Oregon Cosmetology Laws and Rules Exam Requirements
What Oregon's Laws and Rules exam covers, where you take it, what passes and how retakes work.
| Exam | Who takes it | Given by | Questions | Time | Pass | Fee | Sources checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon cosmetology Laws and Rules written examination | Oregon barber, hair design, esthetics, nail technology and natural hair care certificate candidates | The Oregon Health Licensing Office | 90 (2014 bulletin) | 90 minutes | 75% | Check with the agency |
Oregon's cosmetology rules change on January 1, 2027: a 2025 law adds a provisional certificate, and the Board of Cosmetology plans to adopt temporary rules in December 2026. These practice questions come only from parts of the law those changes don't touch, so they leave out certificate qualifications, renewal, fees and civil penalties. We'll recheck the whole bank against the new rules once they're filed.
Who has to pass the Oregon Laws and Rules exam?
Every certificate applicant must pass it within two years of applying (Health Licensing Office certificate pages).
How is the exam set up?
The Health Licensing Office's Laws and Rules Examination Information Bulletin gives 90 questions, a 90-minute limit and a 75% pass mark. The bulletin was last revised in 2014, so its outline may not match today's exam exactly.
Where do I take it?
Walk-in at the Health Licensing Office in Salem, in English, Spanish or Vietnamese (Health Licensing Office certificate pages).
What if I fail?
A failed exam may be retaken the next business day, for the first through tenth failed attempt (Health Licensing Office certificate pages).
Are Oregon's rules changing?
Yes. A 2025 law adds a provisional certificate on January 1, 2027, and the Board of Cosmetology plans to adopt temporary rules in December 2026. Our practice questions leave out the parts of the law those changes touch, and we'll recheck them once the new rules are filed.