Tennessee · Esthetics

Tennessee Esthetics State Board Exam Prep

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

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The Tennessee exam, at a glance

Direct from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and the PSI candidate bulletin.

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

PSI topic breakdown for Tennessee

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

How SGS gets Tennessee 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 — Tennessee esthetics licensing

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

Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Tennessee requires 750 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 Tennessee

  1. Since Scientific Concepts (Infection Control, Anatomy, Chemistry) makes up over half your exam, dedicate at least 60% of your study time to these areas. Really drill down on the differences between disinfectants, antiseptics, and sterilization methods, and be able to identify major bones and muscles of the face and neck.
  2. Don't just memorize definitions for your Chemistry section; understand the "why" behind product ingredients and their interactions with the skin. PSI often throws in scenario-based questions that require application of this knowledge, especially regarding pH and product efficacy.
  3. While Skin Care and Services is a smaller percentage, don't neglect the practical applications. Review the precise steps for various facials and hair removal techniques. PSI wants to see you understand not just what to do, but the correct order and safety precautions for each service.

A common mistake Tennessee candidates make

A big pitfall I've seen candidates fall into, especially with the heavy weighting of Scientific Concepts, is underestimating the depth required for Infection Control. It's not enough to just know what a disinfectant is; you need to understand contact times, proper mixing ratios, and the specific pathogens each method targets. PSI's questions often test your ability to apply these principles to real-world salon scenarios, so make sure you can differentiate between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization for tools, surfaces, and skin preparation.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review all your notes on Infection Control, focusing on terminology, classifications of disinfectants, and proper safety protocols.
  2. Day 6: Focus entirely on Anatomy and Physiology. Diagram the muscles and bones of the head, face, and neck, and review the functions of the skin layers.
  3. Day 5: Dive deep into Chemistry. Understand pH scale, types of emulsions, and common cosmetic ingredients and their effects.
  4. Day 4: Shift to Skin Care and Services. Walk through the steps of a basic facial, extractions, and various massage techniques in your mind or out loud.
  5. Day 3: Practice answering mock questions, especially those related to client consultation and contraindications for different services.
  6. Day 2: Briefly review your weakest areas identified from your practice questions. Get your exam day essentials ready: ID, confirmation, and directions.
  7. Day 1: Relax! Do something calming. Avoid cramming new information. Get a good night's sleep. You've prepared for this!

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