New Jersey State Board Exam

Hey fellow skin lovers! Love reading this forum. I wanted to ask has anyone taken the NJ state board exam? I moved from NY (went to school in NYS) to NJ right after school so this is my first board exam, in another state! Yikes! I am very nervous. Is it hard? I hear they focus on one main topic. Any tips or heads up is greatly appreciated. This is scary!

Hi Air, I'm actually going to take the NJ exam this weekend coming up. I see that your wrote this email a month ago. How did it go? I am actually licensed in NY (went to school there) but now am trying to find a job in NJ. Any words of wisdom?

Hi Ray,
I hope I am not too late. I have a few words of wisdom for you. Make sure you pick up a cold wax kit (sally beauty has GiGi cold wax) as they do not simulate wax w/ honey in NJ. We have to actually wax the lip area. Thank god I was told this before hand and I passed my exam. Also the thermos of hot water is for the hot towel so make sure you bring that. Everything else is pretty much the same except they didn't ask for a skin analysis. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!!! PS. Where did you go to school in NY?

Hi Air, OMG thank you so much for that information. I didn't know you had to actually wax the lip area. You know everything is simulated in NY...Well I appreciate your advice. I was able to find a cold wax kit which was not an easy feat at all but I'm good with that. Got the thermos as well. Oh goodness thank you again, I have to tell my model not to wax her lip prior then. I went to Atelier. Where did you go?

Ray in Jersey City, New Jersey said: Hi Air, I'm actually going to take the NJ exam this weekend coming up. I see that your wrote this email a month ago. How did it go? I am actually licensed in NY (went to school there) but now am trying to find a job in NJ. Any words of wisdom?

could you let me know how the exam was? i am due next month for nj state exam:) so nervous i would love to know how you felt? been studying the miladys.online esthetics prep. if you could please let me know how it was? that would be awesome thanks,lexie

hey everyone, i have to say that i like miladys.online prep for esthetics that all i have been studying i am not a good test taker but this online prep might make you guys feel better, i just thought i help you guys out.

Hey Lexi, Will definitely let you know when I'm done.

That's what I've been using as well. I think it's great, I wish I would have known about it when I took the NYC test.

Hey Ray, You're very welcome. We all got to look out for one another. I went to Atelier as well. I had a pretty good time there. Let me know how you make out w/ your exam.

Hey Lexie: I just took the exam. It's not too bad. If anything, your nerves are what get in the way. What I hated is the tests are together so they can be a little long on the brain and exhausting after you are done. When I took mine the AC wasn't working and the place felt like 110 degrees, adding a challenge to an already stressful situation. What got me through was I reminded myself that I knew this info like the back of my hand and not to faint due to the heat. You guys will be fine. The test is much easier than you think. Plus it's 105 questions. You can get a lot wrong and still pass. Just try to relax and remember that everyone who takes that exam is just as nervous as you. The proctors understand that, too. Oh and eat something decent before hand. It's amazing how fast you become hungry when your working your tail off. You guys will be great! Let me know how it turns out.

Hey Air,

Thank you for the vote of confidence! It means alot. I am extra nervous b/c I took the NY exam a while ago. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again for all the info. How funny is it that you went to Atelier! I really liked the school alot, some of the people were a little crazy but the teachers were great in my opinion. I loved Ms. 7, Ms. Tracey and Ms. B. I still in touch with some of them. One thing I wanted to ask you, did you think that the written focused on any particular subject? I've pretty much gone through the entire book evenly but I wanted to know if there was any chapter I should focus on?

Thank goodness for this site. I am moving to Jersey and have to take the Boards, and I guess the practical. In VA the practical is also simulated waxing. This is new for me. Also, we had the use of a real sink so I was glad to hear about the thermos. Did you have to use the thermos to sterilize the water bowl you used to remove from the massage and mask stage? Also, please let me know what the password is for the milady's test prep for Jersey. I only had access to the MD-VA test. Any other pointers? Thanks

Oh your in luck! I actually took the exam this past Saturday in East Brunswick, NJ. I was definitely nervous to say the least but I pray I passed since I need to try and get a job in NJ (I am NY Licensed). We did have use of a sink but there was only cold water, I was told that is not always the case so that is why your told to bring the thermos of hot water (you should bring a bottle of water of reg temp water just in case too). In the list of things to bring they didn't mention bringing sheets but I brought some just in case and thank goodness I did. You will also need tissue, paper towels and pretty much anything you normally use. Oh and a scrubs/uniform of course. In the list of things to bring it wasn't specified and there was someone who didn't bring a uniform and that posed a problem such as her not being able to take the exam. Oh we had barbers chairs as opposed to facial beds so we had to fix the chairs and put chairs under our models feet, kind of cheesy if you ask me. It was definitely an experience that I really wouldn't want to repeat. Honestly if you know your stuff you'll pass but you definitely have to be creative to say the least.

Ray, thanx so much for your reply. How did you study for the Jersey exams? Is there a website with a password for Jersey exams? I have been trying to talk to someone at State Board for a day now and I keep getting put on hold and can't get anyone to answer my questions, so I really appreciate any assistance you can give me. Good luck to you; hope you pased
Lynda

Ray in Carlstadt, New Jersey said: Oh your in luck! I actually took the exam this past Saturday in East Brunswick, NJ. I was definitely nervous to say the least but I pray I passed since I need to try and get a job in NJ (I am NY Licensed). We did have use of a sink but there was only cold water, I was told that is not always the case so that is why your told to bring the thermos of hot water (you should bring a bottle of water of reg temp water just in case too). In the list of things to bring they didn't mention bringing sheets but I brought some just in case and thank goodness I did. You will also need tissue, paper towels and pretty much anything you normally use. Oh and a scrubs/uniform of course. In the list of things to bring it wasn't specified and there was someone who didn't bring a uniform and that posed a problem such as her not being able to take the exam. Oh we had barbers chairs as opposed to facial beds so we had to fix the chairs and put chairs under our models feet, kind of cheesy if you ask me. It was definitely an experience that I really wouldn't want to repeat. Honestly if you know your stuff you'll pass but you definitely have to be creative to say the least.

OH BY THE WAY YOU HAVE TO SIGN UP AND PAY FOR THE MILADY'S ONLINE COURSE. AT THAT TIME YOU SET UP YOUR OWN PASSWORD. YOU HAVE ACCESS FOR ABOUT A YEAR OF SIGNING UP. DEFINITELY WORTH THE 20 BUCKS.

Thanx again -- I really appreciate it. Oh, btw, did you find the theory exam really followed the Milady's textbook that you studied from? It seems the MD test does not really follow the Milady's text and the test questions online are not the questions on the test. It took a lot of guessing and analyzing. I would have preferred to show all that I DO KNOW. Lynda

Yeah it did follow Milady's. Unfortunately since it's 22 chapters in the book and it's only 105 questions you have no choice but to study the entire book.

There is no password, I just used the textbook I used while I was in school which is the Milady's book of Esthetics. There is also a website that that you can join which is also run by Milady's. They have comprehensive exams and chapter reviews. It's crazy how horrible everyone is at the State Board. They are not helpful AT ALL. They really bounce you around alot, put you on hold and you have not choice but to wing it.

Thanks, you're a gem. Glad you are done. I have a long road in front of me. Would be better if I had a school to go to for info. But, well, maybe I can find a review course. I wonder if there is a test center I can call to find out exactly what I should bring, etc. Thanks again for all of your help and answers.

Air said: Hey Ray, You're very welcome. We all got to look out for one another. I went to Atelier as well. I had a pretty good time there. Let me know how you make out w/ your exam.Hey Lexie: I just took the exam. It's not too bad. If anything, your nerves are what get in the way. What I hated is the tests are together so they can be a little long on the brain and exhausting after you are done. When I took mine the AC wasn't working and the place felt like 110 degrees, adding a challenge to an already stressful situation. What got me through was I reminded myself that I knew this info like the back of my hand and not to faint due to the heat. You guys will be fine. The test is much easier than you think. Plus it's 105 questions. You can get a lot wrong and still pass. Just try to relax and remember that everyone who takes that exam is just as nervous as you. The proctors understand that, too. Oh and eat something decent before hand. It's amazing how fast you become hungry when your working your tail off. You guys will be great! Let me know how it turns out.

Hey thanks for taking the time and writing back :) that was nice of you. i am going in less than two weeks, u know i have been studying the milady thing online, so i am proud that i been sudying since i got out of school instead of waiting for the last min. my problem is that i have anxiety problem with test i always have, so i will try hard not to let that interfear with me. thanks again for answering me, thats very nice of you:) thanks, lexie

Is the test written or on a computer? Is studying the Milady online program enough to perform well on the state exam? Thanks for your help.

The test is written. I felt that studying the Milady online was enough. I actually found out that I passed this past weekend so that is a huge sigh of relief for me. Best of luck to you!

hey Ray, thanks for letting me know:) yea i go this monday ! i am excited and nervous. i am so happy for you! you must feel so good knowing that it is over with :)

is there a faster way to find out after your done taking the written and practicle? can you pay a little extra to get your results faster? i was just woundering? i know after monday when i go, ill see if it is possible and ill let everyone know. take care everyone. i'll tell you all my experiance :) i wish the best of luck to anyone else who is going soon :) take care

Honestly I don't know if you can find out beforehand but you could ask. Worst case scenario you would have to wait. Regardless I want to wish you the best of luck on your exam, I'm sure you'll do well.

hi lexie..im from jersey and taking test monday too. we were very well prepared for practical as far as what we need to bring and how it will go. let me know if u need help!!

also..there is a number u can call to get results. I am not sure how fast they will have them but there is def a number u can call a friend gave me. anyone needs it I can post it. I am from nj..not sure how to change it from north carolina! I guess nc was default?!

HI Michelle -- hey, I'm from out of state too and I don't know what to bring -- I heard it's much different than the Maryland or Virginia boards. We had use of a sink with hot and cold water. Did you get a list of items and procedures? If you have that, could you email it to me? dzigninglady1@yahoo.com -- would very much appreciate it. thanks, lynda

sure...i will have to scan the info..when is ur test? not tomorrow rite?? we r not told to use a sink..we bring bottles of water....pretend the water is hot for towel steaming (teat on wrist etc)...i will email it to u this week unless ur test is monday then I will just type info.

hey everyone:)
thanks Ray fow wishing me luck! ill take all the luck i can get, hehe. anyway, best of luck to you girls taking it this monday and to everyone else who either is waiting still or who have just gratuated or are still in school. yesterday i packed for the practicle so today i am trying to calm down and i a positive attitude. i am a control freak, so not knowing what will be on the test is my fear, but i been studying milady online . but anyway i did my best, and monday i am going to spit out everything i know. thank goodness, I cant wait till monday i am so excited and nervous! but thankyou to everyone who posted back to me, i have to say it is nice chatting with everyone in this community. it is fun and very supportive. on monday i will post back and let you guys know how it went. but again for everyone going on monday stay positive we will be fine. again i wish you guys good luck!!!!!

oh, thanks so much. nope, not tomorrow; not for a month or so. i really appreciate it! Lynda

Hi quys,
I am trying to find out what exactly I need to do to get my nj license. I have my ny license and have been working in the field for 2 years. Looking to re-locate. When I called the board of cosmo in nj, they said I would have to shave with a straight blade. I never heard such a thing for skin. Also, when I went to school for esthetics in ny, I didnt have my high school dipoma. They said all I had to do was take a test called the ability to benefits test. Do they ask for your high school diploma in NJ. And also...I took my test in Albany. We didnt need the use of a sink except for to wash our hands. We used burgers (cotton) and there was no use for wash cloths, so what do I do with the thermas? Should I bring wash cloths anyway and do I use the thermas to wet them? Sorry if my questions are lame, but I woud hate to be un prepared. Anyone have a list of what we need for the practical and do I have to take the written again also? This is such a pain

hey...i just took (and passed! yeay!) the nj state board..the razor thing Is for cos license not esti. u do need a hs diploma not sure if equivalent will work u would need to ask them that as I don't want to steer u wrong. u will need to take the practical and written for nj as they don't have reciprocity with any state. u do not have a sink..the thermos or water bottle is for towel steam of the face and for ur waterbowl for cleanse. if u want...email me and I can answer ur questions in more detail..and I have a list of what u will need for the practical as well. hope this helps. email: hollywoodglam@comcast.net

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Thanks for replying to my questions. I knew the razor thing had to be for cosmos. I kept asking the girl if she was sure cause I never heard such a thing. As far as my High School diploma goes, I guess I'm gonna have to work on getting my GED. They do except that, so looks like it's gonna be a while before I'll be taking my NJ esti exams. I would however love it if you could send me a list of thinks I'll need for the Practical. Thanks sooo much for your help and good luck in the industry. Maybe we'll bump into each other in the field.
Bi

hi guys,
i am gonna take my NJ exams soon. I have a NY license. Thermas, sink, wash cloths, real lip waxing... all sounds really scary to me. In NY didn't do any of these. Michelle, if u don't mind can i e-mail u for more details. I have a list of questions. I would love to get a list of what is needed for practical exams. How far are the written and practical exams from each other? I took NY state exams back in 2005 so its been a while. Would love to get all the help. glad to have found this site.

Ray in Jersey City, New Jersey said: Hi Air, I'm actually going to take the NJ exam this weekend coming up. I see that your wrote this email a month ago. How did it go? I am actually licensed in NY (went to school there) but now am trying to find a job in NJ. Any words of wisdom?

Can you please let me know about the new jersey exams. I have to retake the test because my license has expired and I did not renew it. I was ill and left the profession for a while. I have no idea what is on the exam. I would appreciate any help.
Thank you,

beth

hi beth..email me at hollywoodglam@comcast.net...i will help u as much as I can.
michelle

hi anyone cam tell me what basic materials do i need as a cna student

thank u so much
more power

anyone can email me..sorry..didnt see other posts or questions. will help out however I can!!!

For those of you that have recently taken your board exam for skincare ... how long did it take for you to hear either way if you got your license or if you didn't? TIA!

Hi Face2Face,

It takes ages to find out anything from NJ! They say two weeks, expect longer for the most part. Pathetic! I am proud to be a born and raised Jersey Girl EXCEPT when it comes to my career in esthetics! NJ charges, what, triple the fee of NY? And - you don't get your temp on the spot so you can go straight to work, like in NY. You have to wait 2-3 weeks for it to be mailed. Don't BOTHER to try to call Newark with ANY questions! Easier to solve the economic crisis than to get feasible answers and be able to join the workforce, become a productive NJ tax paying citizen! I am NOT kidding! Get on a train and GO there in person. Only way to get anything done...

The practical is embarrassing and frightening! You have to demo day and night makeup. Use cold wax on 1/2 a lip only. Forget that I can't Google a Spa in the Country that offers Cold Wax! Bring a hand towel to demo "towel steaming" or whatever they refer to it as. (I use hot towels for product removal - whatever!) Don't bother with a proper demo of different hand movements, massage, EXTRACTION, body wax, SKIN ANALYSIS, or sanitation. Yup, in other words, don't worry about providing evidence of proper educated esthetic skill. Simply show that you can bumble through rubbing someones face and that you understand makeup, and your in. When I say this is scary, I mean SCA-AIR-EE!!!!!
Head band only is OK. Sheets not necessary. Nab a chair next to the sinks, the others don't recline - your model will have to suffer through a sitting-up facial and possibly get wet. 25+ girls in my class and we had ONE Proctor to monitor and judge us! Just one! You do have to show up in uniform. Uhhh, OK, I see how this is soooo much more important than things like, oh I don't know - like PROPER SKIN ANALYSIS and EXTRACTION METHODS!

Unbelievable but all too true. Ask the others girls that just tested...
Good luck and pray for the future of quality NJ skin care

Beth Paltjon in New Providence, New Jersey said: Can you please let me know about the new jersey exams. I have to retake the test because my license has expired and I did not renew it. I was ill and left the profession for a while. I have no idea what is on the exam. I would appreciate any help.
Thank you, beth

Hi Beth and all...
Went on a rant and forgot about your question. If you can, go on the MiLady website and follow the link for their test prep section. I really did not want to spend any more money on study tools, and I have never and do not work for the company, or any such company. I am honestly telling you that if you can get to scoring 100% on their mock tests, and study some extra on massage technique, you will fly through the NJ written. The questions are straight forward, not tricky on purpose like NY. I don't think anyone else will disagree on this. Try to find a friend that already pd for the MiLady service, you get it for a year. No reason not to share, right? Good luck and don't sweat it. You'll do great!

Wow, I'm so glad I found this place!

I just applied for my permit and I'm on track to take the state board sometime around May/June!

Ray - Your experience at East Brunswick sounds exactly like what I've been told. I'm surprised the conditions are so poor, but since I've already been forewarned of what to expect for practical, I guess that lessens the impact of knowing what to expect. Our instructors have already prepared us for the sheet, the towels, the thermos, etc... I feel so much better knowing that I'll be going into this well-prepared!

For everyone who went to Atelier, I was looking into them for advanced classes after I get my license. It sounds like you had good experiences there... is it worth the money? I know it isn't cheap, but I really want to excel in the area of waxing and they have a brazilian class that I really want to take.

I was supposed to go to a product demonstration at Dermalogica in March, but just found out the other day that classes are already filled up. :( If anyone knows of anywhere else offering product knowledge classes in NY or NJ, could you please post that info?

Also, if there's other advice that anyone could add with regard to the written or practical exam, I'd be happy to hear about it!

Thanks, all!

As a graduate of Atelier that has close friends that graduated at the "other top rival" NYC school, I can honestly tell you this: Atelier covers the most subjects & gives the most insight into gaining a successful esthetic career. For their continuing ed, research WHO is giving the class! Do they currently practice & in what capacity? That goes for any continuing ed. You'll want to spend your money on seasoned and current pro's. Ms. Hanson is the person responsible for creating a seperate & respected esthetic license and she is passionate about skin care and education. Having said that, I only ever attended their full time classes plus the PCA 2 day certification class. That was worth the money! Good luck. Let us know how it works out...

I took the state board exam on the 19th of January. I haven't HEARD A THING! Is that a good sign or a bad sign? Anyone?

Face2Face - My instructor told us that they take longer to get back to you if you passed (around 4 weeks), but that past students who failed found out within 2 weeks. It doesn't make sense and I don't know how accurate of a measurement that is... just seemed to be a pattern that she noticed. Hopefully someone who got their license can give you a better idea. I'm curious too... I heard it takes a while!

RioDiJolie - Thanks for the feedback on Atelier. I'm definitely going to look into them for those advanced classes I was curious about!!

Any NJ Esti's have trouble finding a job???

Hey! Does anyone know if I apply for my PA license do I have to take both the theory and practical exams if I already have an active NJ skincare specialist license for 3 years? Thanks!

What is the procedure if you did not pass your state board? What comes next? Time frames, etc.... Thanks!

Having trouble finding a job that will provide training as I am a recent Esthetics graduate. Went to Atelier in NYC & debating on what to do next. Should I invest the money in CIDESCO training at Valmy and take out loans, or should I go back to school and get licensed for massage therapy instead? Advice would be greatly appreciated.