Colorado · Esthetics

Colorado Esthetics State Board Exam Prep

Practice the exact content PSI puts on your Colorado esthetics exam. Mapped to the official topic breakdown below — no guessing, no generic Milady-style filler.

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The Colorado exam, at a glance

Direct from the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure and the PSI candidate bulletin.

Required Hours
600 hrs
Exam Provider
PSI
Exam Format
written + practical
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
16
Renewal
Every 2 years
CE Hours
0
Reciprocity
Yes

PSI topic breakdown for Colorado

Your SGS dashboard tracks your score in each of these categories so you know exactly where to study.

How SGS gets Colorado students over the passing line

The tools students use every night in the 30 days before their test.

The Final Look
Full-length mock exam built on the PSI topic map above. Every wrong answer is tagged back to the category so your weak areas surface fast.
Practice Tests
Chapter-by-chapter quizzes. Scoreboards + streaks so it doesn't feel like a textbook.
Flash & Know
Spaced-repetition flashcards. 15 minutes a night covers a full chapter.
The Board Game
Category-style trivia. Turns review into addictive play so studying doesn't feel like studying.

FAQ — Colorado esthetics licensing

What score do I need to pass the Colorado esthetics state board exam?

Colorado uses the PSI exam, which requires 75% or higher to pass. Practicing at least 10% above that on SGS mock exams is the sweet spot students who pass on the first try hit.

How many hours are required for esthetics licensing in Colorado?

Colorado requires 600 training hours for esthetics, along with completing the PSI exam (written + practical). Minimum age is 16.

How does SGS align with the PSI exam content?

Every SGS practice question is mapped to the same topic categories PSI uses: Scientific Concepts (Infection Control, Anatomy, Chemistry); Skin Care and Services (Facials, Treatments, Hair Removal). Your progress dashboard shows which categories you're strong in and which need work before test day.

Can I study on my phone?

Yes. SGS works in any mobile browser — no app install required. Flashcards, practice tests, and The Final Look exam all work on iPhone, Android, and tablet. Save your seat in The Lounge to sync progress across devices.

Other states · Esthetics

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Three study tips specific to Colorado

  1. Since Scientific Concepts (Infection Control, Anatomy, Chemistry) makes up over half your exam at 55%, dedicate more time to understanding the "why" behind treatments. Don't just memorize steps; know the underlying biology and chemical reactions.
  2. For Skin Care and Services, focus heavily on client consultations and contraindications. While practical application is key, the written exam will test your knowledge of when *not* to perform a service, which is crucial for client safety and a big part of the 45% category.
  3. Practice differentiating between bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and the appropriate infection control procedures for each. This is a high-yield area within the Scientific Concepts section and often has tricky questions.

A common mistake Colorado candidates make

A frequent pitfall for Colorado esthetician candidates is underestimating the depth required for Infection Control within the Scientific Concepts section. Many students will memorize definitions, but the exam often presents scenarios where you need to apply that knowledge to real-world situations, like identifying the correct disinfectant for a specific surface or understanding the chain of infection. Don't just gloss over the sterilization, disinfection, and sanitation chapters; truly understand the differences and their practical application in a salon setting.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review all your notes and practice questions related to Anatomy and Physiology, focusing on skin layers, muscles of the face, and body systems relevant to esthetics.
  2. Day 6: Dedicate today to Infection Control. Go over sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, and common pathogens. Make flashcards for key terms and procedures.
  3. Day 5: Tackle Chemistry. Understand pH, product ingredients, and chemical reactions that occur during services.
  4. Day 4: Focus on Facial Services. Review different skin types, conditions, consultation techniques, and contraindications.
  5. Day 3: Concentrate on Hair Removal and other specialized treatments. Understand various methods, safety precautions, and post-care.
  6. Day 2: Take a full-length practice exam under timed conditions. Identify your weakest areas and do a quick review of those topics.
  7. Day 1: Light review of your most challenging concepts. Get a good night's sleep, pack your required identification, and know your testing center location.

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