How to Pass the NIC Cosmetology Exam

After completing your cosmetology program, the last thing that stands between you and the career of your dreams is the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology’s (NIC) written and/or practical cosmetology exams – assuming you live in one of the 38 states that requires them for licensing. It’s an exciting time—your career as a stylist is finally within reach!

But it’s not time to celebrate just yet – now you must focus all your efforts on taking and passing the cosmetology exams required for a license in your state. Preparation is the key to success, so it’s important to understand the components of the exams and what skills and knowledge you’re going to be required to demonstrate.

While some states require both the written and practical NIC exams, like Washington, Ohio, Maine, and South Carolina. Other states use either the practical or written exam, like Louisiana, Illinois, and Alaska.

Check with the NIC or your Board of Cosmetology/regulatory agency to learn more if your state participates in these national cosmetology exams.

If your state uses the NIC cosmetology exams, it’s time to get acquainted with how these exams are structured and what you’ll need to know so that you can pass the NIC cosmetology exam on your first try:

NIC Practical Cosmetology Exam Core Content

A practical examination is an important component for assessing your competence in cosmetology. The NIC cosmetology practical examination covers the following core content:

Hair-shaping
Chemical waving
Chemical relaxing
Hair lightening and hair coloring
Thermal curling

Further, depending on your state, you may also be tested in the following areas:

Blow-drying styling
Shaping and pin curl placement
Roller placement
Facials
Manicuring
Sculptured nails

Preparing for the Cosmetology Practical Exam

Although you should always refer to your state guidelines for a list of required supplies, the required general supplies for the NIC cosmetology practical examination include:

Dry storage kit/container
Hand sanitizer
Mannequin head and a table clamp
A towel placed between the clamp and the table
EPA registered disinfectant
Container/bag for soiled/trash items
Container/bag for items to be disinfected
Cloth and paper towels
Neck strips
Shampoo cape
Hair clamps
Combs/hair brushes
Spray bottle
Protective cream
Spatula
Protective cotton
Protective gloves
First aid supply kit
Tape

You can purchase pre-assembled and labeled exam kits through your cosmetology school program or through vendors that meet your state’s requirements.

You may prepare for your NIC cosmetology practical exam by purchasing the NIC Examination Overview DVD. The DVD provides students with an informative overview of NIC testing procedures for cosmetology practical examinations. The cost of the DVD is $30.

When taking the NIC cosmetology practical examination, you will want to ensure you follow all exam rules and instructions, including:

Do not leave the exam area without permission.
You must bring your own exam kit in sanitary condition.
You must bring a container of water if needed for any section of the exam. You may also bring a thermos of hot water, if desired.
You will be given 10 minutes for client protection and for setting up your supplies.
You will be given 2 minutes in between each section of the exam for setting up the required supplies.
You will receive verbal instructions twice before beginning each section of the exam.
Once you have completed the tasks of a specific section, step back from your work station to indicate that you have finished.
Always ensure you are following all appropriate public protection and infection control procedures during all phases of the exam.
You may not bring your cell phone or any other electronic device, handwritten notes, or any other printed materials into the exam room.
You may not talk with any other candidates during the testing period.

Depending on your state, you will use either a live model or a mannequin head/hand for the exam.

If you are allowed to use a model, you must adhere to the following guidelines:

Your model must be at least 15 years old and cannot be a licensed cosmetologist or cosmetology student.
Your model must present ID to gain admittance into the exam.
Your model must agree to submit to all services during the exam and may not participate in any way during the exam.
Your model cannot talk to you at any time during the exam.

If your state uses mannequin heads, you must bring a mannequin head. If your state uses mannequin hands, you must apply a set of nails to the mannequin hand before reporting to the exam.

The Evaluation Process

You will be evaluated on the following tasks during each section of the cosmetology practical exam:

Set-Up and Client Protection

Disinfecting your work area using protective covering
Disposing of soiled materials using infection control procedures
Sanitizing your hands
Setting up your work area and ensuring all supplies are clearly labeled
Setting up implements, ensuring they are visibly clean and sanitary
Using neck strips/towel and applying a drape
Practicing infection control procedures throughout the setup process
Maintaining a clean work area throughout the setup process

Thermal Curling