Your complete breakdown of the bulletin — so you walk in knowing exactly what to expect
If you've completed your 320 hours of TDLR-approved lash training, you're almost there — the final step before your official license is passing the TDLR Eyelash Extension Specialist written and practical exams. The good news? Both exams are very passable with the right preparation. This guide breaks down everything that's covered in the official TDLR bulletin, what each exam tests, key terms and concepts you need to know, and how DFW Lash University's Exam Prep Workshop helps program graduates walk in confident and walk out licensed.
The TDLR Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) is the official exam guide published by TDLR and administered through their third-party testing vendor, PSI. It outlines the exam format, what topics are covered, what to bring, and how to schedule. You should read the full bulletin before your exam date — this blog gives you a clear, student-friendly breakdown of what's inside.
The written exam is computer-based and administered at a PSI testing center. You'll see your score on screen immediately after finishing. Here are the major topic areas covered — study all of them thoroughly.
These are the exact concepts that consistently appear on the TDLR written exam. Know these before you test:
The written exam tests your knowledge of which lash styles best complement each eye shape. These come up repeatedly:
| Eye Shape | Recommended Style |
|---|---|
| Almond eyes | Longer extensions in the center of the eye |
| Round eyes | Lightweight extensions with less curl |
| Close-set eyes | Longer lengths concentrated at the outer ends |
| Wide-set eyes | Longer extensions in the inner corner |
| Deep-set eyes | Open and wispy styles with more curl |
| Protruding eyes | Super natural styles with less drama |
| Oval face | Looks good with any style |
| Round face | Add height by concentrating longer extensions in the center |
| Square face | Open-eye styles with longer extensions in the center |
The practical exam is a hands-on skills test administered at a PSI testing center. Examiners evaluate your technique live, checking sanitation procedures, proper setup, isolation, application, and end-of-service protocol. A score of 70% or better is required to pass.
Your name on your ID must match exactly with what TDLR has on file. Bring everything listed in your PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. Here's what to expect for each exam:
| Item | Written Exam | Practical Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Valid government-issued photo ID | ✓ Required | ✓ Required |
| PSI scheduling confirmation / admission notice | ✓ Required | ✓ Required |
| Arrive 30 minutes early | ✓ Required | ✓ Required |
| Supplies kit (per PSI bulletin list) | Not needed | ✓ Required |
| Mannequin head or practice model | Not needed | ✓ Per bulletin |
| Tweezers (curved + straight) | Not needed | ✓ Required |
| Eye patches/tape | Not needed | ✓ Required |
| Lash extensions & adhesive | Not needed | ✓ Required |
| Disinfection supplies | Not needed | ✓ Required |
| Phone or personal items inside exam room | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
DFW Lash University offers an Exam Prep Workshop exclusively for students who have completed their 320-hour lash program and are preparing to sit for the TDLR written and practical exams. Whether you need to review the bulletin topics, practice your technique, or just want to walk in with total confidence — this workshop is built for you.
Workshop is open to any student who has completed a TDLR-approved lash program. · Questions? Call or text 469-672-9860
The most common questions about the TDLR Eyelash Extension Specialist exam — answered clearly.
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass both the written and practical exams. Your written exam score is displayed immediately after you finish the computer-based test at the PSI center.
Yes. You may retake either exam as many times as needed. However, each retake requires a new exam fee paid to PSI and must be rescheduled through them. Proper preparation is your best way to avoid additional costs — that's exactly what DLU's Exam Prep Workshop is designed for.
Yes — you must pass the written examination before you can pay for and schedule the practical exam with PSI. The two exams are taken separately.
You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your TDLR records exactly, your PSI scheduling confirmation, and all supplies listed in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. Your name must match TDLR records letter-for-letter — no exceptions. Always confirm the current supply list from the official PSI bulletin before your exam date.
If you pass the practical exam, you may receive a temporary license at the PSI testing site the same day. That temporary license is valid for 21 days and allows you to legally begin working immediately while TDLR processes and mails your official two-year Eyelash Extension Specialist License.
DFW Lash University's Exam Prep Workshop walks you through everything that's on the written and practical exams — so you walk in prepared and walk out licensed.
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