We’ve received a ton of emails from candidates just like you asking us for tips on preparing for their state board exam. The preparation stage is going to be absolutely crucial to your success so we understand why so many candidates have reached out to us with this question.
With all things in life, success is purely the combination of hard work and belief.
Preparing for your state board exam will certainly be no walk in the park. And that’s exactly why we think it’s important to have some solid guidelines to follow along the way.
In response to all of the emails we received on this topic, we called upon one of our own, master instructors Melinda Davis, to help us crack the code by providing guidelines to follow along the way.
Tips On Preparing For Your State Board Exam
1. Get Your Stuff Together
The most important thing to do, of course, is to register to take your exam. Once you are registered, mark the date on your calendar. Be sure to also note the location of your testing area ahead of time so that you have an idea of the travel time it will take to get there from your house.
Next, be aware of all the supplies you will need in order to take the exam. Pack extras for anything breakable, just in case. For the practical exam in particular, remember that you’ll need to bring your own models.
You will also need printed proof of your training hours from your school. Followed up by an approved form of identification.
To get the best possible grade, make sure to follow all of the guidelines listed above.
To avoid being docked, make sure to follow all of the guidelines listed above.
2. Practice Tests
Now that you have registered for your exam and acquired all of the required tools, it’s time to dedicate yourself to focused studying.
We can’t emphasize how important this step is to your success. The cosmetology state board exam will test you on concepts, definitions, practices, theories, safety procedures, sanitation practices, and more.
The exam is tough; we won’t sugarcoat it. But by diligently studying and utilizing practice tests, you’ll increase your chances of passing the exam and entering a promising job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in cosmetology jobs from 2022 to 2032.
The candidates who failed their state board exam reveal that a staggering number of them relied solely on their textbooks for preparation. As we all know, putting all of your eggs in one basket can have unintended consequences.
So, what is the most effective way to study for the state board exam?
We recommend using CPT Guru’s powerful study material. Candidates who used CPT Guru’s study material to prepare for their state board exams passed at double the national rate! So, be smart and strive to pass your exam the first time and get going on your career.
CPT Guru’s study material includes questions directly from the state board exam, up-to–date study guides, sectional quizzes, and more.
If you use their study material and fail your exam, they offer a 100% money–back guarantee.
Not bad, huh?
CPT’s main goal is to help you pass your state board exam. More importantly, they strive to help you save time on your studying so that you can get back to doing the more important things in life (like binge-watching that makes you feel better about your life! #NoJudgement, #We’veAllBeenThereBefore).
3. Know the Exam Structure Inside Out
In order to be confident on the exam day, you should get familiar with the structure of the exam.
Written examinations typically last 90 minutes.
Depending on your state, practical examinations can last from 4 to 8 hours and typically 2 to 4 hours for shorter exams like esthetics, nail technology, and electrology exams.
Typically there are short breaks, but make sure you are quick with your snack or bathroom breaks. Because if you’re late returning to the exam room, you may not be allowed back in.
Keep in mind that during the practical exam, you’ll be in a room full of people. There may be distractions during the exam but make sure to keep your focus sharp on your exam.
We recommend you get to the testing facility early so you have some time to review before the exam. This will also allow you to get familiar with the space that you will be in for your exam.
4. Stop Stressing
We all know that a little bit of pressure can make people perform better, but at the same time, too much pressure can make people shut down.
The worst thing you can do is to cram yourself with materials the night before the exam. We recommend that you finish your studying a week before to use the remaining time to review what you’ve learned.
It is important to relax and eat a well–balanced meal the night before your exam.
Also, make sure to get good sleep the day before your exam, at least 8 hours of shut–eye. Pulling an all-nighter will only tire your brain’s neurons which will in turn prevent it from retrieving memorized content for the test
You’ve done the work, put in the hours, and studied hard. You have every reason to be confident! You know this!
5. Reward Yourself.
In the midst of preparing for your big exam, you neglect the most important person you should be caring for. Wondering who? It’s YOU.
Make sure to reward yourself for all of your studying accomplishments, whether they are big or small.
If you get 100% on a practice exam, reward yourself with your favorite dessert item (oreo cookies milkshake anyone?).
Small rewards allow your brain to realize dopamine was achieved through hard work. Once the brain connects the two activities together, you will become unstoppable!
6. Review Tough Topics
Certain topics will require significant effort and attention. The more complex the subject matter, the more time and concentration you must allocate. Note sections you struggle with on practice tests. Go back over hard topics until you know them well.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher for clarification on confusing concepts. Remember, investing additional effort in mastering difficult topics will pay off in the long run.
Don’t ignore tough areas. Embrace the opportunity to grow and excel!
7. Read Slowly and Carefully
Read each question and answer your choice completely. Rushing leads to picking wrong answers. Take time to fully understand the question.
When you’re answering, read the question carefully and pay attention to keywords and instructions. Think about what the question is really asking and come up with your own answer before peeking at the options. If you need to write or calculate something, take a second to get your thoughts straight and keep it short and sweet.
Don’t assume, instead read everything. Careless mistakes happen when you move too fast. Slow down and win your race!
FAQs
1. What’s the hardest part about cosmetology?
The hardest part about cosmetology can vary from person to person. But the common hardest part would be passing the licensing exam.
2. How many questions are on the NC Cosmetology State Board exam?
The North Carolina Cosmetology State Board exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions. These questions cover a range of topics, including hair care, skin care, nail care, and state laws and regulations.
3. Is cosmetology a GCSE?
No, cosmetology is not a GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) subject. It is a vocational qualification equivalent to GCSE grades 9-1, focused on beauty treatments.
4. What is the passing score for the cosmetology exam in California?
In California, Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Manicurists, and Barbers must score at least 75% to pass both the written and practical exams.
5. What is the cost of the cosmetology exam in Texas?
The cost of the cosmetology exam in Texas is $50 for the written exam and $72 for the practical exam.
6. How long is the NYS cosmetology practical exam?
The NYS cosmetology practical exam takes nearly 3 hours to complete.
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