Maryland · Board of Cosmetologists
Maryland Limited Blow Dry Stylist Practical Exam
Maryland uses the PSI National Practical test for this licence: 3 graded topic areas, about 60 minutes, and you need 75% to pass. Read from the Blow Dry Stylist v2.5, effective 2026-07-08 bulletin.
Topic order and timing
| Topic | Area | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workstation preparation | 10 min |
| 2 | Blow dry and thermal curling | 25 min |
| 3 | End of day clean up | 10 min |
| Topics total | 45 min |
PSI states the test runs approximately 60 minutes. The topic timings above add to 45 — see the note below. Procedure criteria are graded in the order listed.
A note on the source. Two inconsistencies in PSI's own bulletin, reproduced rather than tidied: the three topics sum to 45 minutes against a stated "approximately 60 minutes (1 hour)", and the rating line says candidates must pass "the PSI National Nail Technician" test rather than the blow dry one.
What PSI does prescribe
- An unmarked closable container — a "supply kit" — no larger than 24" wide, 24" long and 24" high, so it fits under the table when not in use.
- Any monomer must be a low-odour or odourless product. Product that does not meet this requirement will not be allowed into the testing room.
- You must score at least 75% to pass.
- Electronics of any kind are prohibited in the testing facility.
- Test takers may not speak to or assist other test takers at any time.
Sources
Read from the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin — Blow Dry Stylist v2.5, effective 2026-07-08 — on 2026-08-10, through PSI's Maryland candidate portal. PSI stamps a version into every page of these bulletins and revises them; check yours against the current edition before exam day.