Retaking the Kentucky cosmetology written exam: the 2026 rules

The short answers

• How soon can I retake it?One month after you get notice that you didn't pass. (Kentucky law; PSI guide)
• How many times can I retake it?As many times as you need. PSI's guide adds that you can keep retesting until five years from your school enrollment date. After that, your earned hours expire. (Kentucky law; PSI guide)
• What does it cost?$85 per theory attempt. The fee isn't refundable and is good for 90 days from when you pay. (PSI guide)
• Do I need another course first?No. The 80-hour refresher course hasn't been required since June 26, 2025. (PSI guide)
• Do I retake the practical too?No. You retake only the part you didn't pass. You apply for the practical after you pass theory. (Kentucky law; Kentucky Board of Cosmetology)
• Can I test from home?PSI's Kentucky guide only describes testing at PSI test centers in Kentucky, and PSI's national program page doesn't list Kentucky for remote theory testing. (PSI guide; PSI national program)

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Some guides you'll find online are out of date or written for a different exam.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

• Kentucky 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. (Kentucky Board of Cosmetology; PSI national program)
• The theory exam has 100 scored questions and 10 unscored ones.You get 120 minutes, and you need 70% to pass. (PSI guide)
• There's no separate Kentucky law section.None of the outline's ten areas is state law. (PSI guide)
• The old limits are gone.After three failed attempts, Kentucky used to require a six-month wait and an 80-hour course, then allowed two more tries before a three-year bar. A 2025 law replaced that with a one-month wait and unlimited retakes. (Board regulation; Kentucky law)
• PSI's Kentucky test guides were updated on March 19, 2026.In the current outline, Safety and Infection Control is the biggest area, at 30% of the test. (Kentucky Board of Cosmetology; PSI guide)

How to book your retake, step by step

1. 1Save your score email. PSI emails theory scores within 24 hours. Scores aren't given at the test site or by phone. (PSI guide)
2. 2Count one month from the day you got that notice. That's the earliest date you can retest. (Kentucky law)
3. 3Log in to your PSI account at test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos, pay the $85 fee, and pick a date and test center. Pick a date within 90 days of paying, or the fee expires. (PSI guide)
4. 4Know the cancellation rules. Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead. A voicemail doesn't count. If you're late, miss the test or bring the wrong ID, you lose the fee. (PSI guide)
5. 5Bring two valid IDs. One must be a government-issued photo ID with your signature, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. The second must show your signature and your printed legal name. Both must match the name on your registration exactly. If there's a problem with your ID, call PSI at least 21 days before your test. (PSI guide)
6. 6After you pass, your theory score is good for six months. Since June 1, 2026, every Kentucky practical exam is held at PSI's site in Lexington. (Kentucky Board of Cosmetology)

Questions, and working while you wait

Registration and scheduling go through PSI customer service: (855) 340-3713. For eligibility questions, email the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology at kbc@ky.gov. (Kentucky Board of Cosmetology; PSI guide)

Can you work while you wait? We didn't find a temporary permit in Kentucky's rules. The board's regulation says a student who practices beyond the scope of their school enrollment before the board exam can't take the exam for one year. (Board regulation) Check with the board before you do any services.

Common questions

• Can I see which questions I missed?PSI's Kentucky guide doesn't describe a way to review missed questions. (PSI guide)
• Can I take the theory exam in another language?Yes. The guide lists English, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified), Spanish and Vietnamese. You can change your language yourself in your PSI account. (PSI guide; Kentucky Board of Cosmetology)
• Can I get accommodations?Yes. Create your PSI account first, then fill out PSI's accommodation request form and upload your documents. The guide notes that English as a second language isn't an ADA basis for accommodations. (PSI guide)
• What if my eligibility expires?Eligibility lasts 90 days after you register. If you don't test in that window, you have to reapply and pay again. (PSI guide)