HELP! Does anyone have any information about the National Cosmetology Written exam??

I am going to be taking my cosmetology written/practical exam in a few weeks. I live in California and as of May 1, they have switched to the National Cosmetology written exam. I felt fairly confident on the types of questions from the old CA exam but now I have no idea what to expect. Has anyone from CA taken it yet? How different was it? Are there practice exams or anything to reference? Any information, especially those from other states that already have this test in place, would be a tremendous help!! Thank you!

*bump*

I am concerned about this also. The old written exam was a piece of cake. Now that I have to take it again.... need to know! :)

hi there, i just took the test a few days ago and no worries it's pretty much the same. there were a lot of questions from the test you can purchase at www.stateboardhelp.com good luck!

thank yoooouuu!

mac_c_taz in San Leandro, California said: hi there, i just took the test a few days ago and no worries it's pretty much the same. there were a lot of questions from the test you can purchase at www.stateboardhelp.com good luck!

Hi How was tht practical test?
I have my exam in 2 weeks. Can anyone help,
which book have you prepared on? Milady or Pivot Point? Which is better?
I heard the practical is hard?
Thank you.

The practical is pretty intense but the key is to make yourself invisible. the examiner has to watch up to 8 people at a time performing different operations, so the less conspicuous you make yourself the more likely she won't pay as close attention to you. Timing is critical but don't get upset if you don't finish, i didn't finish my wet set or thermal but still passed. you get points for setting up correctly etc.. Also, remember which services have the most points and spend more time on those. I had the wet set and then a tint but not enough time to finish both. the wet set is only worth 16 points but the tint is 30 , so i did 3 rows of finger waves, 4 rollers and 6 pin curls so that i would at least get points for some of the operation and then moved on and completed the tint. Your model can make or break you. The ideal person to bring is someone that has shoulder length hair and not a ton of it either. Your model should have clear skin, natural nails on hands and feet, no abrasions on scalp or feet. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are cameras in the room, so even if you think the examiner is not watching, someone is so don't have your model help you in any way. my advice is find a good model and keep practicing your timing in the time you have before your test and you'll be fine. good luck!

Andreea in Palm Springs, California said: Hi How was tht practical test?
I have my exam in 2 weeks. Can anyone help,
which book have you prepared on? Milady or Pivot Point? Which is better?
I heard the practical is hard?
Thank you.

Listen to exactly what they tell you. Its key. Make sure your model does not speak to you and pay CAREFUL ATTENTION TO SANITATION! If you drop something, don't worry. Just make sure you practice correct sanitary procedure.

I took my practical many years ago and it really isnt that hard. Just relax and do the best you can. If you passed your mock board in school you should do just fine!

another thing, make sure to ask your kit company for extra paper and regular towels and trash bags. i saw girls grabbing paper towels from the restrooms during the break, you don't need that added stress. I also have small hands, so when i was examining my kit, i replaced all of the gloves with small ones. remember there are many different ways to pass the practical, each school etc... has their own methods. stick to what you know, as long as you are meeting the guidelines that state board requires. i went to the class the kit company provides you re. the exam and i ended up leaving early because they were insisting their way of doing things was the only way to pass but i learned things differently and my teacher warned me this would happen. take the class but don't let it confuse you.

I think this forum is great you can learn so many things here, that is so nice to share. Thank you all!

Hi I am interested in the guide and DVD.
You can contatct me at andreeaone@gmail.com
Please answer to me ASAP/.
Thanks

hey guys, im planning to get my california license soon but i am just gettin my arizona one and i hear the california practical is wayyyy different. can anyone list all the different procedures performed during the practical exam so i know what to prepare for!? pleasee?!
thank you, noah

I am a cosmetology instructor and if you apply what you were taught going all the way back to the freshman room you should have no problems. Don't by those testing prep books like SCORE and such they just become a crutch and you really do not learn to remember what you need to.
As for the written test it is based on what you are really tested on at state board. Do you really know what they are testing you on in each procedure?
Hairstyling - use of combs and clips and basic construction
Chemical Relaxing Perming- Use of chemicals and scalp protection.
Haircolor- Used of chemicals and proper application.
Facials - sanitation and proper massage techniques Also use of electricity without actually applying it to the skin.
Mani Pedi - use of cutting tools and sanitation with application of cosmetics
Haircutting - safety with tools
I assure you that they are not testing you on how good you are as a stylist only safety and client protection really. Do not try to show how fab you are as a stylist DON"T ADD keep to basic services because if you add stuff they will grade you on it. Look at it this way just because you can drive like a racecar driver will that help you pass your driving exam? Our exam is really about making sure you are safe to unleash on the public.