Tennessee Cosmetology License Exam — All Questions
6 questions
Which agency regulates cosmetology practice and issues cosmetologist licenses in Tennessee?
- a.The Tennessee Department of Health, cosmetology division
- b.A private national cosmetology association
- c.The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, within the Department of Commerce and Insurance✓
- d.Each county health department independently
Tennessee combined its cosmetology and barbering regulation into one board, the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, housed in the Department of Commerce and Insurance. It licenses practitioners, shops, and schools and sets sanitation standards statewide.
In Tennessee, when is a person legally allowed to perform cosmetology services for compensation?
- a.Only after obtaining the appropriate license from the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners✓
- b.As soon as they enroll in a cosmetology school
- c.Whenever a licensed friend supervises them, without any license
- d.Any time, because cosmetology is not a licensed occupation in Tennessee
Practicing cosmetology for pay without the proper Tennessee license is prohibited. A candidate must complete required training and pass the required examination before the board issues a license authorizing paid practice.
The Tennessee board issues several distinct credentials. Which of the following is a separate license type recognized in Tennessee?
- a.A 'general beauty worker' permit that covers all services with no distinction
- b.Natural hair styling, which Tennessee recognizes as its own credential separate from full cosmetology✓
- c.A single lifetime license that never distinguishes specialties
- d.A federal cosmetology license accepted in every state
Tennessee recognizes multiple credentials, including cosmetologist, aesthetician, manicurist, and natural hair stylist, plus master barber, instructor, shop, and school licenses. Natural hair styling is a distinct, narrower credential — a practitioner must hold the license that matches the services performed.
How should a Tennessee cosmetology licensee keep the license valid over time?
- a.Licenses never expire once granted
- b.Only re-take the entire licensing exam every year
- c.Nothing is required as long as the salon stays open
- d.Renew the license on the board's schedule and keep the required information current✓
Tennessee licenses are issued for a fixed term and must be renewed periodically to stay active; letting a license lapse can require reinstatement. (Exact fees and renewal cycles are set by the board and are not reproduced here — verify current figures with the board.)
A salon owner wants to open a new location in Tennessee. What does the board require for the establishment itself?
- a.A separate shop/establishment license and compliance with inspection and sanitation rules✓
- b.Only the owner's personal cosmetology license, with no separate shop license
- c.A one-time verbal notice to the board
- d.No requirement at all for the physical location
In Tennessee the physical establishment must be licensed in addition to the individuals working there. Shops are subject to inspection, and owners are responsible for maintaining sanitation and displaying licenses.
Which of the following is a prohibited practice that can lead to discipline by the Tennessee board?
- a.Displaying your current license at your station
- b.Using freshly disinfected implements on each client
- c.Performing services that require a license you do not hold, or working with an expired license✓
- d.Following the board's sanitation rules
Practicing beyond the scope of your credential, working on a lapsed license, or performing unlicensed practice are violations the board can discipline through fines, suspension, or revocation. Staying within scope and keeping the license current are basic compliance duties.