April 22, 2020
What to Expect From Your Esthetics State Exam
After you’ve completed your esthetics program, the last step before becoming a licensed beauty professional is to sit for the state board licensing exams. You’ve almost crossed the finish line, and we want to help you prepare for both your written and practical exams!
Here at Salon Success Academy, it is our mission to equip our students with the tools necessary to help them succeed in the beauty industry. We can help you prepare to sit for your state board exams by teaching you technical skills, giving you hands-on experience, and helping you review. If you’re ready to start your esthetician journey, call us at 1(877)987-4247!
What To Expect From Your Esthetics State Exams
Each state has different requirements for both the written and practical esthetics exams. Before jumping into studying, you’ll want to learn what your state requires to help you better prepare. In California, you will take The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) for both your written and practical exam.
NIC-Esthetic State Written Exam
The NIC-Esthetic State written exam is going to be similar to the tests you’ve taken your entire life. It is a 90 minute exam and it’ll cover the following topics:
- Scientific Concepts (55%)
- Skin Care and Services (45%)
We understand how stressful exams can be and that’s why it’s important to be prepared. The best advice we can give you is to use your resources
. Not only should your school give you different resources to study, but take advantage of the different resources on the internet, like these flashcards.
NIC-Esthetic Practical Exam
The NIC-Esthetic Practical Exam is where you get to show off everything you’ve learned in beauty school. Topics that are typically covered during the practical exam are:
- Work Area and Client Preparation
- Facial Procedures
- Waxing
- Eyelash Enhancement
- Microdermabrasion
These are just some of the topics that can be covered during your exam. Each state has different requirements on what topics need to be passed off during the practical exam portion. For more information on what your state requires, check out this page here. The most important thing to remember when taking your practical exam is to trust that you know the information. You have been through about 600 hours of beauty school, you got this!
Here at Salon Success Academy, we want to help you prepare to sit for your exams in any way we can. Below, one of our instructors will take you through a step-by-step walkthrough of the practical portion of the esthetics state board examination as per the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Esthetics State Board Review with One of Our Instructors
Instruction varies from teacher to teacher, as well as from test examiner to test examiner. We understand that every person teaches the practical examination portion of the state board just a little differently. If at any time you are uncertain of what you should do, we recommend that you follow the guidance of your esthetics instructor because the state board examiner will instruct you to do the same.
Esthetics State Board Timecodes
Here are specific video timecodes relevant to each domain:
- Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Universal Supplies (First client): 01:03
- Cleansing of the Face with Product: 10:38
- Exfoliating the Face with Product, Using Implement or Materials, and Including Towel Steaming: 15:13
- Massaging the Face with Product: 19:17
- Work Area and NEW Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client): 23:38
- Hair Removal of the Eyebrows by Tweezing and Using Simulated Soft Wax: 26:45
- Facial Mask and Conclusion of Facial Service: 48:00
- Facial Makeup: 51:28
- Blood Exposure Procedure: 59:00
- Particle Microdermabrasion: 01:04:30
- Eyelash Enhancement: 1:12:20
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Please reference the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin for full official instructions. Visit www.nictesting.org and www.barbercosmo.ca.gov for the most current bulletin before testing.
Here is the PDF version of the bulletin.
Additional EstheticsResources
As mentioned above, one of the best things you can do to help you prepare to sit for all of your upcoming exams is to use your resources. Check out these useful blogs for you as you prepare to sit for your exam and to start your new career!
Are you looking to start a career as an esthetician? Salon Success Academy offers hands-on training in esthetics and makeup application, as well as flexible class schedules, extensive State Board preparation, and Financial Aid assistance to those who qualify. If you would like to learn more about the esthetics program at Salon Success Academy, fill out the form on the right or call 1(877)987-4247 now!