What is the NIC Cosmetology exam?
The NIC Cosmetology exam is the assessment required by most states to become a licensed cosmetologist.
Can I take the Cosmetology exam remotely?
You can take the written portion of the exam remotely if you take the exam through PSI. This includes schools that collaborate with PSI for testing.
The practical portion of the exam will require you to be physically present at the testing center.
Can I retake the Cosmetology exam?
Most states will allow you to retake your Cosmetology exam without any restrictions.
Keep in mind that there may be additional reexamination fees. Check the requirements set by your state before registering.
How soon can I retake the Cosmetology exam?
The number of times you can retake your Cosmetology exam depends on the state.
Many states will allow you to take the exam as many times as necessary.
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However, some states require that you complete additional training hours after a certain amount of failed attempts. For example, if you have failed the exam three times, you will have to complete more training hours before you are allowed to test for a fourth time.
To see the exact requirements of your state, visit their cosmetology/licensing board website.
Do I Have To Retake My Practical Exam When I Move?
Whether you are required to retake the practical side of your exam depends on the state you are moving to.
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Research the guidelines of your new state, as some states will have additional regulations regarding practicing cosmetologists. If this is the case, you will be required to take a second practical exam.
Do I need to take both practical and written Cosmetology exams?
You are usually required to pass both examinations before becoming licensed.
However, some states require you to pass only the written portion. This means that you can become licensed even without the practical exam.
Make sure you check your state's Cosmetology/licensing board. There, you will find the most updated requirements.
Is the Cosmetology exam difficult?
The Cosmetology exam is generally considered difficult.
You first have to pass the written portion of the exam. This requires you to master a vast amount of theoretical knowledge in the discipline of your choice.
After passing the written portion, many states require a practical examination of your skills. You will have to prove that you can apply the techniques you learned during cosmetology school. Not only that, but you should be able to apply them efficiently and with attention to detail.
What do I have to do during the Cosmetology practical exam?
During your practical Cosmetology, you have to prove proficiency in your desired field.
This means that your skills will be tested under strict conditions, including type of supplies and timing limitations. You are expected to perform each task with attention to detail and follow the instructor's guidelines.
What do I need to know before I register for the Cosmetology exam?
There are several things to consider before you officially register for the Cosmetology exam:
Make sure you are familiar with your state's requirements. Not all states offer NIC exams, but they still follow NIC guidelines. Check your state's specifications by visiting their cosmetology/licensing board website.
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Complete all the required hours of training. States require a certain training period at a certified cosmetology school before they allow you to take the exam. On average, you are expected to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of training.
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Be prepared. On top of the training hours, make sure you take enough time to study the theoretical material you will be tested on individually. This ensures you have the best chance of receiving a good score on your first try.
What is the biggest mistake students make on the Cosmetology exam?
The biggest mistake students can make regarding the Cosmetology exam is to prepare too little.
Do not underestimate the complexity of this exam. Both the written and practical sections of the exam require you to master theoretical knowledge and applied skills in a timed environment.
This can become overwhelming if you are underprepared, so give yourself enough time to become confident in your abilities.
How many questions do I need to get right on the Cosmetology exam to pass?
The number of questions you need to get right to achieve your desired score depends on your state.
On average, the exam is composed of 100 questions. If this is the case for your state, you would need to get between 70 and 75 questions right to achieve the average minimum requirement.
How do I register for the NIC Cosmetology exam?
To register for your Cosmetology exam, you will likely need to access your state's cosmetology/licensing board website.
From there, you may be redirected to a website such as PSI or other testing centres if your state offers the exam through them. This will likely happen if your state is NIC.
If your state is not NIC, they will have their own registration process.
For updated and specific information, ask your cosmetology school instructor.
What do I need to study for the Cosmetology exam?
The main areas you need to study for the Cosmetology written exam are:
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Scientific Concepts
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Hair Care and Services
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Skin Care and Services
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Nail Care and Services
For your practical exam, there are several skills you will be tested on, including:
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Work area and client preparation
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Haircutting
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Styling
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Hair Removal
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Nail tip application
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Sculptured nail
What score do I need to get to pass the Cosmetology exam?
The score you need to pass the Cosmetology exam depends on your state.
On average, you will need to score at least 70% on each section, meaning written and practical.
What happens if I fail the Cosmetology exam?
If you fail the Cosmetology exam, your licensing process will most likely be delayed.
You can retake the exam, but some states require you to complete additional training hours before your reexamination.
Is there a Cosmetology exam score report?
There is an official Cosmetology exam score report. However, the way the report is structured will depend on the state.
Usually, if you achieve at least the minimum score required by the state to pass, your report will include the next steps toward licensing.
If you fail, you can expect to find a section highlighting the areas you need to improve.
Can I transfer my Cosmetology exam scores?
You may be able to transfer your Cosmetology exam scores. This depends on the state you will be relocating to.
If you took a NIC Cosmetology exam, you could get a license in a new state, as long as that state is also NIC.
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Remember that, regardless of the version of the exam, all states follow NIC guidelines. If you managed to pass the exam the first time, you should need minimal additional preparation.
When should I take the Cosmetology exam?
You should take the Cosmetology exam after you have completed the required number of hours by your state.
This means that each state requires you to spend a particular amount of time training at a licensed cosmetology school before taking the exam.
To determine the specific requirements for your state, check their cosmetology/licensing board website.
How do I prepare for the Cosmetology exam?
There are multiple strategies to prepare for the Cosmetology exam.
You should first review all the material you need to study for the written portion of the exam. Make sure that your material covers all areas you will be tested on.
Organize your material over the period of time you have until your exam.
Aside from the hours you spend preparing in cosmetology school, make sure you take time to review the theory on your own. Use study strategies to ensure that you have a good understanding of the material.
Practice your skills as much as you can. During your practical exam, you will need to demonstrate your skills in a timed environment, following specific guidelines. This can become difficult if you lack confidence in your ability.
Can I wear a head covering during my Cosmetology exam?
Any non-religious head coverings are not allowed during the exam. This includes hoods, hats, beanies, or caps.
What should I bring on my Cosmetology exam day?
What you need to bring with you on your exam day depends on the section of the exam you are taking.
For the written section, you will need to bring a valid, state-issued ID. If any additional documentation is required, you will be notified after registering.
For the practical section, the requirements differ from state to state.
For most states (NIC or not), you are usually required to bring your own kit of supplies. Make sure that you have sufficient quantities of supplies, as you will not be given additional items.
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Remember that some states require that you bring a mannequin head(s) or hand(s). Other states will ask you to bring live models. Check your state's specific requirements carefully.
How do I prepare for the Cosmetology practical exam?
To prepare for the practical portion of your Cosmetology exam, you should invest at least the minimum number of hours required by your state in training.
You need to pay close attention to your instructor during your practical courses. Take notes if necessary, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you struggle to grasp any of the steps.
You should also practice outside of school if possible. Invest in a mannequin or ask your friends to help you practice certain procedures.
Can I take a Cosmetology practice exam?
Yes, you can take Cosmetology practice exams. You can access our free practice exams here.
Your program might also offer practice examination sessions.
