Research compilation: Echo Craft, LLC editorial team. Professional subject-matter review is still pending and is disclosed as a launch gap.

state boardWashington Department of Licensing — Get Your Cosmetology LicenseAccessed 2026-08-27 state boardWashington Department of Licensing — Verify Cosmetology Licenses and ExamsAccessed 2026-08-27 state boardWashington Cosmetology Frequently Asked QuestionsAccessed 2026-08-27 contracted providerWashington Cosmetology Candidate Information BulletinEffective 2026-07-10 · Accessed 2026-08-27

Known gaps

What we have not confirmed or completed.

! The current Washington state bulletin does not publish the written question count or time limit.

! The current sources report a minimum score of 75 or 75.00 but do not identify it as a raw percentage.

! The state bulletin groups the core NIC practical sections and does not publish the core section timing or one total duration.

! The current sources report a minimum score of 75 or 75.00 but do not identify it as a raw percentage.

! Washington is recorded as requiring a written examination, but Beauty Exam Studio does not yet have a state-specific written content pack. The launch experience provides general foundation practice only; users must confirm current content, timing, scoring, and procedures with the official board or testing provider.

! Washington is recorded as requiring a practical examination. Beauty Exam Studio does not yet have a Washington-specific practical task pack, so this is general foundation practice: the AI coach reviews universal technique and safety fundamentals only. Your state's required task sequence, timing, kit list, and scoring are not modeled here, and another state's sequence is never substituted. Confirm current procedures with the official board or testing provider.

Beauty Exam Studio is an independent educational product. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Washington, its licensing board, or its examination providers. Practice results do not guarantee licensure or exam performance.