The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants for licensure as cosmetologists and teachers of cosmetology at the times and places it may determine. The Department may provide by rule for the administration of the examination prior to the completion of the applicant’s program of training as required in Section 3-2, 3-3, or 3-4. Notwithstanding Section 3-2, 3-3, or 3-4, an applicant for licensure as a cosmetologist who has completed 1,200 hours in the study of cosmetology may take the examination. If an applicant for licensure as a cosmetologist fails to pass 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 250 hours of additional study of cosmetology in an approved school of cosmetology since the applicant last took the examination. If an applicant for licensure as a cosmetology teacher fails to pass 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 80 hours of additional study in teaching methodology and educational psychology in an approved school of cosmetology since the applicant last took the examination. An applicant who fails to pass the fourth examination shall not again be admitted to an examination unless: (i) in the case of an applicant for licensure as a cosmetologist, the applicant again takes and completes a program of 1500 hours in the study of cosmetology in an approved school of cosmetology extending over a period that commences after the applicant fails to pass the fourth examination and that is not less than 8 months nor more than 7 consecutive years in duration; (ii) in the case of an applicant for licensure as a cosmetology teacher, the applicant again takes and completes a program of 1000 hours of teacher training in an approved school of cosmetology, except that if the applicant had 2 years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist within the 5 years preceding the initial examination taken by the applicant, the applicant must again take and complete a program of 500 hours of teacher training in an approved school of cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology; or (iii) in the case of an applicant for licensure as a cosmetology clinic teacher, the applicant again takes and completes a program of 250 hours of clinic teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology or an instructor’s institute of 20 hours. The requirements for remedial training set forth in this Section may be waived in whole or in part by the Department upon proof to the Department that the applicant has demonstrated competence to again sit for the examination. The Department shall adopt rules establishing the standards by which this determination shall be made. Each cosmetology applicant shall be given a written examination testing both theoretical and practical knowledge, which shall include, but not be limited to, questions that determine the applicant’s knowledge of product chemistry, sanitary rules, sanitary procedures, chemical service procedures, hazardous chemicals and exposure minimization, knowledge of the anatomy of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails as they relate to applicable services under this Act and labor and compensation laws.
     The examination of applicants for licensure as a cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology teacher may include all of the elements of the exam for licensure as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician and also include teaching methodology, classroom management, record keeping, and any other related subjects that the Department in its discretion may deem necessary to insure competent performance.
     This Act does not prohibit the practice of cosmetology by one who has applied in writing to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, for a license as a cosmetologist, or the teaching of cosmetology by one who has applied in writing to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, for a license as a cosmetology teacher or cosmetology clinic teacher, if the person has complied with all the provisions of this Act in order to qualify for a license, except the passing of an examination to be eligible to receive a license, until: (a) the expiration of 6 months after the filing of the written application, (b) the decision of the Department that the applicant has failed to pass an examination within 6 months or failed without an approved excuse to take an examination conducted within 6 months by the Department, or (c) the withdrawal of the application.