Cosmetology in Illinois

IL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Illinois licenses cosmetologists through the Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR); the exam is developed and scored by Continental Testing Services (CTS) and delivered at PSI test centers. You need 1,500 clock hours and a passing score of 75 on the written theory exam. Language note: the IL cosmetology exam is in English today, but Continental Testing has announced that — effective October 1, 2026 — the barber, cosmetology, esthetician, and nail exams will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Until then the real exam is English-only; our multilingual practice questions are a study aid.

📋 Exam facts

Real Illinois exam administration — from the official source

Practice questions (this site): 600
Testing agency: Continental Testing Services (delivered at PSI test centers)
Real written-test languages: English
To pass: Written theory exam (Continental Testing); score of 75 or higher to pass
Training hours: 1,500 clock hours (cosmetology)
Exam languages (from Oct 1, 2026): English now; English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese from October 1, 2026 (per Continental Testing)

Schedule / register ↗Official source ↗

🗓️ Last updated: 2026-07-03

📄 Based on: IL IDFPR Cosmetology + Continental Testing Services (Oct-1-2026 language expansion noted), checked 2026-07-03

✍️ Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team · How we verify →

🎯 Practice for this exam

Jobs and next steps

Can help you move up

Shampooer / Salon Assistant

Shampooer duties overlap licensed cosmetology hair/scalp services; cosmetology is a related licensed next path. Shampooer work is not claimed to satisfy training hours or state eligibility.

Requirements vary by state and locality. Check the authority for where you plan to work.

View Shampooer / Salon Assistant job guide

Why this is linked: Shampooer / Salon Assistant

Shampooer duties overlap licensed cosmetology hair/scalp services; cosmetology is a related licensed next path. Shampooer work is not claimed to satisfy training hours or state eligibility.

varies by state

Official or authoritative source:

Reviewed 2026-08-17

PassPrep is an independent study resource. It is not a government agency, state board, NHA, CTEC, IRS, employer, or testing provider.

State rules and fees change often. This table shows only facts confirmed from an official board or vendor source on the date noted; anything unconfirmed is marked “to confirm.” Always verify current requirements with your state board or its testing vendor before you register. Our practice questions are a study aid and never imply your state offers the exam in a language it does not.