Exam Questions and Answers
Questions Answers Profession
Will the FAQ on the website be updated? Questions concerning the exams are forwarded to the test development department for review. Relevant questions that are not already covered in the handbook are added to Frequently Asked Questions on the website. Similar questions are grouped or summarized.
General Will old questions be archived?
Is this exam only for Washington? The practical and written exams are specifically for Washington State. Washington State has no control over requirements in other states. Candidates are required to pass both the written portion and the practical portion to be licensed in the State of Washington. Washington State passing scores for either the written portion or the practical portion from the previous testing company are accepted.
General Is it valid in other states?
If a portion of the test was taken with the other testing agency, does a student have to take the whole test over or just what they didn't complete?
In the past, you had to have a 75 average on the practical exam, with no segment below 45. Now is it a scale score of 75 on every service to pass?
Candidates get a scaled score on every service tested in the exam. Passing score for the practical exam is a
minimum scaled score of at least 40 on every section of the practical exam with an overall average scaled score on the practical exam of 75. If you score less than 40 on any service, you will have to retake the entire exam.
Candidates can see all of their scores online within one week of taking the exam. Scores are not sent to schools.
General
Is each task weighted differently?
Is each task 10%?
How do you find your score?
If candidates fail one section of the test, will they get their scores for all the sections so they know what to work on?
Will school officials still receive the same result letter?
How is the written test rated? Each question on the multiple choice test has one correct answer. To pass, candidates must get a scaled score of 75. See handbook.
General
Can students test within a couple of days of finishing their schooling?
Candidates who are within 80 hours of curriculum
completion may sign up in advance for the exam time and date of their choosing. Candidates must have all program hours completed at the time of their exam. See handbook.
NTN offers flexible, continuous testing for candidates.
General Can they take their practical exams while in school?
Do candidates have to send in ID information before taking the test?
Two types of valid ID are required at the time a candidate comes in for testing. At least one must have a current photo. Valid types of identification are listed in the handbook. A student ID is not considered a valid identification.
General Can a form of ID be their student ID?
The exam covers things that we do not teach in our school. The handbook shows content areas covered in the exam process. Candidates need to be prepared in all areas tested. Specific sections of state law covered in the exam are shown in the handbook. Reference texts are also shown in the handbook. All technical questions are referenced to both the Milady and Pivot Point textbooks listed. It is not necessary to study both texts.
General Should we teach our students on the State law? Is that now
a part of the written test?
Milady’s and Pivot Point are both listed in the handbook as references for written test questions. Does that mean we have to teach both to our students?
I need to know the references used for the Instructor’s test so I can properly study.
Are you going to post the verbal instructions for us to practice?
Practical exam instructions and a timer will be presented on one video screen in the exam room. A decision will be made soon about making copies of the practical exam DVD available. Scripts of instructions are available for review and downloading on this website. Performance
expectations for each service are provided in the handbook. Sample written exam questions are in the handbook. An online practice test for the written test will be available soon.
General Will practicals be on one big screen or individual screens?
Will we get a copy of the instructional DVD?
Do we get sample written test questions?
Is there any way to get extra sample questions?
Where are you testing in Spokane? All testing locations are listed on this website. Candidates may choose the one they prefer. Updated information about the specific testing location in Spokane will be posted on this website soon. Special hotel rates for candidates who must travel to a test site have not been negotiated at this time.
General Where are your testing locations?
Is there an arrangement for special hotel rates for those who travel to take the test?
Do all exam supplies for all services need to be set out during the initial set up?
The handbook instructs you to arrive at the exam with all tools and implements sanitized and in sealed containers.
Tools and implements are not required to be in individual labeled bags or containers. You are given 10 minutes for initial setup which includes setting up your mannequin with clamp or other accepted stabilizing method. During the 10 minute initial setup you will also set up your sanitized containers, linens, papers and products. During a 2 minute setup period at the beginning of each service, you will set up your tools and implements that will be in use for that service. The tools may remain out during that service.
Throughout the exam, the candidate is responsible for safe, sanitary and legal handling of tools and implements.
Draping is performed during the timed service which is after the 2 minutes setup of tools and implements. See script and handbook.
General
When setting up the work area for a service, can tools and implements be laid out uncovered?
Does each tool have to be in a separate plastic bag labeled in English?
When we do the initial setup of the mannequin, do we drape, or just put the doll on the station? Is it to be the head, grip, stand and cape in the same setup?
When do we do the drape? During the ten minute initial setup? During the 2 minute setup for each service? Or, during the service itself?
Is a clean paper towel accepted for cleaning the station before and after each service?
Candidates are required to successfully perform steps in the handbook in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner, without detracting from the exam administration. If your use of paper towels to clean and disinfect the station before performing each service is effective and meets these criteria, it is acceptable.
Cosmetologist
Is pre-sectioning the mannequin ok? Sectioning must be performed during the exam. For the various services, larger sections will be divided into smaller subsections, for example subsections the size of the required chemical wave rod. The number of sections and the width of the subsections is your choice, but should be appropriate for the size of the rod being used. Wrap four standard pink, grey or white chemical wave rods total (not the entire section). Begin wrapping at the crown in the section described in the handbook. An evaluator must observe the candidate apply solution to the four wrapped rods and perform a test curl. No additional wrapping is required after the test curl. Cotton and protective skin cream are applied before the evaluator is called. See updated script.
Cosmetologist What does sub-section mean?
Does the entire section to be chemical waved need to be wrapped on rods?
Do we have to continue wrapping the entire section after the four rods are checked?
Is cotton applied when the evaluator is present or before the evaluator is called?
Is it ok to use the shorter rods, instead of the standard rods?
How many sections are required?
Where do we start wrapping?
The script and the handbook do not agree about whether or not mannequin #1 is used again after the chemical waving service. Is it used again for the facial service?
Page 20 in the Cosmetologist Candidate Handbook correctly states which mannequin head is used for which service. Mannequin #1 is used for the facial. Time is allowed for required switching of mannequin heads between services. See updated script.
Cosmetologist
Are candidates given time for switching the mannequin head?
Should candidates use a different bowl and brush for each quadrant of the relaxer?
Candidates are required to successfully perform each service in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner, following steps in the handbook, and without detracting from the exam administration. Relaxer product coming out of the same labeled container is acceptable for use in both relaxer applications if it meets these criteria.
Cosmetologist
I don't understand the requirements on a haircut. It says shears or razor. I don't understand. What does that mean?
Many tools are used to perform basic cosmetology. In haircutting, shears and razors are the most common tools and candidates may use one or the other or both in the practical exam. Candidates are required to successfully perform the service in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner, following steps in the handbook, and without detracting from the exam administration.
Palming of the cutting implement is required for client safety. If your method of cutting the hair meets these criteria, it is acceptable.
Cosmetologist What is the reasoning behind giving the option of razor or
shears on the hair cutting exam? Don’t they have to be able to use both?
Is palming shears expected?
Are curls pre-set for the thermal curling service? Will the curling iron in the exam be hot?
The curling iron in the exam will not be hot. Candidates must bring mannequins that are pre-curled. There is no requirement with regard to brushing the mannequin before arrival and there will be no request to brush the mannequin before the thermal curling service.
Cosmetologist Prior to the exam, does the pre-curl mannequin need to be
brushed out?
Are you going to request the mannequin be brushed out before the thermal curling service?
During a hair cut or curl, can a towel be put where you would put a sani-wrap?
Candidates are required to successfully perform each service, following steps described in the handbook, using a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal method, without detracting from exam administration. If your use of a towel meets all of these criteria, it is acceptable.
Cosmetologist
Do barber service mannequins need to be male
mannequins? Why? This may be a cost issue for some students.
Facial shaving service mannequins must be male mannequins because bone and facial structure in the shaving area is different on men and women. Male mannequins are not required to have or have had facial hair. Candidates will demonstrate correct shaving strokes, not actually shave the male mannequin. No mannequins brought to the barber practical exam by candidates may have shaving areas marked on them.
Barber
Do male mannequins need to have facial hair or have had facial hair?
The male mannequin at the 9/21/10 orientation had facial shaving areas marked. Is that allowed in the exam?
The exam handbook for barber services says to cover the headrest. What if there is no headrest?
If there is a headrest, it must be covered. If there is no headrest, this does not apply.
Barber
How long is the facial in the Cosmetology exam? Steps to be followed and time limits for all services, including the facial, are in the handbook. No removal of actual makeup is required. No make-up is needed for the exam. Cleansing includes steaming. See handbook for all required steps. See updated script. Candidates are
required to successfully perform each service, following steps described in the handbook, using a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal method, without
detracting from exam administration. This includes chest covering. If your methods and materials meet all of these criteria, they are acceptable. No points are deducted for completing a service early.
Esthetician Do we cover the chest with a towel or cape?
Do you get docked if you don't use all 30 minutes of your facial time?
What is the policy for not using all the time for all practical exams?
In the Cosmo/Esthetician exam, does the mannequin need to have make-up on before you begin?
What do you mean by cleansing?
What is a cleansing facial?
Is a clamp required? Candidates are required to successfully perform services in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner, following steps in the handbook, using methods and materials that do not detract from exam administration. If your way of stabilizing a mannequin is effective for the service, does not detract from exam administration, for instance by taking too much space, and if you meet the required performance criteria, it is acceptable.
Cosmetologist Esthetician Can you use a mannequin that lies down for the
Esthetician/Cosmo exam?
If you don't need the clamp, can you use a pillow?
Can one bowl of water be used for the Facial Service test?
Or should student have clean water for cleansing, massage and mask?
The esthetician services - facial, facial mask, manual extraction, tweezing and waxing - may all be considered to be performed on the same client. Candidates are required to successfully perform each service, following steps described in the handbook, using a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal method, without detracting from exam administration. If your methods and materials meet all of these criteria, they are acceptable.
Esthetician
Should candidates demonstrate cleansing and massage procedures for the neck as well as face?
Facial areas to be cleansed and massaged are stated in the handbook.
Cosmetologist Esthetician
Does the mask need to be applied with a brush? Brush application is not required. Candidates are required to successfully perform services in a professionally
effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner, following steps in the handbook, using method and materials that do not detract from exam administration. If your way of applying a mask meets all of these criteria it is acceptable.
Esthetician
Are eye pads and gloves required for manual extraction? Yes. This information is updated in the handbook available at this website.
Esthetician
In the instructional exam, what happens if you get done early?
Candidates are required to demonstrate performance of a theory and a demonstration lecture, as described in the handbook, in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner. If your way of performing the lecture meets all of these criteria, it is acceptable. Instructor candidates may use their choice of training aides as long as they are effective for the presentation and appropriate for the facility.
This includes tripods. Candidates must bring all of their own training aids and resources. If your presentation is thorough and effective, no points are deducted for completing a demonstration early.
Instructor Can candidates use a tripod in the instructor’s exam?
The mannequin supply list lists a nail buffer and a nail file.
Is the nail buffer optional?
Use of a buffer is not required. You may have a file only. It is also acceptable to have a buffer and a file. Candidates are required to successfully perform each service, following steps described in the handbook, using a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal method, without
detracting from exam administration. If your methods and materials, including when and how you use a file or buffer, result in a professional service and meet all of these criteria, they are acceptable.
Cosmetologist Manicurist When do you use the buffer?
Do you need a buffer and file?
With sculptured nail product, does it have to be a certain color?
Specification for nail products is that they must be odorless and appropriate for the service.
Manicurist
For the manicurist exam, is the hand considered the same person throughout the task?
A different hand mannequin is not required for each
service. All manicurist services are considered to be on the same client.
Manicurist
Is the kit company through NTN? The kit content checklist provided in the handbook is a complete list of what to bring for your exam. NTN does not regulate or endorse any kit company. Regardless of where the kit is from, it is the candidate’s responsibility to assure it is complete. Candidates are required to successfully perform services in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner, following steps in the handbook, using method and materials that do not detract from exam administration. If the contents of your kit meet these criteria, are appropriate for the exam facility and are effective for the purposes needed in the service, they are acceptable. This includes tripods and containers.
General Kit Contents Who regulates what's in the kit?
Can students continue to bring a tripod in their kits?
Do bowls actually have to be bowls?
To carry water, can it just be a container?
What do you do with one mannequin when you are using the other?
Candidates are required to successfully perform services in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner, following steps in the handbook, using method and
materials that do not detract from exam administration, including taking too much space. Mannequin heads must meet these criteria. Two mannequin heads are required.
Requirements for hair length are stated in the handbook.
Mannequins that are not in use should be bagged for cleanliness and placed under the workstation during the exam.
General Kit Contents What is the length of hair required on mannequins?
Can the mannequin have shoulders?
How many mannequins can a student bring in?
With the Cosmo/Barber exam, do you need to have two separate drapes?
Candidates must use a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal drape for every service being
demonstrated. The drape must be appropriate for the type of service. The kit checklist in the handbook shows the required type of cape to use for each service. Candidates are told when to leave a drape in place for re-use in the next service. If no specific exam instruction for draping is stated, appropriate draping or re-draping is required. One
General Kit Contents Some instructions do not mention draping. Do you drape
for everything?
Do you drape and re-drape between services?
What is the third cape for?
Do feet need to be covered? Candidates are required to maintain personal safety and sanitation throughout the exam. This includes wearing shoes that thoroughly cover their feet and have no cutouts or open toes. Flip flops and sandals are not acceptable.
General Kit Contents Are flip flops ok?
If a student forgot to grab something out of their kit during their set up, can they get it?
Candidates are required to maintain personal and client safety and sanitation throughout the exam. Kits must be stored under the station at all times. Countertop containers must stay within the workstation area provided for the candidate. Candidates may get items from their kits during all parts of the exam. Candidates are responsible for maintaining sanitation while items are stored and during any movement of items.
General Kit Contents Can kits be open under the workstation?
Can we use different types of containers, such as stackable drawers, at the workstation?
Do we have to have two garbage bags? How do the bags need to be marked?
The exam emphasizes personal and client safety and sanitation. Candidates are required to provide services without breaks in sanitation (not sanitizing your hands after touching anything unsanitized is a break in sanitation).
Soiled waste materials and soiled linens must be kept separate from sanitized material in labeled receptacles.
Disposal receptacles do not need to be closed while in use, as they would in a salon. All waste and soiled material, including blood spill, must be removed from the site by the candidate when the exam is over. Candidates are required to successfully perform each service described in the handbook in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner that does not detract from exam
administration. If a candidate’s way of collecting and managing waste and soiled implements during a service meets all of these criteria, including no breaks in sanitation, it is acceptable.
General Waste Management Do soiled materials need to be sealed?
What do you do with the “soiled” bag?
Can students use bins inside of the kit and consider those bins as separate areas of sanitation?
Is there going to be a separate container for blood spill?
Will they dispose of it in the facility?
What do we do with our soiled implements? Combs?
Brushes?
Can used, disposable items be thrown directly into the garbage bag, or into a clear sealable container to be discarded at end of that service?
For the esthetician exam, can we put waste in a smaller container on the top of the work surface for each service and dispose of it after the service?
Questions were raised about labeling containers and listing ingredients. Does it need manufacturer’s label? What about on mock product?
Candidates must demonstrate their technique on mannequins using safe, non-toxic, non-odorous, non- aerosal, products or mock products. Label (handwritten or machine made) must be legible and state, in English, what the container represents. For instance, a container filled with water may be labeled, “Chemical Waving Solution”. A container filled with cool water may be labeled, “Warm Water”. Towels may be moistened in advance and brought in a sealed plastic container marked, “Steamed towels”.
Ingredient lists from actual products or mock ingredient lists are not required. Liquid hand sanitizer is required in
sufficient quantity to keep hands sanitary throughout the exam. Candidates are required to successfully perform each service described in the handbook in a professionally effective, safe, sanitary and legal manner that does not detract from exam administration. If a candidate’s implement container and way of sanitizing implements meets all of these criteria, including no breaks in sanitation, it is acceptable.
General Kit Contents Should disinfectants be real?
Does fake product have to have ingredients list from real product?
Do you need to bring a thermos to the facility?
Is warm water needed?
Can you bring damp steamed towels?
Can the wet sanitizer be a small one since the implements have already been sanitized and are in a clear and clean container?
Must all products be odorless?
Can labels be written on the bottles or do they have to be made with a label maker?
