Retaking the Colorado cosmetology written exam: the 2026 rules

The short answers

• How soon can I retake it?30 days after your last attempt. (Colorado rule 1.2(D); PSI guide)
• How many times can I retake it?As many times as you need, within your one-year eligibility period. (PSI guide)
• What's the one-year period?Your application is good for one year from when you submitted or paid for it. If you haven't passed both tests by then, you need a new application and fee, and you may have to retake tests you already passed. (PSI guide)
• What does it cost?$60 per theory retake ($62 for the first attempt). The fee isn't refundable or transferable and is good for one year from when you pay. (PSI guide)
• Do I retake the practical too?Not if you've passed it. In Colorado you pass the practical first, then schedule theory. (PSI guide)
• Can I test from home?Yes. PSI offers the Colorado theory test at testing centers and online with a live proctor. (PSI guide)

What you may have read online, and what’s current

Some guides you'll find online are out of date or written for a different exam. As of November 2026:

• Colorado uses PSI's national cosmetology exam, not the NIC exam.If your study guide is built for NIC, check its topics against PSI's outline. (Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology; PSI guide)
• There's no separate Colorado law section on the theory exam.None of the outline's ten areas is state law. (PSI guide)
• The practical comes first, not theory.You must pass the practical before you can pay for and schedule the theory test. (PSI guide)
• Paper applications are gone.Since January 30, 2026, PSI only takes Colorado applications online. (PSI guide)
• The theory exam has 100 scored questions and 10 unscored ones.You get 120 minutes, and you need 70% to pass. Safety and Infection Control is the biggest area, at 30% of the test. (PSI guide)

How to book your retake, step by step

1. 1Keep your score report. If you tested at a center, it's printed there and emailed to you. If you tested online, it's emailed within 48 hours. A failing report shows your scores by topic. (PSI guide)
2. 2Count 30 days from your last attempt. That's the earliest date you can retest. (Colorado rule 1.2(D); PSI guide)
3. 3Find your one-year date. It's one year from when you submitted or paid for your application. Pick a retest date well before it. (PSI guide)
4. 4Log in to your PSI account at test-takers.psiexams.com/cocos, pay the $60 retake fee, and choose a test center or an online proctored test. (PSI guide)
5. 5Know the cancellation rules. Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead. If you cancel late, arrive after the start time, miss the test or bring the wrong ID, you lose the fee. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. (PSI guide)
6. 6Bring one valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. It must show your name exactly as it appears on your registration, plus your signature and photo. If it has no signature, bring a second ID with your signature and the same name. A digital ID in the myColorado app is accepted. A military ID can't be used for an online test. If there's a problem with your ID, call PSI at (855) 744-0312 at least 21 days before your test. (PSI guide)
7. 7After you pass, your license is printed at the test center, or emailed within 48 hours if you tested online. If you answered yes to a screening question on your application, or you've worked as a cosmetologist in Colorado before, the Office has to approve it first. (PSI guide)

Questions?

For applications and scheduling, call PSI at 1-800-733-9267. For licensing questions, contact the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure at 303-894-7800 or dora_barber-cosmetology@state.co.us. (Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology)

Common questions

• Can I see which questions I missed?No. PSI's guide says numeric scores aren't given, and a failing report shows topic scores only. You can leave comments on questions during the test, which PSI reviews but doesn't answer one by one. That's the only review of the theory test. (PSI guide)
• Can I take the theory exam in another language?PSI's Colorado guide doesn't list the languages. When you schedule, you pick your test, language and format in your PSI account, so check the options there. (PSI guide)
• Can I get accommodations?Yes. Create your PSI account and register for the test first, then submit PSI's accommodation request form with documentation from your medical provider or school. (PSI guide)
• What if my one year runs out?Your application expires. You'll need to submit a new application and fee, and you may have to retake tests you already passed. A test fee you paid but didn't use is also lost after one year. (PSI guide)