Practice for North Carolina's written cosmetology theory exam.
North Carolina requires both a written theory exam and a hands-on practical exam. The written exam is the NIC national cosmetology theory examination, administered by Prov. Oro helps you prepare for that written test with a free diagnostic, cited practice questions, and timed mock exams.
North Carolina uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) national theory exam, so if you have practiced against the national cosmetology outline, you are practicing the right material. The written theory exam has 110 items, 100 of which are scored, with 90 minutes allotted. The passing score of 75.00 is a scaled score.
| Licensing board | NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners |
|---|---|
| Exam vendor | Prov (administers the NIC national exam) |
| Written exam | 110 items (100 scored), multiple choice |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 75.00 (scaled score) |
| Practical exam | Required (separate hands-on test) |
| Training hours | 1,500 (or 1,200 plus apprenticeship) |
As the NIC national theory exam, it covers the cosmetology science every national outline tests: infection control and safety, hair cutting and chemical services, skin, scalp, nails, anatomy, and chemistry. The NIC publishes a detailed content outline you can study against.
Because North Carolina uses the NIC national theory exam, Oro's national question bank maps closely to what the written test covers, with a cited explanation on every question and timed mock exams. Oro prepares you for the written portion only; North Carolina's practical exam is a separate hands-on demonstration.
Oro is a general study aid and does not reproduce North Carolina statutes; confirm state rules against the Board's materials linked below.
Requirements change, so always confirm the current details with the licensing authority: NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners.
Does North Carolina require a written and a practical exam?
Yes. North Carolina requires passing both a written theory exam and a separate hands-on practical exam, each with a 75.00 scaled passing score.
What exam does North Carolina use for cosmetology?
North Carolina uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) national cosmetology theory exam, administered by Prov: 110 items, 100 scored, 90 minutes.
Does Oro prepare me for the North Carolina practical exam?
No. Oro prepares you for the written theory exam only. The practical exam is a separate hands-on test graded in person.
Oro is an independent study aid. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any licensing board or exam provider. Practice content is aligned to publicly available exam outlines and standard cosmetology science.