Candidate Study Guide for the Illinois Barber, Esthetician and Teacher Examinations - Effective 3/1/2023

Sep 20, 2026

Candidate Study Guide for the Illinois Barber, Esthetician and Teacher Examinations outlines the examination purpose and test validity, linking licensure requirements in Illinois to public health, safety, and welfare. It explains how questions are developed with input from cosmetology educators and supported by standard textbooks. The guide provides step-by-step application instructions, including online submission requirements, PSI scheduling workflow, time limits, and special accommodation requests. It also lists Illinois PSI test sites with addresses and driving directions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Part I General Information

Purpose of the Examination

Test Validity

Apply Online

Time Limit

Special Accommodation Requests and Scheduling

Illinois PSI Test Sites

Candidate Study Guide for the Illinois Barber, Esthetician and Teacher Examinations Effective 3/1/2023 The following information is intended to help you prepare for the computer-administered Illinois Barber, Esthetician and Teacher Examinations from the National Interstate Council for State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) . These tests are being administered in the same network of PSI test centers that give CTS exams for cosmetology and nail technicians. Part I General Information PURPOSE OF THE EXAMINATION This examination is required for professional licensure by Illinois law to certify that each cosmetologist is familiar with practices, rules and regulations that will protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Copies of the Act are available from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) on their website [at ](at www.idfpr.com)[www.idfpr.com](at www.idfpr.com). TEST VALIDITY This examination has been developed in consultation with a committee of cosmetology teachers. Test questions reflect standards and practices documented in a survey of licensed cosmetology teachers. Each question is supported by commonly used cosmetology textbooks (see page 13) . APPLY ONLINE Complete the application online [at ](at www.continentaltesting.net)[www.continentaltesting.net](at www.continentaltesting.net) and submit all required transcripts and related documents. An application is not complete until it includes a valid email address and all fees have been paid. Credit card payment is available as part of the online application. Each approved candidate receives an email from PSI that provides instructions to schedule a testing appointment. TIME LIMIT Each candidate schedules a PSI appointment to allow time to verify IDs and complete other check-in procedures. The time limit for the examination is 90 minutes. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS SCHEDULING An application for special accommodations with appropriate documentation is required before special arrangements can be completed. If approved, the candidate will receive an email from PSI with instructions to schedule a test date in a test center that has appropriate facilities. Candidates who are approved for special accommodations must schedule using the PSI Call Center. Testing appointments with special accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to the desired test date. After CTS approves your application, you can schedule a test date at oneof the approved PSI Test Centers by using PSI’s online system at [https://test-takers.psiexams.com/ilcos](https://test-takers.psiexams.com/ilcos) or by calling PSI at 1-855-834-8744 . All regular testing appointments must be scheduled at least two business days prior to the desired test date. You must complete your test within 60 days after CTS approves your application. ILLINOIS PSI TEST SITES | City/State | Address | Driving Directions | | --- | --- | --- | | Carbondale, Illinois | Southern Illinois University, 605 Agriculture Dr. , MC 4722 Room 781 (7th floor) | Morris Library is in the center of campus. More information about parking for the new center in Morris Library is available online at
[http://l](http://l)[ib.siu.edu/directions](ib.siu.edu/directions). | | Champaign, Illinois | Parkland College
2400 W Bradley Ave, U203 | From I-72 East, take N Country Fair Drive. Turn left onto W Bradley Ave. RM U203 | | Chicago, Illinois | PSI Chicago
332 S. Michigan Ave Suite | Take US-41S which becomes I-94E. Take the W Jackson Blvd exit (51F) . Turn left on W Jackson Blvd. Turn right on S Michigan Ave. | | Galesburg, Illinois | Carl Sandburg College 2400 Tom L Wilson Blvd | Exit Interstate 74 onto Hwy 34 West (toward Monmouth) . Proceed to Hwy 150 West (Carl Sandburg College Exit toward Alpha) . Turn left at stoplight onto South Lake Storey Road. 1 mile to CSC entrance on the left. The entrance to Carl Sandburg College will be to your left. Turn left onto Tom L. Wilson

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Illinois Barber, Esthetician and Teacher Examinations?

The examination is required for professional licensure by Illinois law to certify that candidates understand practices, rules, and regulations that protect public health, safety, and welfare.

How do candidates apply online and what makes an application complete?

Candidates apply online and submit all required transcripts and related documents. An application is not complete until it includes a valid email address and all fees are paid.

What are the key scheduling and timing requirements for the test?

Candidates schedule a PSI testing appointment and the time limit for the examination is 90 minutes. Regular testing appointments must be scheduled at least two business days before the desired test date, and candidates must complete the test within 60 days after CTS approves the application.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Caleb Sterling