Sen Lin, PrepPass Founder · Verified against Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation · How we review
Free · printable · one page
Illinois Cosmetology License Exam Cram Sheet (2026)
The highest-yield points on the Illinois Cosmetology Licenseexam, grouped by the exam's real content areas. Print it, review the ones you keep missing, then drill them with free practice questions.
10content areas
Infection Control & Safety
15% of the exam- The Three Levels of Decontamination
- EPA-Registered Disinfectants and Contact Time
- Pathogens, Precautions, and Blood Spills
Hair Care & Cutting
20% of the exam- Structure of the Hair
- The Hair Growth Cycle
- Cutting Fundamentals: Elevation, Angle, and Line
Chemical Services (Color, Perms, Relaxers)
18% of the exam- pH and the Hair
- Oxidative Haircolor and Lighteners
- Perms vs. Relaxers, and Required Tests
Skin Care & Facials
12% of the exam- Layers of the Skin
- Common Skin Conditions
- The Basic Facial
Nail Care
10% of the exam- Nail Anatomy
- Disorders vs. Diseases
- Sanitation in Nail Services
Anatomy, Physiology & Trichology
10% of the exam- Bones and Muscles of the Head and Neck
- Nerves of the Face and Neck
- Trichology: The Study of Hair
Cosmetology Chemistry & Electricity
8% of the exam- Matter, Mixtures, and Emulsions
- The pH Scale in Cosmetology
- Electricity in the Salon
Salon Ecology & Professional Practices
7% of the exam- Salon Ecology and a Healthy Environment
- Chemical Safety and Safety Data Sheets
- Professionalism and Ethics
Illinois Cosmetology Laws, Rules & Licensing
60% of the exam- The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and Its Authority
- License Types and Scope of Practice
- Renewal, Display, and Establishment Licensing
Illinois Cosmetology Health & Safety Rules
40% of the exam- Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Single-Use Items
- Blood Exposure and Standard Precautions
- Salon Sanitation and Inspections
Now prove you know them
Reading the outline is not the same as recalling it under exam pressure. Drill 38+ free Illinois Cosmetology License practice questions to find your weak areas, then sit a full timed mock — no signup, no paywall.
Study aid, not a substitute for the official material — always confirm the current rule with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Last verified: August 2026.