National Cosmetology Theory Examination CIB

Examination Room Prohibited Materials and Actions

• Items Not Allowed:

  • Cellular phones, watches, pagers, tablets, computers, cameras, and recording devices.

  • Printed materials or handwritten notes.

  • Personal items (purses, bags, coats, hats) not essential for the exam.

• Actions Not Allowed:

  • Communication with other candidates or examiners.

  • Any disruptive behavior.

• Consequences of Non-Compliance:

  • Immediate dismissal from the exam.

  • Reporting of actions to appropriate authorities.

Cosmetology Theory Examination Content Outline

• Total Items: 110

• Weighted Items: 100 contribute to final score.

• Content Domains:

  • I. Scientific Concepts (35%)

  • II. Hair Care and Services (45%)

  • III. Skin Care and Services (10%)

  • IV. Nail Care and Services (10%)

I. Scientific Concepts (35%)

• A. Infection Control and Safety Practices

  1. Identify causes/transmission of diseases and infections.

  2. Differentiate among categories of infection control:

     • Sanitation

     • Disinfection

     • Sterilization

  3. Recognize cross-contamination occurrences and prevention methods (single-use vs. multi-use).

  4. Apply blood exposure procedures.

  5. Identify requirements of government agencies:

     • OSHA

     • EPA

• B. Human Anatomy and Physiology

  1. Function and structure of:

     • Hair and scalp

     • Skin

     • Nails

  2. Signs and symptoms of conditions and disorders related to:

     • Hair and scalp

     • Skin

     • Nails

  3. Muscles and joints functions related to:

     • Head and face

     • Arms and hands

     • Legs and feet

  4. Functions of:

     • Nervous system

     • Circulatory system

• C. Basic Chemistry Used in Cosmetology

  1. Purpose and effects of ingredients.

  2. Interactions between chemicals.

  3. Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn).

  4. Understand the values of the pH scale.

II. Hair Care and Services (45%)

• A. Client Consultation, Analysis, and Documentation

  1. Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp.

  2. Recognize contraindications prohibiting service.

  3. Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition, strand tests).

  4. Recommend services/products based on client needs.

  5. Maintain client records (service history, client card, medical history).

• B. Tools Used in Hair Care Services

  1. Identify purpose, function, and infection control of:

     • 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)

  2. Demonstrate safe practices:

     • Tools and implements.

     • Ergonomics.

• C. Hair Care Principles and Procedures

  1. Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning.

  2. Scalp treatments and scalp massage.

  3. Draping (chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling).

  4. Differences in principles based on hair types and textures.

• D. Hair Design Principles and Procedures

  1. Hair cutting and shaping techniques.

  2. Hair styling techniques:

     • Wet styling

     • Thermal styling

     • Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)

  3. Hair enhancements application (wigs, hairpieces, hair additions).

  4. Principles of balance in hair design (facial shape, structure).

  5. Hair design principles vary by hair type/texture.

• E. Chemical Services Principles and Procedures

  1. Hair color services (virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation).

  2. Chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction services.

  3. Chemical waving/texturing services.

  4. Chemical products for various hair types.

III. Skin Care and Services (10%)

• A. Client Consultation, Analysis, and Documentation

  1. Evaluate client’s skin (type, condition).

  2. Recognize contraindicative conditions.

  3. Recommend services/products based on client needs.

  4. Maintain client records.

• B. Tools Used for Skin Care Services

  1. Identify purpose, function, and infection control of:

     • Equipment (chair, steamer)

     • Implements (tweezers, brushes, extractors)

     • Supplies, products, materials (creams, masks, wax).

  2. Demonstrate safe practices:

     • Tools and implements.

• C. Skin Care Principles and Procedures

  1. Basic facial knowledge application.

  2. Hair removal techniques.

  3. Makeup application knowledge.

  4. Knowledge of electrical equipment.

IV. Nail Care and Services (10%)

• A. Client Consultation, Analysis, and Documentation

  1. Evaluate condition of client’s nails.

  2. Recognize conditions that would prohibit service.

  3. Recommend services/products based on client needs.

  4. Maintain client records.

• B. Tools Used for Nail Care Services

  1. Identify purpose, function, and infection control of:

     • Equipment (workstation, pedicure basin)

     • Implements (nippers, file)

     • Supplies, products, materials (towels, creams, polish).

  2. Demonstrate safe practices:

     • Tools/implements.

• C. Nail Care Service Principles and Procedures

  1. Knowledge of basic manicure and pedicure.

  2. Nail enhancements application, maintenance, and removal.