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New Hampshire Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NH · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Cosmetologist License

Personal authorization to practice cosmetology under RSA 313-A:11. Initial school, shop apprenticeship, exemption, and endorsement pathways are retained separately from continued-status pathways.

Licensing authority: New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics / Office of Professional Licensure and Certification · Application information

Licensure by endorsement or reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the universal initial application, primary-source verification of the good-standing license, supporting documentation, and applicable fees under Plc 313.03-.06.
Foreign credentials
If the qualifying license is from a foreign jurisdiction, Plc 313.12 requires a credential evaluation by a NACES or AICE member.
Historical bar rule
Bar 304 continues to describe a certificate of state licensure, examination dates and scores, high-school proof, transcripts, and 3,000 hours of work where training hours are short. Its RSA 313-A:14 basis was repealed July 1, 2024; current issuance is governed by RSA 310:17 and Plc 313. The Board’s historical certificate and documentation demands are disclosed without turning unnamed prior exams into leaves.
Jurisdiction exam
Plc 313.18(b)(2) states: (2) Pass a state-approved competency examination for cosmetologists; this describes the licensing jurisdiction’s qualification standard and does not identify a NIC examination. Evidence of that jurisdiction’s examinations and prior licensure is an applicant condition, not an invented nationwide or New Hampshire exam leaf.
Jurisdiction training
Plc 313.18(b)(1) requires the licensing jurisdiction to require graduation from a state-approved education or training program for cosmetologists.
License
Hold a non-temporary, active, unrestricted license in good standing in another jurisdiction with substantially similar requirements. RSA 310:17 controls this pathway.
Waiver
Plc 313.11 permits a request under Plc 211 to waive stated substantial-similarity criteria on a combination of education, training, and actual professional work experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination after school training outside New Hampshire

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Training
Complete qualifying school hours in a school approved by its licensing jurisdiction; meet the operative 1,200-hour statutory cosmetology requirement.
Training verification
Bar 301.07(d)-(e) requires the issuing board or agency verification letter with the school or shop, enrollment and completion dates, total hours, signature, title, and seal.
Reinstatement before the expired credential has lapsed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
The license is expired and has not yet lapsed; follow the renewal process, demonstrate applicable continuing competence, retain or re-obtain required credentials, and pay the reinstatement fee.
Lapse boundary
RSA 310:2(I)(e) defines lapse at one or more years after expiration; the Board page sends licenses expired one year or longer to initial application, rather than ongoing renewal.
No practice
Do not practice or operate until the license has been reinstated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial reapplication after the personal license has lapsed

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Former license
Previously held a New Hampshire cosmetologist license; apply for initial licensure under Plc 304, retaining documented qualification and exam evidence.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Reexamination
The current Prov CIB page 3 directs lapsed-license candidates to select reinstate when required to take the examination. Whether a particular applicant must retake an exam is an applicant condition, not a reason to remove currently offered required examination references.
Remedial terms
Meet any additional competency conditions, waiting period, plan of correction, suspension or revocation terms, and outstanding costs and monetary penalties required by the applicable route.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Initial reapplication after missing the suspension restoration period

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Former license
Previously held a New Hampshire cosmetologist license; apply for initial licensure under Plc 304, retaining documented qualification and exam evidence.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Reexamination
The current Prov CIB page 3 directs lapsed-license candidates to select reinstate when required to take the examination. Whether a particular applicant must retake an exam is an applicant condition, not a reason to remove currently offered required examination references.
Remedial terms
Meet any additional competency conditions, waiting period, plan of correction, suspension or revocation terms, and outstanding costs and monetary penalties required by the applicable route.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Reactivation after military inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed reactivation request identifying the licensee and release date; if the license term expired, provide renewal fees and applicable continuing-competence proof.
Deadline
Request reactivation within one year after release from active service.
Service
The existing license was placed inactive because a reserve-component or National Guard member was called to active duty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of the existing personal credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Apprentice term
RSA 310:8(II) provides a one-year term for apprentices in accordance with applicable rules and a two-year term for other licenses.
Eligibility
Meet applicable renewal and continuing-competence requirements and pay assessed penalties. The Bar 403 instructor continuing-education and inactive-instructor requirements are marked repealed.
Profession form
Use the profession-specific renewal information under Bar 401.01 in addition to the universal renewal requirements.
Retesting
The governing renewal criteria in Plc 308 and Bar 401.02 identify no licensing examination; past qualification is an existing credential condition.
Timing
File a complete renewal application before expiration using the OPLC renewal portal, with supporting documentation, truthful character and disciplinary disclosures, and fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial reapplication after revocation

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Former license
Previously held a New Hampshire cosmetologist license; apply for initial licensure under Plc 304, retaining documented qualification and exam evidence.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Reexamination
The current Prov CIB page 3 directs lapsed-license candidates to select reinstate when required to take the examination. Whether a particular applicant must retake an exam is an applicant condition, not a reason to remove currently offered required examination references.
Remedial terms
Meet any additional competency conditions, waiting period, plan of correction, suspension or revocation terms, and outstanding costs and monetary penalties required by the applicable route.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Initial licensure by examination after New Hampshire school training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Training
At least 1,200 hours in a Board-approved cosmetology school under RSA 313-A:11(I)(c)(1).
Timely restoration or reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional conditions
Any assessment, education, or demonstration ordered individually is an applicant condition unless the order identifies a currently offered examination. The governing general restoration provision identifies none.
Deadline
Request restoration within 30 days after the suspension term ends while the license remains unexpired; otherwise use the specified expired-license reinstatement window before lapse.
Order
Demonstrate compliance with every condition of the suspension order and plan of correction, complete ordered continuing-competence activities, and pay required penalties and costs.
Restricted restoration
Plc 312.04(c) allows full or conditional restoration after the required notice and opportunity to be heard.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination with an approved qualification exemption

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Conversion evidence
For the training exemption, Bar 305.01(d)-(e) asks for a current master barber or cosmetology license, evidence of 300 hours in the alternate profession in a licensed school or four months in a shop apprenticeship, or eight years of work experience as specified; OPLC must approve the petition.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Employment proof
Bar 305.01(c) requires employment name and address, months and years worked, owner or manager name and telephone, and dated signatures.
Exemption
Petition OPLC under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 for exemption from the education or training provisions; the exemption does not waive RSA 313-A:11(I)(d).
Exemption cases
Bar 305.01 names apprenticeship registration before July 1, 1989, applicants age 21 or older lacking education or documentation, qualifying training shortfalls, and instructor working-experience shortfalls. The application must identify the precise statutory exemption sought.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Initial licensure by examination after a shop apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Completion
Under Bar 301.06, file the personal licensure application upon completing the apprenticeship.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Training
At least 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist who has practiced in New Hampshire for at least 2 years; complete apprentice registration and the required instruction under Bar 301.03.

Temporary Cosmetology Permit

Supervised practice while an examination-eligible applicant awaits the cosmetology licensing examinations.

Licensing authority: New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics / Office of Professional Licensure and Certification · Application information

Temporary permit pending the cosmetology licensing examinations

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Eligibility
Meet examination eligibility and the approved application requirements under RSA 313-A:18(I) and Bar 301.07(g).
Expiry
Failure without just cause to sit the noticed examination terminates the permit; pending examination is part of this pathway, so both currently offered NIC examinations remain leaves.
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Practice
Practice under the guidance of a licensed practitioner in a registered salon or barbershop; immediate access to a licensee is required.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Discretionary second temporary permit after examination failure

All of the following:

Application
Submit the universal initial application, the profession-specific initial application, supporting qualification documents, required examination and licensing fees, and request that the testing organization transmit results to OPLC; Plc 304 and the OPLC applications page apply.
Character
Applicant must be of good professional character under RSA 313-A:11(I)(a) and the factors in Bar 301.02.
Duration
The second permit expires 60 days from issuance unless just cause for failure to take the examination is shown to the Board.
Education
Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent unless an exemption under RSA 313-A:11(II) and Bar 305.01 is granted.
Eligibility
The first temporary permit holder failed the examination; OPLC may grant a second permit under RSA 313-A:18(II).
Military facilitation
Under Plc 304.02(a), active military applicants and military spouses applying by substantive qualifications pay only examination and inspection application-related fees, if any.
Optional nic exam
The Prov CIB page 6 offers the NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination optionally from January 1, 2026. It does not identify it as a substitute for the cosmetologist licensing examinations or establish a separate New Hampshire cosmetology license, so it is not a requirement leaf.
Oral delivery
Bar 303.05 permits an English oral administration in place of the written examination on a signed written request. This is an accommodation of the identified NIC theory examination, not a separately identified state examination.
Pass standard
Bar 303.04(e) and 303.06(b) require 75 percent for written and practical examinations. Bar 303.09 requires retaking the failed written portion or the entire failed practical examination.
Practical services
The OPLC-published Prov CIB page 5 requires the NIC cosmetology core practical sections plus Hair Removal of the Eyebrows and Manicure. The frozen NIC practical examination is referenced without redefining its nationwide outline.
Retake
Retake the failed written portion or entire practical examination under Bar 303.09; previously passed, currently offered licensing examinations remain in the route’s examination set.
Source currency
RSA 313-A:11 was amended effective August 9, 2025 to require 1,200 school hours. Older Bar provisions and forms still refer to 1,500 hours; the statute controls the school-training threshold.
Supervision
Continue practice only under licensed guidance in a registered salon or barbershop.

National Cosmetology Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in timed sections performed on a model or mannequin according to state guidelines, with more than one client represented; candidates bring their own supply kit and are evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; NIC also offers additional practical sections that states may require
Examination sources

National Cosmetology Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question has four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify cause/transmission of diseases and infections
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify the purpose and differentiate among the categories of infection control: Sanitation; Disinfection; Sterilization
    • Infection control and safety practices — Recognize how cross-contamination occurs and how it can be prevented (e.g., single use and multi-use items)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies: OSHA; EPA
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Recognize signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Arms and hands; Legs and feet
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify functions of: Nervous system; Circulatory system
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize purpose and effects of ingredients
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize interactions between chemicals
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn)
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize the values of the pH scale
  • Hair Care and Services (45% of items) (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition and strand tests)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drapes, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g., irons, blow dryers, clippers)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Demonstrate safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate scalp treatments and scalp massage
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling)
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair care principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair cutting and shaping
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair styling: Wet styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove hair enhancements: Wigs and hairpieces; Hair additions (e.g., taping, bonding, fusion, linking)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply principles of balance and hair design (e.g., facial shape, physical structure)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair design principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform hair color services (e.g., virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation, color correction)
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction (e.g., hydroxide, thio, keratin) service
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical waving/texturizing (e.g., alkaline, acid, non-thio) services
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Understand the chemical products used for the various hair texture types
  • Skin Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate client’s skin: Type; Condition
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, steamer); Implements (e.g., tweezers, brushes, extractors); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., creams, masks, towels, wax, head coverings)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic facial
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of hair removal
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of makeup application
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of electrical equipment
  • Nail Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s nails
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., workstation, pedicure basin); Implements (e.g., nippers, file); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., towels, creams, polish)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic manicure and pedicure
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove nail enhancements
Examination sources