Maryland Cosmetology License Exam — All Questions

Which body is responsible for licensing and regulating cosmetologists in Maryland?

• a.A private national cosmetology association
• b.The Maryland County Health Board
• c.The U.S. Department of Labor
• d.Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists✓

In Maryland, cosmetology licensing and enforcement are handled by the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists, a state authority. Federal agencies and private associations do not issue the state license; national trade groups only offer voluntary membership or education.

In Maryland, a person who wants to be paid to cut, style, and chemically treat hair for the public must first:

• a.hold the appropriate cosmetology license issued by the state✓
• b.simply register a business name with the county
• c.complete an online safety video only
• d.obtain a federal cosmetology permit

State law requires an individual to hold the appropriate cosmetology license before practicing for pay. Registering a business, watching a video, or any federal step does not replace the state practitioner license the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists issues.

Which of the following is a separate credential a specialist might hold rather than a full cosmetology license in Maryland?

• a.An esthetician (skin care) or nail technician license✓
• b.A general business tax ID
• c.A social media marketing certificate
• d.A national cosmetology diploma

States commonly issue distinct licenses for narrower scopes — such as esthetics (skin care) or nail technology (manicuring) — in addition to the full cosmetologist license. A tax ID, diploma, or marketing certificate is not a practice license.

A salon or establishment where cosmetology services are offered to the public in Maryland generally must:

• a.register solely with the federal government
• b.avoid any inspection because workers are already licensed
• c.hold its own establishment/shop license or registration, separate from the workers' individual licenses✓
• d.operate under only the owner's personal license with no facility credential

Most states, including Maryland, license the salon or establishment itself in addition to each practitioner. The facility credential lets the board inspect the premises for sanitation; individual licenses alone do not cover the establishment.

Under Maryland rules, a practitioner's license should be:

• a.transferred freely to any coworker who needs it
• b.displayed or available at the practitioner's work location as required, and kept current through renewal✓
• c.kept at home so it is not damaged
• d.renewed only if the board sends a paper reminder

Licenses must generally be displayed or produced at the place of practice and kept valid through periodic renewal. It is the licensee's duty to renew on time; a license is personal and cannot be shared or transferred to another person.

Which action is a prohibited practice that can lead to discipline by the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists?

• a.Keeping a clean, itemized record of services
• b.Using an EPA-registered disinfectant on tools
• c.Practicing cosmetology, or letting an unlicensed person practice, without a valid license✓
• d.Referring a client to a dermatologist for a suspicious mole

Practicing without a current license — or knowingly allowing an unlicensed individual to perform licensed services — is a core prohibited act and grounds for fines or license discipline. Proper referrals, disinfection, and recordkeeping are all appropriate professional conduct.