Maryland · Esthetics

Maryland Esthetics State Board Exam Prep

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

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The Maryland exam, at a glance

Direct from the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists and the PSI candidate bulletin.

Required Hours
600 hrs
Exam Provider
PSI
Exam Format
written + practical
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
17
Renewal
Every 2 years
CE Hours
16
Reciprocity
Yes

Source: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists

PSI topic breakdown for Maryland

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

How SGS gets Maryland 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 — Maryland esthetics licensing

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

Maryland 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 Maryland?

Maryland requires 600 training hours for esthetics, along with completing the PSI exam (written + practical). Minimum age is 17.

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 Maryland

  1. Focus heavily on Scientific Concepts. With 55% of your exam dedicated to Infection Control, Anatomy, and Chemistry, this isn't just a big chunk, it's the foundation for everything else. Really dig into these areas, as a solid understanding here will make the Skin Care section much easier to grasp.
  2. Don't just memorize, understand the "why" behind the "what" in Skin Care and Services. While 45% covers facials and treatments, many questions will link back to the scientific principles. For example, understanding skin anatomy (from Scientific Concepts) will help you better understand different facial treatments and their effects.
  3. Practice critical thinking, especially for scenario-based questions that often pop up in both categories. The PSI exam isn't just about recall; it wants to see that you can apply your knowledge to real-world esthetic situations. Think about client safety and proper protocols in every practice question.

A common mistake Maryland candidates make

A common pitfall Maryland esthetics candidates fall into is underestimating the depth required for Scientific Concepts, especially Infection Control. Because it's such a large percentage (and often feels like "common sense"), many students skim over it, thinking they know enough. However, the PSI exam can be very detailed regarding sterilization, disinfection levels, chemical safety, and proper handling of tools. Don't just know the basics; understand the nuances of cross-contamination prevention and the specific classifications of disinfectants. Your advice? Dedicate serious study time to these areas, reviewing every term and procedure until it's second nature. Your future clients (and your license!) depend on it.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review your weakest area within Scientific Concepts (Infection Control, Anatomy, or Chemistry).
  2. Day 6: Take a full-length practice exam, paying close attention to your timing.
  3. Day 5: Revisit any Skin Care and Services topics where you scored low on the practice exam.
  4. Day 4: Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from both exam sections you still struggle with.
  5. Day 3: Light review of high-yield Scientific Concepts, focusing on tables or charts you've made.
  6. Day 2: Gather all necessary documents (ID, authorization to test) and plan your route to the testing center.
  7. Day 1: Relax! Do something calming, eat a good meal, and get a full night's sleep. Avoid cramming.

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