Maryland · Board of Cosmetologists
Maryland Limited Hairstylist Practical Exam
Maryland uses the PSI National Practical test for this licence: 7 graded topic areas, about 145 minutes, and you need 75% to pass. Read from the Hairstylist v1.1, effective 2026-07-08 bulletin.
Topic order and timing
| Topic | Area | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workstation preparation | 10 min |
| 2 | Haircutting | 20 min |
| 3 | Chemical wave | 45 min |
| 4 | Sodium hydroxide relaxer (straightener) application | 20 min |
| 5 | Color lift | 20 min |
| 6 | Permanent hair color deposit | 20 min |
| 7 | Workstation preparation for next client | 10 min |
| Topics total | 145 min |
PSI states the test runs approximately 145 minutes. The topic timings above add to exactly that. Procedure criteria are graded in the order listed.
What PSI does prescribe
- An unmarked closable container — a "supply kit" — no larger than 24" wide, 24" long and 24" high, so it fits under the table when not in use.
- Any monomer must be a low-odour or odourless product. Product that does not meet this requirement will not be allowed into the testing room.
- You must score at least 75% to pass.
- Electronics of any kind are prohibited in the testing facility.
- Test takers may not speak to or assist other test takers at any time.
Sources
Read from the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin — Hairstylist v1.1, effective 2026-07-08 — on 2026-08-10, through PSI's Maryland candidate portal. PSI stamps a version into every page of these bulletins and revises them; check yours against the current edition before exam day.
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