PSI National COS/BAR Exams Q&A - Cosmetologists

Can the container that has their general supplies touch the table before it has been wiped down yet? Items coming out of the supply kit are considered disinfected unless they are visibly dirty.The supplies can remain in the kit, and a qualifying disinfectant wipe is used to disinfect the table first.
What about laws and rules questions? Please see your State Licensing website for laws and rules.
Is a steam towel required for the facial- Yes; A “damp” towel can be packed in a Ziplock bag, and the test taker is required to demonstrate removing water and temperature test.
Is a finger bath required for the manicure? If so, does it need actual water or just mock the process? Manicures can be wet or dry. (with or without water)
For chemical waves, is the hair sectioned different and how many rods are required to do? The Test Taker Guide states sectioning will be in 4 quadrants. There is no scoring deduction for sectioning techniques. The test taker will wrap 3 permanent wave rods in one of the quadrants. There is no scoring deduction for sectioning techniques. The test taker will subsection and demonstrate wrapping 3 permanent wave rods in one of the created quadrants.
Do the steps of the facial and manicure matter? and just to confirm, no polish for the manicure still? No Nail Polish is required for any test. The required Basic Facial steps are Cleanse, Mask, Massage (no specific Manipulations required), and moisturize. Test takers must demonstrate safe use of a steam towel in the facial. Steps for the Manicure as listed in the reference book procedures. There is no specific order for either.
If we are using a National standard for the practical exam, why is the pressing comb not a tested technique? The Subject Matter Expert Panelists have not deemed the use of the tool as a detriment to health and safety.
What changes were made, (if any) to the Barbers' practical exam? No Changes, and Facials are included for the practical. Theory question bank was updated for more concise verbiage to match all reference books and any unclear questions removed
Protective cream for foil? Refer to your textbook technique for protective cream use; however, each topic must begin with a scalp analysis.
With the manicure, wouldn't the test steps be based on what's listed in the Milady book for a basic manicure. Steps for the Manicure are as listed in the reference book procedures.
Proctor to test taker ratio? 1:8 test taker at a site & 1:3 for testing online.
The updated test shows 45 minutes for the Chemical wave, but their criteria still say wrap three rods. Where is the additional time needed and why? Additional time factors in the individual scoring time for each test takers one –on- one demonstration.
Is eyebrow waxing and tweezing the same way for cosmetology as esthetics. YES, the topic area is the same for both test and we are not looking for 3 actual hairs to be removed but are evaluating safe bracing and sanitation during the services as needed.
So, for waxing we will have a paper towel down. or work from the zip loc. You are welcome to place a clean paper towel on the workstation for the Topic area. Porous spatulas, etc., must remain in a closed Ziploc bag and removed as needed with proper hand sanitation observed.
And are they manicuring all 5 fingers? Yes, the hand is now required, but no individual fingers are allowed.
What can be carried over from facial to waxing? Each topic area should have a separate Supply bag. Universal supplies can remain on the workstation and properly disinfected when or if needed.
Some proctors are having the students set the doll/manikin on the table before getting started. Test takers are not marked for setting the manikin on the station.
Does the workstation need to be reset for each topic area including the manicure and nail form. Yes, each Topic area is a stand-alone demonstration. Test takers only need to disinfect the workstation during first topic workstation prep and last topic working prep for next client/end of day, unless the workstation becomes dirty/contaminated.
Is the 45-minute time allowance for the perm wrap a typo? No, this is the correct timing, due to the evaluator going to each test taker one on one for the saturate and test curl portion to allow enough time for all.
Do they put on gloves to clean the table every time they set up and clean up -Gloves need to be worn anytime test takers use disinfectant Disinfection is observed in "Daily Workstation Preparation" and "New Client Preparation" and in a case where the workstation becomes contaminated. Disinfection is not necessary between Topic Areas.
Is the kit size 24x24x24 a typo? No, this is not a typo. This is only the suggested kit size. Test takers are not turned away due to kit size but encouraged to use kits no bigger.
Boxes of gloves can go into multi-use? A box of gloves is considered universal supplies and can remain on the station during the test.
What brands for odorless monomers do you recommend for the students?Monomer must be factory sealed and odorless. We do not check for a specific brand
In mani do they only need to have gloves on during cleaning, or they have to have them on during service as well. Gloves need to be worn anytime test takers disinfect or encounter blood. Gloves are required for the waxing and tweezing portion of the test and any chemical services as necessary.
If the workstation stays sanitary, does it need to be reset for each topic still? Test takers only need to disinfect the workstation during first topic workstation prep and last topic working prep for next client/end of day, unless the workstation becomes dirty/contaminated.
So, was blow dry and curling iron considered "not dangerous"? Is that why it is no longer on the test? No, the service is considered dangerous however, compared to waxing and nail procedures, it scored very low.
Gel or acrylic? Either can be used for nails with a form (builder gel, odorless acrylic, free flow, etc.). If it requires a lamp to cure, test takers are responsible for bringing the lamps.
Are we using the nippers on the cuticle area for the manicure? Yes, with a demonstration of the correct 45-degree angle during use. Please use nippers as taught in the Test Material Reference Materials/Curriculum books.
How are the nippers stored if not in a wet sanitizer? In a zip lock bag that is included in their supplies that we consider disinfected.
Where can i get a copy of the new tests? Before an update or transition, TTG/CIBs are always posted in advance on the landing page for the state on our PSI website.
My concern is the haircutting setup time 5 minutes for disinfection, draping and getting tools out and sectioning. It used to be 10 minutes. The setup is to be completed in a timely manner. According to the Industry Subject Matter Experts, the time was approved
Is it necessary for all test disciplines to wash their hands during the beginning part of the exam, even online? Instead of washing their hands, for testing purposes, they will sanitize their hands.
Is a finger bath required for the manicure, or can they perform a dry manicure? Test takers can choose to do a dry or wet manicure.
How are smart glasses handled, identified for online exams? Smart glasses are not allowed, and the online test recording software will identify their use during the exams. Anyone wearing smart glasses will be immediately banned from online testing and their actions reported to the State Board for further review.
In the past, we have been told that we need to disinfect each topic area in the past. So now we are assuming that all services are on the same client? The test takers will only need to disinfect the workstation with gloved hands using an approved manufacturer labeled disinfectant at the beginning and end of the test. (Disinfectant containers must have the manufacturers label attached and legible. Disinfectants used must have virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal properties listed on the manufacturers label) They will not have to disinfect before each and after every topic area for each section of the test – unless their workstation becomes soiled/contaminated. This test is a little different, because it is not a test where there are multiple clients, like in the past, but rather multiple topic areas.
May we still do the chemical wave, Sodium Hydroxide Relaxer, color lift, and permanent hair color on the same doll using the same drape and sectioning? Yes, all services can be demonstrated on the same manikin in separate sections.
Can a color retouch procedure be used as the permanent color deposit topic area? Yes, it is the test taker’s choice. The test is not technique based, but rather safety and infection control based.
I do not see in the cosmetology portion that they have to blend a tip Correct. In the COS exam, they only have nail enhancement with a form portion involving nails.
For the Esti practical I have been having my students sandwich their unused dry goods in between paper towel, is that acceptable? After they use a dry good, they put that in the single-use trash after using it. That is acceptable and your preference. Items must be observed being deposited in the Multi Use or Single Use containers as they go.
Why does it matter what type of nail enhancement we do? Test takers can use any product they want (free flow, builder gel, etc.) to build a nail with a form. The product must be manufactured sealed, labeled, and no order.
How fast will the videos be available? We are working on creating videos/tutorials to have visual guidance for your test takers that we plan to complete within the first quarter of 2026.
If a student is failing at a specific location, who do we contact? Please send the information to cosmetology@psionline.com and we will have the matter investigated by team members.
10 min facial for est with cleans steam towel massages and mask moisturizer is not enough time? The service is to be completed after the workstation setup time. According to the Industry Subject Matter Experts, the time was approved. The required Basic Facial steps are Cleanse, Mask (demonstrate the ringing out of the towel and test on wrist), Massage (no specific Manipulations required), and moisturize. The moisturizer and massage can be combined.
For the waxing procedure, does there actually have to be hair on the manikin brow? Do the students tweeze 3 hairs or is it mocked? There is no need to have hair on the manikin fort his service and the wax (Vaseline, cold cream, cholesterol etc.) can be applied as the procedure in the textbooks. There is no actual removal of the hair for the tweezing, but the demonstration must be physically completed. All products are to be considered multi-use and should be placed in the multi-use bag after use.
Cleanse the area to be waxed and dry
Wax Temperature Check: Test the wax temperature on your wrist to
Wax Application: Using a spatula, apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth.
Strip Application: Place a fabric strip over the waxed area
Removal: Hold the skin taut with one hand and quickly pull the strip off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Post-Wax Care: Cleanse the area with a post-epilation product
Chemical Wave: Why 45 minutes if the candidate is only wrapping 3 permanent wave rods? The Topic Area is allotted 25 minutes for the section. An additional 20 Minutes allows test takers to individually demonstrate the saturation and test curl using the following Directive.
*Note: Evaluators will observe and score each test taker one-on-one.
Chemical wave – The directions instruct test takers to divide the head into 4 quadrants, is that for the rest of the chemical procedures? Yes, each section will be used for a separate chemical service.
CHEMICAL WAVE
SODIUM HYDROXIDE RELAXER (STRAIGHTENER) APPLICATION
COLOR LIFT
PERMANENT HAIR COLOR DEPOSIT
When beginning with the Chemical Section of the New State Board, is draping between necessary. This means we have to double drape 4 times or for 4 different services. It was suggested that a multipurpose cape can be used with proper chemical draping, including two cloth towels. This would only need to be changed once applied, if it becomes soiled in any way. It would be a good idea to have extra towels and a cape if needed.
When do they remove perm rods, or do they leave them in? The rods are removed during the cleanup of the Chemical wave section after the saturation and test curl demonstration when the test taker is instructed to clean up. They do not have to remove the rods, but they can.
For the Chemical Application: what size are the rods for perming? Are students going to be tested one at a time to demonstrate saturation? Do students have to stop at the mid shaft of virgin applications to demonstrate smoothing? There is no size requirement for the rod size. Test takers are individually asked to demonstrate saturation and a test curl. Test takers must clearly demonstrate smoothing action on one of the three subsections when required as the textbooks instruct.
Our main question is whether you have to be 18 years or older to take the PSI State Board Test. We have some dual enrollment students who are 16-17 years old, and they do not want to have to wait a year to take their test. We are test vendors only, not the licensing agency. Please contact the Board office for the age requirements for testing.
With these changes being made, will students need to purchase kits to have the things that need, by this change going into effect so fast it won't allow enough time for us to make the necessary changes in the kits, to get the over to the company, the company to update the information in there system, get the updated items that's needed, package it and ship it back to us by the start of the next semester. How are we supposed to accommodate all these changes quickly with not enough turnaround time? We have a tutorial that outlines the kit requirements and basic supplies. What the test takers currently have may contain the materials to create the kits. There is no exhaustive list needed for the test.
Is the color lift section for the lightener applications? Virgin lightener application or retouch? The Color lift is a Lightner application, and the application can be a virgin or retouch, per the testers’ choice- This will remove the anxiety related to when each application is demonstrated.
Foils needed? Topic area states to prepare color workstations which is confusing if it is for lightener and not color. There are four separate services in the Chemical services section with directions for each. The use of foil is related to techniques. Technique is not the focus of the new test. Any type of lighter application, virgin or retouch, and permanent color application is allowed as long as performed according to the safe handling precautions to adhere to infection control and workplace safety. Example- Basic Scalp analysis, gloves worn, protective cream applied; Application bowl labeled lighter. Application bowls must be labeled as permanent hair color, Lightner, etc.
When applying the simulated product (relaxer and/or color) is it now required to place the product on both the top and bottom of the hair? There is no change to how you are teaching the applications, as the procedures are listed in the textbooks, and there is no scoring for the application outside of infection control and workplace safety requirements.
Is the permanent hair color deposit demonstration a retouch? The demonstration can be for virgin or retouch applications.
If a Test taker cuts themselves – The incident must be handled correctly as stated in the reference books and a finger cot or glove must be over the band aid covered area upon completion.
Is there any formal anatomy or chemistry in the Cosmetology theory test? If there are any Anatomy or Chemistry questions on the theory test, they are related to health and safety only. Example- (What types of chemicals cannot be stored in the same space?).
What are you looking for during the skin analysis on all the topic areas? What are you looking for on the hair analysis? And these have to be performed on all topic areas after the first initial hand sanitation, correct? Hair Analysis and Skin Analysis are to be performed on all applicable tests. (Example there is no need to perform a Hair analysis during a Manicure) This is a gesture from the test taker that shows that they are aware that for the health and safety aspect of the service they would part the hair to inspect the scalp for abrasions or contraindications that would prevent service. For Esthetic and Nail services, gesturing from the test taker that shows that they are aware that for the health and safety aspect of the service that they would inspect the treatment area Example (face; hand) for abrasions or contraindications that would prevent service.
What is next after Workstation prep for the next client – if they are cleaning up why are they preparing for the next client? Are candidates complete with the examination after this topic? Please explain this topic area? The final Workstation preparation – The test taker disinfecting the workstation and preparing the space for a New Client for the next day with the daily supplies or universal supplies that should remain on the station to be used. All items that are trash or single use should be placed in the single use item. Nothing should be placed inside of the kit.
The next set of instructions are the Final Instructions with the test. Take us are directed to pack up everything and leave the testing area. There is no timing or scoring for this section, and this is the time when the test takers remove all their supplies and equipment from the entire test and pack up that can go back into the kit for removal as they exit the building.
Does each breakdown include disinfecting the table? Test takers are only required to disinfect the table in the first topic area; #1 for Workstation preparation and the final topic area Workstation preparation for the next client at the end of the exam.
Is permanent hair color deposit section for new growth only or entire hair shaft? Permanent hair, and color deposit can be executed with a virgin application or a retouch application.
For nail enhancement section, are they using 2 hands – one for manicure and one for nail enhancement? For the nail enhancement section, one hand will be used. The hand must have tips already applied to show a free edge.
Will the students complete a pink/white sculptured nail? There is no need for a pink and white sculpture nail, nor is it required for any demonstration.
When doing the set up for the artificial nail. It reads like you want us to put the nail form in the set-up part. It also says to put it on when you begin the nail. May just be the wording. All products, equipment or supplies used for each section must be set up prior to the section starting due to time constraints. Test takers should not be setting up supplies when the demonstration time for the Topic area begins.
Does it need to be odorless acrylic for nail enhancement with form? For the nail enhancement with a form, test takers now can use gel, yes-Odorless acrylic or a free flow product.
For basic manicure sections, are they polishing the nail? No Polish, base coat or topcoat are required for any National test.
Can fingers be used for nail portions? Will the proctor specify the finger to be used for the nail service? PSI does not endorse any specific brand for hands or products for use during the test. There is a basic manicure that is required and a nail enhancement therefore, a hand would be used for the demonstration, no individual fingers. All demonstrations will be completed on the one hand.
Are all products used simulated products only? Except hand sanitizer and EPA disinfectant, odorless sculpture nail kit. Correct, all products are simulated for use during the examination. This means that we do not expect you to bring actual color, permanent wave supplies, Lightner, relaxer, etc.
Do they stand the entire exam? In the instructions it says stand are they standing using manicure and sculpture nail service or just after the procedure is completed. Test takers are allowed to sit during the execution or demonstration of the manicure and sculpture now and are required to stand once the service has been completed.
Do these new changes have basic manicures instead of sculptured nails? If so, what book does cosmetology students refer to since Milady Nail book is different than Cosmetology. Both Milady Nail Foundations and Cosmetology books have the same exact procedures.
Basic Manicure – Explain to prepare client and complete a basic manicure example - are we using a finger bowl, water, etc. (what does PSI considered Basic) since this is new to the exam. PSI is only looking for a test taker to complete the demonstration of the service as it is listed in the reference book. They are welcome to bring a small bottle of water if they’d like to leave it at the top of their station, but it must be closed when not in use throughout the exam for different services like a little water in the water bowl, but they are responsible for any cleanup related to the use. Nippers are required for the manicure demonstration, and test takers will be evaluated on their use and the proper angle to avoid any aggressive tears that would be inflicted on a patron or Client. This demonstration was included due of the safety concerns that this action poses to the public
Please explain the bullet point under important guidelines stating: “Products that are not grouped as "dangerous chemicals" by OSHA and are required to be listed on an actual business SDS sheet, may be fictious with a self-created or actual label attached. Some other substance may be used inside the container to simulate a product.” What does the SDS sheet need? Test takers do not need to bring SDS Sheets with them to the practical test. A product that would normally be a dangerous chemical and included on an SDS sheet -like a chemical relaxer can be a simulated product with just a handwritten label on the application bowl that states the content. Ex. Chemical Relaxer. Other products like disinfectants, alcohol, hand, sanitizer, and nail products must have the actual manufacturers label.
Kits/supplies size- regarding the length, height, or width of the supply bag if one or a combo exceeds the measurement, will this prevent the students from testing? There are no specific measurements for your single use or multi-use bag. Please take into consideration that multiuse bags will contain most of the test takers items so that bag should be larger than the single use bag, which can simply be a bag that is lined with a plastic bag-like a large paper bag or leaf bag. For the supply kits- the measurements are only suggestions, but there is no formal size. A reasonable size should be considered for all, so that they can sit on the floor on both sides of the test taker with their kit, in the center under the
What payment types are accepted? PSI accepts credit card payments online for the test and for bulk vouchers, also ACH payments that can be purchased online. Please see the Voucher tutorial or purchase order submission that must be completed through the accounting department.
With the haircut, can the student cut the same area that was cut with the shears using the razor or should it be a different area? The test taker can use one section of the Hair for the haircut and for the razor as well, but please remember that the student must cut the entire five minutes for both portions, and they are allowed to place the comb on the table if needed.
When instructions say 5 minutes will be provided to clean off haircutting stations, do we still leave universal supplies out and only put up what they used to demonstrate? Yes, Universal supplies would stay out on the table, disinfected if covered in hair, and any hair debris. All contaminated items must be disposed of in the proper receptacle.
I haven't read anything about universal supplies. I am going to assume that it’s automatically insinuated about the universal supplies that would need to be set up during the Topic Area #1. Do Universal supplies and Universal bags always remain on the station as usual? Yes, the universal supplies would need to be set up during the topic area- Workstation preparation, and they would remain out for the duration of the test and simply disinfected and wipe down when necessary. Please remember at any time if a test taker chooses to disinfect the station between topic areas; test takers are required to wear their gloves and dispose of those gloves. Gloves can be sanitized, but after 4 to 5 uses, the sanitizing of gloves is not effective for reused worn gloves. Test takers are allowed to bring a box of gloves as a part of the universal supplies, or they can be in a Ziploc bag. Please remember that any bag that has universal supplies in it if left on the station must be closed since it is considered an extension of the kit. Any topic area bags that are taken out and all supplies are removed from them; those bags should go into the single use receptacle as trash
Is it correct that the Haircut will not be a finished cut? Is there a specific haircut, uniform layers? Will elevation be required when using the razor? There is no specific cut required or elevation. Just safe use and handling of the tool and cut for the entire five minutes for the haircut and all the razors. A test taker is not required to do an entire haircut at all; they can work in one panel section to demonstrate both portions of the haircut and the razor.
Topic Area 2 Haircutting: Why does the time change to 20 minutes? Are candidates expected to undrape after this topic area? Test takers are encouraged to use a multipurpose drape for this examination that can simply be removed and reapplied as needed. No next strip is required. For a chemical draping, the use of the same multipurpose drape would be a benefit, but the two towels that are required for a chemical drape must be used. The drape needs to be removed or replaced if it becomes drenched or soiled in any way. At that point it must be replaced so it would be a good idea to have an additional Backup cape and a few towels.
All students will be sweeping up hair at the same time. Will the testing center still provide brooms, or does the candidate need to bring one? Test takers are instructed when to clean and sweep up the cuttings from their haircut and are welcome to bring a small broom and dustpan to remove their own hair in a timely fashion. The site location will have brooms and dustpans at the site.
Are students not completing blood exposure? Why did they remove blood exposure if sanitation is key? Since blood exposure has been omitted, does that mean a first aid kit is no longer needed for the universal supplies, or do they still need to be a part of that just in case it’s needed. Can the first aid kit always remain accessible on the workstation? The Blood exposure service is not included in the test anymore. However, a test taker is required to accurately complete the procedure if they have an incident and they are required to yes, a part of their universal supplies is the first aid kit that should be sitting on the top of the station throughout the examination. Please do not use red bags. Those are for blood spills and cannot be disposed of in trash according to the law. Items used during this blood exposure, if necessary, can be placed into the single use receptacle, which is trash.
Is a double bag required for Blood spill Procedures? No, a double bag is not required if the incident occurs.
Can the second ID Card (if needed) be a Social Security Card? What are other examples of the 2nd form of ID if needed? The second ID can be a social security card, an unexpired Bankcard, or CC with a signature. The ID requirements are required for Practical and Theory tests. Please see your Test Taker Guide for your requirements.
Are we allowed to label each bag, so the student knows which bag to pick up? Example, Client 1 or Area Topic 1. Yes, please review the Tutorial. No lists are allowed on or in the bags with steps for the service.
Do they repeat the instructions twice? No, the test is read once in real time per the recording for clarity.
Will Test takers who do not finish a portion of a certain area will receive a zero for the whole section? No, not finishing a section does not result in a zero.
Are we supposed to assume all topics are on the same client? Each Topic area is a new client, but a test taker can use the same manikin throughout the test.
Go over test reference materials – most current textbooks? The reference materials listed below were used to develop the questions for this test. Pivot Point Fundamentals: Cosmetology, (101C-113C); ©2023 Pivot Point International, Inc. 2nd Edition, 1st Printing, December 2023 ISBN 978-1-957642-57-4 (Coursebook set) Pivot Point International, Inc. https://www.pivot-point.com/shop/ Contact: info@pivot-point.com 847-866-0500 Milady's Standard Cosmetology. 14th Edition, 2023. ISBN: 978-0-357378-90-8 Milady www.miladypro.com Customer Service: info@milady.com 800.998.7498 ext. 2700
What is a Red Book? When will the RED Book be provided? The Red Book is a written document that includes the Test taker Guides’ instructions translated into the desired language. The test takers can access the document during the test to review the instructions for additional opportunities to review the instructions.
Return items to kit at end? When test is over, are items general supplies (manikin head and hand) returned to dry storage? All COS supplies will not fit into just two discard containers. No items at all can be returned to the kit once they are removed. Hands and Manikins can be placed on the floor if needed. There are no specific measurements for your single use or multi-use bag. Please take into consideration that multiuse bags will contain most of the test takers items so that bag should be larger than the single use bag, which can simply be a bag that is lined with a plastic bag-like a large paper bag or leaf bag. These are only suggestions, but there is no formal size. A reasonable so that they can sit on the floor on both sides of the test taker with their kit, in the center under the table. Please review the Kit tutorial.
May a candidate place their car key, not ring, into a sanitary closed container inside their dry storage, or must it be stored by testing facility? When they are at work, they would store it in a separate location from client supplies. Any personal items can be placed in a site Locker bag. If a phone or smart watch sounds, Rings or goes off the test taker will be dismissed immediately. The kit is a Disinfected dry sanitizer and if anything is placed in the kit, all items become contaminated.
If a text taker must leave the testing room, how will they be readmitted? Can identification be placed into the candidate’s pocket after the check-in? The test taker will place the ID face down on the corner of the table during the test and use it to sign out when exiting the room and leave at the monitored sign out station. Upon return, they can retrieve the ID and sign back in to test.
*Government issued temporary paper IDs are acceptable form of ID when presented with the expired I D.
Does the supply container need to be labeled and if so, what is the correct verbiage to be used on the large label on the kit. No, it does not require a label; Please see the tutorial.
Shave: Are they required to have a sharps container to dispose of blades? No, they do not need a Sharps Container for the blade.
Barber shaving - it says, "you are required to steam the face with a towel and lather the face for a shave". During this procedure the student has only 5minutes to set up and steam and lather the face. Am I understanding that correctly? If this is correct, at what time does the test taker have to put the shaving cream on the face to get ready for the shave? When the instructions are being read is a towel already on the face? Is lather on the face? Does the proctor want to see shaving cream on the face so the test can shave it off? Would the test takers still need to show the Towel Wrap during the clean up? The towel can be pre-moistened, then placed in a Ziploc bag, and the action of the steamed towel can be demonstrated. If the test takers follow the steps as they have been taught safely, they will be fine. The proctor will need to see the shaving cream on the face and see it removed as normal. Small cans of shaving cream are allowed.
Will Test takers be mailed an eligibility notice? USPS or email? All PSI communications are sent by email. Please ensure that the correct email address is on the account created and not a school email.
What exactly are you looking for the test taker to do the Perm Hair Color Deposit? Is the color deposit retouch or virgin application? Either application, Virgin or Retouch is allowed. The test takers are to demonstrate the procedures that they have been taught from their textbooks.
Are towels necessary to place on tables prior to setting up supplies? Towels are not required and can be considered contaminated if reused and become soiled.
What are the expectations if any supplies drop to the floor during assessment? Dropped supplies are to be picked up and disinfected (if shears- for example), then hands are to be sanitized. If not shears, the item would be picked up and placed in either receptacle, then hands are sanitized.
Will someone be demonstrating during the meeting to give the instructors a visual? We are working on video presentations to share on the national page soon.
With these changes being implemented, does this mean that the student only needs to bring 1 manikin not 2, is that correct? And 1 mannikin will be used for the entire state board practical exam? The use of one manikin is sufficient for the test.
Will there no longer be thermal curling? Thermal curling is not on the National Test, and the testing of this topic is being discontinued in several states for the test.
Topic area 1 - from my understanding the Guide is saying that the test takers have to just set up their workstation, it's not specifying about them preparing/setting up for their client or is this done within the 5 minutes of Topic 2? For every Topic area, the specific instructions will direct the test taker. For all Topic areas after the set up and client preparation occurs, there is an additional allotted time.
Do mannequins still need to be at least 7 in long with no hair color? There is no length requirement for manikins and color restrictions. The manikins used for the test should not have derogatory or offensive markings or colored in a manner that assists with application placement.
If a student steps back to indicate they are finished, can they later return to their client as long as time still permits? Yes, a test taker can return to the client if their hands are still sanitized and time permits.
Are candidates required to set up and break down their stations for each individual service? Time is provided for setup /client preparation and cleanup for every topic area. Please review the Test Taker Guide.
Instructor’s Practical Test: Should the name of the candidate be listed on the Lesson Plan? There is no lesson Plan but instead a Safety Manual and The School name would be on the document not the Candidate.
Instructor’s Practical Test: Are the candidates rearranging furniture to prepare their classroom to reflect their seating chart? There is No rearrangement of furniture needed for the test.
Instructor Practical Test: Are the candidates supposed to draw and label a seating chart, or can they print one from their book and or website? Draw and label a seating chart for the classroom.
Instructor’s Practical Test: Classroom safety manual is supposed to be printed with mock items (SDS) or with the actual items they are only using for testing? The document is to be an actual live manual.
Instructor’s Practical Test: Topic Area 3 Public Health and Safety Lecture and Demonstration: Would the candidate be giving a topic to teach for Theory and Demonstration (example: Scalp/hair Analysis and chemical relaxer) in addition to Public Health and Safety? The Topics are listed in the theory and demonstration portion of the Test Taker Guide. Feel free to choose and present on the day of the test. Please see your Test Taker Guide for your requirements.
Test takers who ask questions will be told one of two statements “Do the best with what you have” or “Demonstrate as you learned”. Please clarify. This seems to be a contradiction to instructions where it states: Are there any questions about the instructions you have been given? Can evaluators answer questions now without only responding with the previous two statements? Evaluators must remain unbiased and refrain from showing any partiality to one test taker over another. To mitigate this perception, they are not allowed to comment beyond the scripted statements. The statements are to encourage the test takers to continue if they have forgotten something and remember what their instructor has taught and prepared them for testing.
Is each topic considered a "new client" therefore a new towel is placed each time? Test takers can change the towel and cape if needed due to soiling, but this is not required. If the cape is unsoiled and a multipurpose cape, test takers are allowed to use the multipurpose drape for this examination that can be simply removed and reapplied as needed. No next strip is required. For chemical draping, the use of that same multipurpose drape would be a benefit, but the two towels that are required for a chemical drape must be used. If that drape needs to be removed or replaced or if it becomes drenched or soiled in any way, it must be replaced so it would be a good idea to have an additional Backup cape and a few towels.
Do test takers disinfect the workstations with Barbicide wipes for every procedure and use gloves with wipes? The test takers will only need to disinfect the workstation with gloved hands using a manufacturer approved labeled disinfectant at the beginning and end of the test. They will not have to disinfect before each and after every topic area for each section of the test – unless their workstation becomes soiled/contaminated. All areas that you have mentioned will be scored during this Topic area. In all the Test taker guides, there is a list of Workplace Infection Control Precautions & Workplace Safety Precautions, and all of these precautions are items that test takers will need to keep in mind. If a test taker chooses to disinfect after every service, they MUST wear gloves.
There are no supply lists or suggested supplies for the PSI Practical National Tests. – what does this mean? Please review our supply kit tutorial. We recommend the test taker brings the equipment and supplies needed to perform a topic area as they would in their own professional environment. There are no right or wrong supplies or right or wrong techniques to demonstrate a topic area. Professionals learn and do tasks as they learn in school, apprenticeship programs, or manufacturing training. Please demonstrate topic areas with the equipment and supplies and as taught in school or during apprenticeship or training.
Topic Area 1 Workstation Prep: Are candidates expected to set up for the entire examination? Are candidates expected to undrape after this topic area? For every Topic area, the specific instructions will direct the test taker. Topic area 1 states set up the station, and the next Topic area states prepare the client and set up workstations. For all Topic areas after#1, all services include the set up and client preparation that occur during the initial allotted time.
There are only 3 shaving strokes during a face shave. Free Hand, Back Hand, Reverse Freehand. Reverse Back Hand is not a part of a Face Shave. That is correct, and please apply the razor in the Appropriate areas and complete the demonstration that has been requested.
Shave: Are candidates expected to undrape after this topic area? Test takers can change the towel and cape if needed due to soiling, but this is not required.
Shave: Is the candidate required to use a live razor blade with straight edge? Yes, a live razor blade or derma planer is acceptable.
Shave: Are the candidates expected to lather the area where this reverse back hand stroke is performed? Yes, an area on the back of the neck will suffice.
Shave: In the final set of instructions are the candidates expected to complete finishing the steps of the shave or just clean the workstation? They are only required to demonstrate the steps as directed, and then they will clean up as directed.
Chemical Wave: Verify this wrapping be done in any quadrant. Yes, the three rods wrapped can be completed in any Quadrant.
Chemical Wave: Which method of end wrap? What type of base setting? No wrapping or base placement is scored. All rod placements should be consistent. This test is based on safety and infection control, not techniques to achieve a particular style.
Chemical Wave, Sodium Hydroxide Relaxer (Virgin or Retouch applications), Color Lift (Lightner Application) can be demonstrated on any quadrant of the head separately. The test taker will only need to demonstrate 3 subsection partings for each Topic area, not the entire section. This will take less time than the previous test, therefore the time for each demonstration has decreased. The product bowls or containers must have the appropriate identifying labels on them. There is no specific brush or bowl that is required, and the test taker can choose if they demonstrate Virgin or Retouch applications where applicable. All Evaluators are licensed and trained to identify which application is being applied.
So, there is no longer Blood exposure, A soak off of acrylic or a 2nd set up for client under Nail Tech? These Services are no longer included in the test. Please see the New Test Taker Guide. Every test taker is still required to have a first aid kit on their station during the test.
Do the "single use" and "multi use" containers replace the soiled linens, trash, and disinfected bags? If so, can they still be bags or do they need to be containers? The terms trash and soiled items are now replaced with “single use" and "multi use containers” or bags.
Do they cut hair with shears and/or razor for the whole 5 minutes? Yes, the test taker must cut for the full 5 minutes in each section.
Just making sure that I understand, during the 10 minutes the test taker must set up their workstation and divide their manikin into 4 sections as well? Yes, during the 10 minutes set up time test takers are required to set out their supplies and prepare the client.
In the instructions, it says, “prepare your client” and “requires the use of a straight razor with an actual shaving edge”. Is the shaving portion using a live model or still using a mannequin? So, does this mean that the students are going to be using a REAL razor during the exam? Yes, a live razor/blade is required, and all services will be completed on the manikin. No models are allowed.
Workstation set up: Only basic general supplies to set up at this time? Correct; Universal supplies that will be used for the entire test can be set up during the workstation preparation under topic area, one.
Will the student need to come in with a hand set with tips and acrylic for the basic mani-cure? Yes, tips will need to be applied on the hand prior to the test takers' arrival.
Will the students only complete 5 minutes using shears and 5 minutes using razor? Yes, that is correct; the test taker will need to demonstrate haircutting in one section for the entire five minutes and demonstrate the use of a razor for the entire five minutes.
Safety techniques for color are necessary as they are often not practiced or concerned as important: Predisposition and strand test. Predisposition and strand test were not included in this test per the recommendation of the subject matter experts. As an Educator, please continue to teach and instruct your test takers on the importance as outlined in the reference books.