Practice for Pennsylvania's written cosmetology theory exam.
Pennsylvania licenses cosmetologists on a computer-based theory exam, with no separate hands-on practical. It is administered by Pearson VUE. Oro helps you prepare with a free readiness diagnostic, cited practice questions, and full timed mock exams.
The theory exam has 135 total items, of which 110 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions, with 2 hours 15 minutes allotted. The passing score of 75 is a scaled score on a 0 to 100 scale, not the raw percentage of questions you answer correctly.
| Licensing board | Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology |
|---|---|
| Exam vendor | Pearson VUE |
| Written exam | 135 items (110 scored + 25 pretest), multiple choice |
| Time limit | 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes) |
| Passing score | 75 (scaled score, not raw percent) |
| Practical exam | Not required (written only) |
| Training hours | 1,250 (or 2,000 apprentice hours) |
The exam is a theory and procedural-skills test covering the standard cosmetology science: infection control and safety, hair cutting and chemical services, skin, scalp, nails, anatomy, and basic chemistry, framed around safe procedure. The Pearson VUE candidate handbook lists the current content breakdown.
Oro's national question bank covers the cosmetology science the Pennsylvania theory exam tests, with a cited explanation on every question and timed mock exams for pacing across the 2 hour 15 minute window.
Oro is a general study aid, not the Pennsylvania course, and does not reproduce Pennsylvania statutes; confirm state-specific rules against the Board's materials linked below.
Requirements change, so always confirm the current details with the licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology.
Does Pennsylvania require a practical exam for cosmetology?
No. Pennsylvania candidates take only a computer-based theory and procedural-skills exam; there is no separate hands-on practical exam.
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania cosmetology exam?
The theory exam has 135 items total, 110 of which are scored, with 2 hours 15 minutes allotted, per the Pearson VUE candidate handbook.
Is the passing score 75 percent?
The passing score is 75, but it is a scaled score on a 0 to 100 scale, not the raw percentage of questions answered correctly. Scaled scoring equates different exam versions to the same standard.
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.