Illinois Cosmetology Practice Exam

A genuinely new requirement applies if you're applying for your Illinois cosmetology license for the first time: since January 1, 2026, every original applicant must complete "Skinny on Skin," a free online abnormal skin growth and melanoma identification course from Impact Melanoma, and submit the completion certificate with your application. It's a one-time requirement, and it also applies to your first renewal after that date. If your study material predates 2026, it won't mention this, confirm it's not missing from your application checklist.

Training and testing: 1,500 total hours required, though IDFPR allows pre-graduation filing once you've completed 1,200 of them. Your license won't actually issue until all 1,500 are done, even if you pass your exam early.

Unlike several other states, Illinois uses one computerized exam, no separate practical component. It's administered by Continental Testing Services (CTS) and delivered through PSI testing centers.

That 60-day window is worth building into your timeline. It's not indefinite, once you're eligible to test, the clock is running, so have your study plan ready before you file rather than after.

Fee structure is two separate payments: $195 to CTS for the exam itself, then $45 to IDFPR once you have your official results letter in hand to actually receive your license. Budget for both as distinct steps, not one combined cost.

Since the exam is written-only with no practical component, your preparation time is entirely concentrated on one test, there's no separate hands-on evaluation sharing the weight the way there is in states like Pennsylvania or New York.

Our practice questions target the core content areas the Illinois written exam covers, with explanations for every answer, to prepare you for the single test standing between you and licensure, separate from the new Skinny on Skin course you'll also need to complete.

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