esthetician exam

Can anybody give me a heads up on what I should focus on for the California Exam?

Thank you so much!

alex in Long Beach, California said: I highly recommend Milady.com it helped me tremendously ! I just got my license wednesday, also study ingredients and herbs (what they do)what's their importance, etc.. Good LUck!!

Are the ingredients on the written test?

Hi,
I teach both state board as well as CIDESCO ( advanced esthetics) and I recommend that my students focus on electricity ie; high frequencey, galvanic, lucas spray to name a few machines, as well as sanitation and skin disorders for the written portion of the exam. There is a little of everything so brush up. Miladys preperation has also been helpful to my students.

I take my California exam tomorrow and I'm starting to get nervous! Herbs, like what? Chanomile, Aloe, ect? Are there any questions that totally stumped you. i just took the Milady online 100 question prep test and only got a 72!!! Is the CA test very focused on technical medical type questions. Arteries, blood functions, nerves, ect? I appreciate any response.
Thank You

There were a couple nerve, bone and artery questions pertaining to the head/neck area. definately go over the aromatherepy because there were a few questions- like what essential oils are good for irritated skin, etc. I really don't remember there being a lot of medical questions. There were questions about what products to use for what skin type (clay mask, setting mask, etc) Also know a little about the machines and light therepy, disincrustation, etc. Go over sanitation procedures and know the correct temperature to wash towels. That question will definately be on there! I still have not found the answer, but I believe the choices were 98.6, 212, 140, 160. Good Luck!

Thanks Elizabeth,

I will brush up on essential oils & herbs. The temperature to wash towels is 140.............Great, I know one question for sure! I appreciate your comment. Are you working yet?

I am actually doing freelance makeup right now. I was licensed in IL where I worked in a salon/spa for about 3 years doing nails and a year doing skin. I just transfered my license to CA, which is why I had to take the test...I think it might be easier right out of school. I'm going to see how makeup goes and depending on that I may end up working in a spa.

That sounds great. Did you get the license for all states or just Cali. Sounds like you are doing great. Have you done any eyelash extensions?
Oh, the test was a piece of cake. I freaked out for nothing :}

i have taken my test 3 times and cannot pass it. my last score was a 68 so i missed it by 2! i was so mad. it bothers me because you cannot see what you got wrong each time you take it. any suggestions? im close to passing but not close enough.

Has anyone taken the va test yet??

Hi, What state are you in? I signed up on Milady online. It costs $25 but it is a wonderful site. It gives tests and reviews and has a 1000 question test at the end. I think it really helped me pass. Also you get to use the site for a year for that price. It is a great review. Good Luck, Tracie

I am in Va. and they have just started doing state board. Still very unorganized. I have been freaking myself out over the anatomy part.

P.S.- Write me when you pack your bags and head back to Chicago, I'll be waiting to hear from you. How is the competition out there, any better then here? Are you hot and dehydrated yet? Did you pack an umbrella? When and if you fly back bundle up and don't get sick! Stock up on good tea!! Don't forget to shop!!! I'll tell your DADDY hi for you!! I bet you could use a slice of deep dish pizza, and a good shampoo and blowout!

XOXOXO
Mean girl***

HI, I GRADUATED 2/14/05; I HAD A BABY, WHO'S NOW 2YRS OLD.I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY CA STATEBOARD TEST YET;THE LONGER I WAIT,THE MORE CONFICDENCE I LOSE. I ALSO WORK FULL-TIME AND TRY TO SQUEEZE AS MUCH STUDYING IN AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE HELP!!!!! ANY ADVISE/TIPS IS APPRECIATIED.

THANKS,
TANBEA

I recommend subscribing to Milady.com, it's going to help refresh your memory. Good Luck

I DONT PASS MY TEST FOR SEVEN POINTS!!!, NOW IM PREPARING FOR OTHER TEST BUT MY PROBLEM WAS IM FROM PERU AND I WAS ESTHETICIAN IN MY COUNTRY, HERE IM PREPARING MYSELF THE LANGUAGE END ELECTRICITY(ALL DIFERENTS)IS REALLY HARD FOR ME ALSO I TOOK MILADY PREPARATION ONLINE MY SCORE WAS BETWEEN 90 END 95 PERCENT, YOU KNOW WTHAT? WHEN I TOOK MY TEST I HAD ONLY ONE WAS QUESTION FROM MILADY, HO MY GOD!!! BELIVE ME WAS TERRIBLE BECAUSE I WORK REALLY HARD ALSO WAS NERVOUS AND MY FOCUS WAS THE PRACTICAL PORTION, I PASS THIS AND I DONT PASS THE TEST PORCION, WHATEVER I THINK AND I KNOW SOME TIPS ABOUT THE TEST:

RELAX
FOCUS IN MACHINES(DERMA LIGTH AND VACUM, GALAVANIC, LUCAS SPRAY),SANITATION, TRATAMENTS( CLAY AND SETTING MASK), MASSAGE AND SOME HERBS AND DESINCRUSTATION,
AROMATERAPY

I HOPE GOD LUCK FOR EVERYONE

Know what PPM stands for since it could be on the test.
It means Parts Per Million (in reference to disinfection).

HI, I WOULD LIKE REALLY TO KNOW HOW WAS YOUR TEST?, I HOPE WAS FINE, MY TEST WILL BE IN SOME WEEKS AND THANKS FOR THE ANSWER ABOUT THE TOWELS BECOUSE WAS IN MY FIRST TEST AND I DIDNT KNOW THE ANSWER (140 o F )IS A GOOD ONE, THAMKS
SONIA

THANKS FOR THE INFO RE: TIPS, I WILL KEEP THEM IN MIND. I'VE BEEN STUDYING DILIGENTLY AND AM THINKING OF MAILING MY DATE REQUEST SOON; I'LL PROBABLY STUDY FOR ANOTHER FEW WEEKS.THANKS AGAIN!

Hi, Jessica I would like to know about your 3 times you cant not pass your exam, the 3 time the cuestions were same or not?, I dont pass the write portion too so you can help me a lot with your answer also if you took your examen fot 3 times what are you doing now ? , can you again ? what happen?, Thanks you Sonia.

Send your application for the test date A.S.A.P ! It will take up to 4-6 weeks for them to respond to you and then another 6-8 weeks for a test date! Study while your waiting for your test date, otherwise your going to be ready for the test and then have to wait another 2 months or so to take the test.

I graduated 3 years ago if you can imagine (unfortuantely there we're some deaths in my family). I have taken the test twice and cannot pass it! I am getting ready to take it again late Feb. Of course I am studying but feel like I'm not studying the right things. If anybody has some tips they would be much appreciated.

The practical was simple...nerve wrecking but easy! Wish the written was like that!

Hi Kris pleasse tell me both test were same?
(write portion)
somebody know that!!

I don't know if everyone knows, but you can go online to PSI Examination Services and choose your own test date, time, and location.(For written test only) Rather than having to wait for weeks and then make whatever day they assign you work, and there may be a written test center closer to you then glendale or fairfield.
I passed my practical with flying colors, but have failed the written twice, by only two points each time, now scheduled for my third try. I noticed that the questions were pretty much the same at both of my written tests. I struggled mostly with the skin disorders and knowing what products would be used for each skin type.
The written test is a little intimidating, I know I know the information, but sometimes the wording is tricky.
Good Luck to everyone!

Hi All,

Yes, I agree the wording on the California test is very tricky. Try not to overthink the questions. Go with your first instinct, it's usually right.

Is anyone working in the San Francisco, Matin area that may like to trade services and practice our skills? I have a set-up but really would like to get feedback from other estheticians. Just a thought.

Good Luck!!!

Tracie in Mill Valley, California said: Hi All,

Yes, I agree the wording on the California test is very tricky. Try not to overthink the questions. Go with your first instinct, it's usually right.

Is anyone working in the San Francisco, Matin area that may like to trade services and practice our skills? I have a set-up but really would like to get feedback from other estheticians. Just a thought.

Good Luck!!!

HI, Tracie I'm Keren I've been an esthetician for about two years in the state of Georgia, I recently moved to California and I had to take the state board exam again to transfer my license. Unfortunatly I was only able to take the written part of the exam. But I'm supposed to be getting ready for the practical part wich I'm taking next month. I would really like to trade services with you and since the practical exam is a little different from the one I took in GA I would really apreciate it if you could help me out with that. I'm currently in Rohnert Park but as soon as I pass the exam I'm supposed to start a job in Mill Valley. Please let me know if you are interested.

Hi, I would love to trade services. I also still have my
Cali. practical kit and some practice tests if you are interested. My email is www.smooth-as-silk@live.com please email me and I can give you my number.

I have a small shop in San Anselmo. Would you be able to come there? I work Mon-Thurs at the shop.

Thanks,
Tracie

Hello. I just graduated from the Aveda Institute in D.C.
Roanoke is my hometown and I just moved back. As of right now, VA is in the process of making laws for the esthetics occupation so I'm curious to know if I've been misinformed on this topic. We were told we can't get a license for the state of VA yet. What state board did you take? We were told we can get our license in either Maryland or D.C. and take the written in Virginia but that's it.
Thanks for the help!

See if you can get both in maryland. I am pretty sure that you can. Mine is from s.c

i went to esthetics school in utah and moving back to cali to take my written test but i have noo clue what to study for since utahs state board is so different. can someone PLEASE HELP ME!!!

thanks soo much!!

If you fail the written and pass the practical, do you have to take both parts over again, or just the written??
Thank you!!!
Emily

Lisa Lou in Santa Rosa, California said: I don't know if everyone knows, but you can go online to PSI Examination Services and choose your own test date, time, and location.(For written test only) Rather than having to wait for weeks and then make whatever day they assign you work, and there may be a written test center closer to you then glendale or fairfield.
I passed my practical with flying colors, but have failed the written twice, by only two points each time, now scheduled for my third try. I noticed that the questions were pretty much the same at both of my written tests. I struggled mostly with the skin disorders and knowing what products would be used for each skin type.
The written test is a little intimidating, I know I know the information, but sometimes the wording is tricky.
Good Luck to everyone!

I have takin my Writen a couple times now and I have been using the Milady does anyone know what I should study more. Cause I am getting sick of takin this test errrr

Study skin disorders , machines , vitamins and herbs , know how to treat different skin types ,temperature to wash clothes(this one always comes up), the test is so random but these were all on mine . Also brush up on basic anatomy , I had 3 questions pertaining to that , ex: it will ask about flexors, supinator , radius and ulna . Study your chemistry too. I hope this helps, let me know if you need more help. Good Luck.

i am moving from washington to california soon and trying to get everything in order before i send in my paper work. the only thing bothering me is I have no idea how to find out what is on californias practical exam. i am confident in passing the written but can anyone tell me what to expect for the practical. or where to find this information! thanks for your help!

Emily in Oakland, California said: If you fail the written and pass the practical, do you have to take both parts over again, or just the written??
Thank you!!!
Emily

If you pass the practical and fail the written, you only have to retake the written. I think you have a year to pass the written, or else you will have to re-test for everything.

Great!! Thank you!!!

I'm taking my practical exam next week but I went to school in Georgia so I don't know much about the Dermal Light facial part. Can anybody tell my what color light is for what type of skin?

Thank you.

I AM GETTING READY TO TTAKE MY TEST IN APRIL AND I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD REALLY STUDY. THE BOOKS WE USED WAS SALON FUNDAMENTALS. SHOULD I USE MILADY ALSO TO STUDY

Hi, Karen my name is Sonia from Santa Cruz C.A about your question you can look in your Cosmetology Performance Criteria if you don't have the book I can write some thing for you here:
the blue light is for oily skin over the bare skin for not more than 3 to 5 minutes position the light at approximately 10 to 12 inches from the client.

The white light is for normal skin to bare 10 to 12 minutes position approximately 15 inches from the client.

The red blue o infrared rays must be applied to the gauze areas of the kin of the face approximately 5 minutes, positioned approximately 24 to 30 inches from the face.
Don't forget you will always needed to use eye pads to protect the client's eyes.

Please tell me if you are a Spanish speaker because I'm and maybe I need you help too
Good luck!!!

Hi Gwen,
I studied with the same books you have , I think are great books and the book has all information for the test write and also the practical portion, I used milady online bat is your option , I used Milady online but I have only one question from them, but I really learn much from online but not for the test , the Milady book for Esthetician is really good I think don't need more but you now that if you have extra material will be great too, what do you think???
I did'nt pass my write portion for 7 points, I used an interpreter because I need to learn more English but now I'm preparing for my new test( February 21) and I think I will be right, if you don't pass you examen also you can retake it again .
Good luck for everyone

sonia in Santa Cruz, California said: Hi, Karen my name is Sonia from Santa Cruz C.A about your question you can look in your Cosmetology Performance Criteria if you don't have the book I can write some thing for you here:
the blue light is for oily skin over the bare skin for not more than 3 to 5 minutes position the light at approximately 10 to 12 inches from the client.

The white light is for normal skin to bare 10 to 12 minutes position approximately 15 inches from the client.

The red blue o infrared rays must be applied to the gauze areas of the kin of the face approximately 5 minutes, positioned approximately 24 to 30 inches from the face.
Don't forget you will always needed to use eye pads to protect the client's eyes.

Please tell me if you are a Spanish speaker because I'm and maybe I need you help too
Good luck!!!

Sonia thank you so much, that is really helpful. I didn't really know anything about the dermal light facial and I couldn't find anything on the internet about it either.
Si yo hablo espanol tambien. Dime como te puedo ayudar.

Once again thank you,
Keren

sonia in Santa Cruz, California said: Hi Gwen,
I studied with the same books you have , I think are great books and the book has all information for the test write and also the practical portion, I used milady online bat is your option , I used Milady online but I have only one question from them, but I really learn much from online but not for the test , the Milady book for Esthetician is really good I think don't need more but you now that if you have extra material will be great too, what do you think???
I did'nt pass my write portion for 7 points, I used an interpreter because I need to learn more English but now I'm preparing for my new test( February 21) and I think I will be right, if you don't pass you examen also you can retake it again .
Good luck for everyone

Thank you Sonia for your help and advice I will study from both books, Also thank you Karen that also good info if you can send more like that it will help because I will make myself some flash cards to study .because it helps when you are studying.If anyone is from ILLnois have some ideals to help with the state board please send comments.. Good Luck to everyone Gwen From Chicago

Here are some questions of the writing test that I remember when i took it ......
-Temperature for desinfection the towels?
-Whats mind PPM( you can see about)
-Difference between Rosacea and Cuperouse skin?
-Clay treatments Parfin Mask and desincrustation?
-Machines like Derma light, Lucas spray, Hight Frecuency?
-Why in a tratament you need to put extra cream for the facial massage?
-Which is the neutral PH?
-Types of massages for different types of skin?
-How much time after you shave can you wax?
-Skin Disorders?
-Why does the strip to remove wax has to be bigger than the part that has wax?
-How do u do the movements in a neck massage?
-What causes excess for a person to clean their skin?
-What is MLD?and what direction you applie?
If a pacient comes to your clinic and has done a facial surgery should you do a facial treatment or no
-If a pacient has done recently blefaroplasty and its going to have a treatment in what zone do you have to take care the most?
-Different Distances in the use of derma light(RED,WHITE AND BLUE in inches)?
-Meaning of cataforesis and anaforesis?
-Meaning of the stages of growth of hair?
-What massages do you recomend for people that have acne?
And I would like to know if anyone in here has different questions of the writting test that are different form my questions because then we can mixed them all together and study them correctlty

Hi, just moved here from colorado, need to take boards, but not sure what to study. Does anyone know the criteria for california state boards for estheics? Im getting a kit online that has a DVD in it to explain the practical, is that a good idea? When should i send my paper work in...? Any helpful sugestions will help.

Carly in Los Angeles, California said: Hi, just moved here from colorado, need to take boards, but not sure what to study. Does anyone know the criteria for california state boards for estheics? Im getting a kit online that has a DVD in it to explain the practical, is that a good idea? When should i send my paper work in...? Any helpful sugestions will help.

Hey Carly, answering to your first question when you send your papers to get the license of the state that you are going to work in they send you the date of your exam also a little book with a performance criteria from the state you will take your test.You can find different criteria online or you can find it in Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Barbering and Cosmetology . I bought one that was 25 dollars and the kit was named face to face that you can buy online its always good to get help from kits or anything out of online they are very good and yes i recommended and it really helps because i passed my practical test with good scores.After that you are graduated from the institute that you are studing in you are ready to send your papers to the board this takes sometime depending the transfering of your papers.It could be one 2 or 3 months thought to me it took me 1 year because i studied in another country and thats why it took more time.

sonia in Santa Cruz, California said: Hey Carly, answering to your first question when you send your papers to get the license of the state that you are going to work in they send you the date of your exam also a little book with a performance criteria from the state you will take your test.You can find different criteria online or you can find it in Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Barbering and Cosmetology . I bought one that was 25 dollars and the kit was named face to face that you can buy online its always good to get help from kits or anything out of online they are very good and yes i recommended and it really helps because i passed my practical test with good scores.After that you are graduated from the institute that you are studing in you are ready to send your papers to the board this takes sometime depending the transfering of your papers.It could be one 2 or 3 months thought to me it took me 1 year because i studied in another country and thats why it took more time.

Oh I forgot to tell you that most of the criteria are very similar but they vary in things like the use of lancetas for extration.
or the use of some machines that in one state they allowed and in one not but generaly they are very popular and Good luck!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much that truly helps Sonia. Have a good night!!!!

Keren Espinoza in Rohnert Park, California said: I'm taking my practical exam next week but I went to school in Georgia so I don't know much about the Dermal Light facial part. Can anybody tell my what color light is for what type of skin?

Thank you.

Hola Karen:
Soy del Peru y estudie en mi pais me ha tocado preparame a mi misma aqui en los Estados Unidos felizmente fui una de las mejores de mi clase cuando estudio asi mismo tome cursos de Estetica avanzada, como te habras dado cuenta mi ingles no es muy bueno, ese es el motivo de que falle en mi test , el practico lo pase muy bien pero es dificil para mi el escrito puesto que algunas de la palabras en ingles no las sabia pero aun asi me ha gustado el esfuerzo, ahora me preparo para el siguiente intento que sera el 21 de Febrero y tu me ayudarias en mucho despues del examen si intercambiaramos algunas preguntas pues me han dicho que el examen siempre es el mismo o en lo maximo v que podria pasar varia muy poco, te dejo mi email : brujax100pre@hotmail.com y por favor si me escribes para conversar acerca de temas profesionales que creo yo os ayudarian mucho a ambas y luego podriamos intercambiar telefonos si te parece, en todo caso te deseo mucha suerte y estamos hablando
besos Sonia

Hi all,

I'm taking my exam on Feb 7, in Hayward and I am getting pretty nervous.. I have no time to study because i have a 18 months old baby and a 3 months old baby. I am going crazy. I was wonder if anyone can give me a heads up? I been trying to do some studying here and there but it is so hard. Please reply back to me ASAP if anybody can help me. Thanks a million

sonia in Santa Cruz, California said: Hola Karen:
Soy del Peru y estudie en mi pais me ha tocado preparame a mi misma aqui en los Estados Unidos felizmente fui una de las mejores de mi clase cuando estudio asi mismo tome cursos de Estetica avanzada, como te habras dado cuenta mi ingles no es muy bueno, ese es el motivo de que falle en mi test , el practico lo pase muy bien pero es dificil para mi el escrito puesto que algunas de la palabras en ingles no las sabia pero aun asi me ha gustado el esfuerzo, ahora me preparo para el siguiente intento que sera el 21 de Febrero y tu me ayudarias en mucho despues del examen si intercambiaramos algunas preguntas pues me han dicho que el examen siempre es el mismo o en lo maximo v que podria pasar varia muy poco, te dejo mi email : brujax100pre@hotmail.com y por favor si me escribes para conversar acerca de temas profesionales que creo yo os ayudarian mucho a ambas y luego podriamos intercambiar telefonos si te parece, en todo caso te deseo mucha suerte y estamos hablando
besos Sonia

Sonia, yo he tomado el examen 3 veces y si es el mismo. No cambia, lo tome las 3 veces en el 2007!