CPE Practice Test 2026 — Free CPE Exam Prep Questions
The CPE exam is the AEA's board certification for practicing electrologists who want to show expertise beyond state licensure. This practice set follows the six areas of the IBEC content outline: skin and hair anatomy, infection control, clinical treatment decisions, galvanic, thermolysis and blend modalities, equipment, and professional standards.
In the blend modality, the main role of the high-frequency current is to
CPE format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at Prometric test centers; it cannot be taken from home. A 10-minute tutorial precedes the 2.5-hour exam, and a brief survey follows it. You can mark questions for review, strike out choices, highlight text and use a dry-erase board.
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice questions, four options each |
|---|---|
| Time | 2.5 hours in one session, after a 10-minute tutorial |
| Passing score | Scale score 75 on a 5–99 scale; forms are statistically equated |
| Delivery | Prometric test centers only (no home testing) |
| Eligibility | IBEC approval required: at least 1 year in practice and 320 hours minimum of electrolysis training (school certificate or notarized side-chair affidavit), with license and employment documentation |
| Fee | $411.06 AEA member / $468.18 non-member; $50 to reschedule |
| Results | Immediate at the test site |
| Credential | 5 years; renew with 7.5 CEUs (75 contact hours) or retest in the expiration year |
| Current version | Eighth generation (Series VIII, 2023–2028) |
| Key references | AEA Infection Prevention Standards, AEA Standards of Practice and the IBEC Study Guide |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: professionals.electrology.com/pdf/cpe_testbulletin.pdf. Always confirm details with AEA/IBEC before your exam.
When can you take the CPE?
Offered on a continual basis at Prometric test centers. Get IBEC approval first: email the IBEC Director with your documentation, then use the eligibility ID to book at Prometric.com.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the CPE covers
Every PrepBanq CPE test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Anatomy and Physiology of Skin and HairSkin structure, function, disorders and medications; the pilosebaceous unit; hair types; the growth cycle; causes of excessive hair growth. | 20% | ~20 | 30 questions → |
Infection ControlThe AEA Infection Prevention Standards (hand hygiene, gloves, cleaning, sterilization and disinfection, environment, client considerations, HBV vaccination, exposure follow-up) and transmittable diseases. | 25% | ~25 | 38 questions → |
Clinical Observations30–35% of the exam: consultation, contraindications, treatment technique (modality and needle selection, insertions, balancing time and intensity, response to treatment) and post-treatment care. | 32.5% | ~33 | 48 questions → |
Electrical Operations10–15% of the exam: galvanic (DC), thermolysis (high-frequency AC), blend, and basic principles of electricity. | 12.5% | ~13 | 18 questions → |
Equipment and SuppliesProper use and maintenance of equipment. | 5% | ~5 | 8 questions → |
Professional, Ethical, & Legal ConsiderationsThe AEA Standards of Practice for Electrologists. | 5% | ~5 | 8 questions → |
How to register for the CPE
Retake policy
Retaking requires a new online registration and fee.
Score release
Scoring is immediate at the test site. A passing report states only that you passed; a failing report gives your scale score and Competent/Marginal/Deficient levels in four subscore areas.
Credential renewal
The CPE credential is issued for 5 years. Renew by earning 7.5 CEUs (75 contact hours) of AEA-approved continuing education during the period or by retaking the exam in the year of expiration.
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CPE FAQ
How many questions are on the CPE?
The CPE has 100 questions and you have 2 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Multiple choice with four options (A)–(D): direct questions and incomplete-sentence stems, Roman-numeral (I, II, III) combination items, and some items whose choices are line drawings (e.g., hair growth stages)..
How long is the CPE exam?
Testing time for the CPE is 2 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the CPE?
CPE passing standard: Scale score of 75 (scale 5–99). Score range: 5–99.
How much does the CPE cost?
The CPE registration fee is $411.06 for AEA members, $468.18 for non-members (credit card at registration); $50 rescheduling fee; no refunds. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the CPE?
The CPE covers Anatomy and Physiology of Skin and Hair (about 20%), Infection Control (about 25%), Clinical Observations (about 32.5%), Electrical Operations (about 12.5%), Equipment and Supplies (about 5%), Professional, Ethical, & Legal Considerations (about 5%).
Who administers the CPE?
The Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) Exam is administered by AEA/IBEC. Delivery: Computer-based at Prometric test centers; it cannot be taken from home. A 10-minute tutorial precedes the 2.5-hour exam, and a brief survey follows it. You can mark questions for review, strike out choices, highlight text and use a dry-erase board..
Can you retake the CPE?
Retaking requires a new online registration and fee.
Is there a free CPE practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free CPE practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real CPE formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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