Where can I find more details about my Cosmetology exam day?
To find specific details about your exam day, you need to visit your state's cosmetology/licensing board website.
Usually, you will receive an email with relevant information about your examination after registering.
What should I expect on my Cosmetology written exam day?
On your written exam day, you will most likely be asked to leave any personal items outside the examination room. Proctors will also check your ID. You will not be allowed to communicate with other students for the duration of the exam. You will also not be allowed to have any study materials with you, as the exam is closed-book.
Any other specific requirements will be communicated to you by your proctor, so pay close attention to their instructions.
What should I expect on my Cosmetology practical exam day?
On your Cosmetology practical exam day, you will be required to leave any items that do not pertain to the examination outside the designated area.
Proctors will check your ID. You will not be allowed to leave the examination area without the proctor's permission, and your ID will be checked again when you return. You will be given a certain amount of time to set up your workstation. Proctors will read every set of instructions twice. In case of an emergency, you can notify the proctors by raising your hand.
All relevant information will be communicated by your proctors before the start of the exam, so pay close attention.
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 NIC states, 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.
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.
If your state is not NIC, their guidelines and requirements might differ. Most states will ask that you bring your own supplies, but this is not a general rule. The same goes for mannequins/models.
Carefully check your state's requirements and guidelines.
Do I need to bring an ID on my Cosmetology exam day?
You need to bring a valid, state-issued ID on your exam day. This can be a driver's license, a military ID, or a passport.
Can I have a drink during my Cosmetology exam?
You are not allowed to have a drink during your Cosmetology exam. This is the case for both the written and the practical portions of the exam.
If you require beverages as part of your accommodation, notify the school and the proctors.
Can I have a snack during my Cosmetology exam?
You are not allowed snacks during either portion of the exam.
If you require food as part of your accommodation, notify the school and the proctors.
Do I need scratch paper on my Cosmetology written exam?
Whether or not you need scratch paper is decided by your state's cosmetology board.
In the states where it is allowed, scratch paper will be provided to you by the proctors. You are not allowed to bring your own.
Can I wear headphones during my Cosmetology exam?
Generally, you are not allowed to use headphones during either portion of the exam.
They are especially prohibited during your practical exam, as you will need to hear the proctor to understand the instructions and perform the task.
If you require headphones as part of your accommodation, make sure to notify the school and your proctor.
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.
Can I be flagged during my Cosmetology practical exam?
You can be flagged during your practical exam.
These are some of the behaviors that might trigger a flag:
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Exhibiting disruptive behavior
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Communicating to other candidates or any examiner
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Possession of purses, bags, coats, hats, and any other personal items not directly needed to complete the examination
Ultimately, the proctors have the freedom to decide what behavior suggests cheating, so the list above is not exhaustive. If you display any of these behaviors, you will be immediately dismissed from the examination.
How do I submit Cosmetology exam accommodation requests?
To submit an accommodation request, access your state's cosmetology/licensing board website.
Depending on the provider of the exam, you may be redirected to another webpage/form.
If you have trouble accessing the accommodation form, reach out to your school.
