Cosmetology State Board Written Exam Overview

Exam Structure

• 70% of the total test consists of the written exam.

Subject Areas

1. Health and Science (30%)

   • Microbiology:
     • Bacteria, viruses, parasites
     • Immunity
     • Prevention and infection control (sanitation, disinfection, sterilization)
     • Federal regulations (EPA, FDA, OSHA)
     • Universal precautions
     • First aid (minor burns, bleeding, eye irritation)
     • MSDS sheet (Material Safety Data Sheet)
   • Anatomy and Physiology:
     • Anatomy of cells, tissue, organs (heart, lung, skin)
     • Physiology
       • Skeletal system (bones of face, neck, shoulders, etc.)
       • Muscles (scalp, mastication, etc.)
       • Types of joints
       • Circulatory system
       • Endocrine, respiratory, integumentary (skin), nervous, excretory systems
   • Ergonomics:
     • Body positions
     • Scissor and body posture to prevent injury
   • Chemistry:
     • pH scale
     • Nutrition, medication, compounds, and mixtures
     • Product ingredients, labeling, and safety
   • Electricity:
     • Electrical current
     • Electrotherapy and light therapy

2. Hair Care Services (40%)

   • Trichology (Study of Hair):
     • Properties of hair and scalp
     • Hair shaft and root, keratinization
     • Hair growth stages (anagen, catagen, telogen)
   • Hair and Scalp Procedures:
     • Shampooing, conditioning, massaging, brushing
     • Analysis and product selection
     • Scalp treatments
   • Principles of Hair Design:
     • Elements (form, line, direction, texture, color)
     • Balance and design
     • Facial shapes
   • Hair Cutting:
     • Client consultation
     • Hair analysis
     • Haircuts (blunt, graduated, layered)
   • Wigs and Extensions:
     • Client consultation
     • Human and synthetic wig care
   • Chemical Services:
     • Perming, relaxing, coloring
     • Analysis and testing (PD test, preliminary strand test)
     • Procedures and classifications of hair colors

3. Skin Care Theory and Services (15%)

   • Skin Composition and Structure:
     • Layers, nerves, glands
     • Skin types and pigmentation
     • Skin conditions and disorders
   • Facial Procedures:
     • Draping, cleansing, consultation
     • Temporary hair removal, facials, makeup

4. Nail Care Theory and Services (15%)

   • Nail Structure and Growth:
     • Composition, conditions, disorders
   • Manicure and Pedicure Procedures:
     • Tools and products
     • Massage techniques
   • Artificial Nails:
     • Tips, wraps, overlays, acrylics, gels
   • Nail Art:
     • Procedures, setup, and cleanup

Key Study Areas

• Focus on sanitation, safety regulations, anatomy, physiology, hair and nail procedures, client consultations, and chemical applications.
• Understand the structure, functions, and disorders of skin and nails.
• Familiarize with ergonomic practices and product safety guidelines.