Planning to take the ND State Board of Cosmetology Exam and begin your beauty career? Whether you’re a recent graduate or relocating to North Dakota, this guide provides all the essential details from the application process to exam preparation and licensing requirements to help you navigate your journey in North Dakota’s beauty industry.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology Exam
The North Dakota Cosmetology State Board Exam is comprised of two components: the NIC Theory (written) exam and the NIC Practical exam. North Dakota utilizes the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exam through PSI to administer both the theory and practical exams. These assessments evaluate your knowledge and skills in cosmetology, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a successful career. The steps below will cover everything you need to know, from exam topics to the application process, to help you succeed and earn your license.
Steps to Crack the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology Exam
Prepare for success on the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology Exam with these clear and essential steps to guide your journey. Let’s go through the essential steps for the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology Exam.
STEP 1: Verify Your Eligibility to Take the North Dakota Cosmetology Exam
Prior to the exam, make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- A graduate of a cosmetology school
- Should have the minimum practical hours to apply for the exam
Refer to the table below for the minimum hours needed based on the type of license you’re applying for.
Note: You must have graduated from a North Dakota cosmetology school or hold a valid cosmetology license from another state or country. This requirement includes the completion of the stated practical work hours to receive the license.
Pro Tip: Verify your hours with your school or the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology before applying.
STEP 2: Apply for the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology Exam
Once you know that you are eligible for the exam, you can apply for the North Dakota Cosmetology Exam. Apply by downloading the application form here and submit the original application 2 weeks prior to the opening date. After submitting your application, you will need to pay the examination fees.
The examination fee for the North Dakota cosmetology exam is:
- Cosmetology license- $70.00
- Esthetician license- $70.00
- Nail Technician- $70.00
- Cosmetology Instructor- $70.00
If you are applying for a practical exam, the examination fees are:
- Cosmetology exam- $40.00
- Esthetician exam- $50.00
- Nail Technician exam- $50.00
- Cosmetology Instructor- $90.00
STEP 3: Scheduling the Exam
Once you register through the online application, you will receive a letter of acceptance within 5-6 weeks of submitting your application. The letter will include the date and time for your practical examination, which is typically scheduled 25 to 40 days after you receive it.
The practical examination lasts approximately 4-5 hours, including preparation time. You will receive your scores immediately after completing the practical exam, while the official scorecard will be available later.
The written examination is computer-based and can be scheduled at various locations, including:
- Bismarck (Rasmussen College)
- Grand Forks (Kvasager Learning Center)
- Minot State University
- Fargo
- Moorhead
With your exams scheduled, you’re all set to take up your cosmetology exams.
STEP 4: On the day of the Examination
To avoid a rush during exam registration in the examination center, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
On the day of the examination, you must have the following:
STEP 5: Take the Exams
The North Dakota Cosmetology State Board Exam is comprised of two components: the NIC Theory (written) exam and the NIC Practical exam. The written and the practical examinations can be on the same day or on different days. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect from each part of the exam:
WRITTEN EXAMINATION:
- Time duration: 90 Mins
- Questions paper pattern:
| Section | Weightage (%) |
| Scientific Concepts | 35 |
| Hair Care and Services | 45 |
| Skin Care and Services | 10 |
| Nail Care and Services | 10 |
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION:
- Time duration: 4 – 5 hours (Inclusive of time of preparing the client and setting up)
- Time allocation and domains:
| Task / Domain | Allocated Time |
| Work area and client preparation | 15 min |
| Thermal curling | 10 min |
| Work area and new client preparation | 15 min |
| Chemical waving | 20 min |
| Predisposition test and strand test | 10 min |
| Highlighting with foil – virgin application | 15 min |
| Hair colour retouch | 10 min |
| Virgin hair relaxer application | Untimed |
| Blood-exposure procedure | 10 min |
Successfully completing both the written and practical exams demonstrates your proficiency in cosmetology and qualifies you for licensure, ensuring you’re ready to meet industry standards.
STEP 6: Result Analysis
You will receive your scores immediately after completion of your exam. The score will be an estimated number of your cosmetology exam. The official scorecard will be available later. You will be able to view your results on the official website after their publication.
Tips to Pass the North Dakota Cosmetology Exam
- Create a Study Plan: Dedicate 2-3 hours daily to review NIC-recommended study materials. Use flashcards for key terms like “trichology” or “disinfection.”
- Practice Hands-On Skills: Set up a mock exam environment with a timer to simulate the practical test. Focus on precision and sanitation.
- Our free practice test mirrors the NIC written exam, helping you identify weak areas.
- Know North Dakota Regulations: Study state-specific laws, as they’re tested in the written exam.
Stay Calm and Prepared: Arrive early, bring all required supplies, and dress professionally (100% black attire recommended).
Receive Your North Dakota State Board Cosmetology License
Once you pass both the written and practical exams with a minimum score of 75%, you are eligible to apply for your license. Submit your application through the official website to complete the licensing process. After approval, your license will be available for download directly from the website. With your license in hand, you’re ready to begin your cosmetology career in North Dakota!
Start Your Cosmetology Career Path in North Dakota
Passing the North Dakota Cosmetology State Board Exam is a significant step toward becoming a licensed professional in cosmetology, nail technology, esthetics, or instruction. Thorough preparation and understanding of the eligibility, application, and licensing processes are key to success.
By following the outlined steps with focus and confidence, you’ll be ready to launch a fulfilling career in the cosmetology field. Best of luck as you begin your journey in North Carolina!
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Frequently Asked Questions About the North Dakota Cosmetology Exams
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE NORTH DAKOTA BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATIONS?
To apply for the North Dakota cosmetology exam, you have to apply the application forms from the official website. You will receive your admission letter after 5-6 weeks of applying.
For registration, you can visit the official website of PSI. The online registration you can do 24 hours a day.
For registration, you will complete the following steps:
- Visit the PSI’s official website and go to the specific site related to North Dakota exam registration.
- Submit and fill out the application with all the required details and complete your registration with PSI (Professional Service Industry).
- Once you successfully submit the application, you will receive a notification regarding exam scheduling. PSI will send you a list of dates and times of available examinations. They will also provide the locations available for applying.
- After you’ve scheduled your exam, taken the written and practical, and passed both of them, you’ll receive your cosmetology license.
I CAN’T MAKE THE DATE/TIME OF MY EXAMINATION WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you miss your exam or cannot make your exam due to:
- Emergency medical reasons
- Accident on the way to the exam
- Death of any family member
You will be allowed to retake the examination. To reschedule your exam you will fill out a re-apply application. You also have to submit a re-application form.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE THE NORTH DAKOTA BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAMS?
The examination fee for the North Dakota cosmetology exam is:
- Cosmetology license- $70.00
- Esthetician license- $70.00
- Nail Technician- $70.00
- Cosmetology Instructor- $70.00
If you are applying for a practical exam, the examination fees are:
- Cosmetology exam- $40.00
- Esthetician exam- $50.00
- Nail Technician exam- $50.00
- Cosmetology Instructor- $90.00
WHERE DO THE EXAMINATIONS TAKE PLACE?
You can schedule your exams in the following locations:
- Bismarck–Rasmussen College
- Fargo–Fargo Jet Center
- Grand Forks–Kvasager Learning Center
- Minot State University–Center for Extended Learning
- Williston–State College
HOW MANY HOURS OF PRACTICAL WORK DO I NEED TO QUALIFY FOR THE NORTH DAKOTA STATE BOARD EXAMINATIONS?
To be eligible and able to register for the ND State Board of Cosmetology exam you have to complete a set of practical hours:
- Cosmetology License: 1500 hours of school training
- Esthetician License: 600 hours of school training.
- Manicure License: 350 hours of school training.
- Cosmetology Instructor License:
- Electrologist License: 600 hours
- Massage Therapist License: 750 hours
CAN I TAKE THE STATE BOARD EXAMINATIONS BEFORE I’VE COMPLETED THE REQUIRED HOURS?
No, you have to complete the stated set of practical hours to be eligible to sit for the cosmetology board test.
HOW LONG IS THE COSMETOLOGY WRITTEN EXAMINATION?
The North Dakota State Board of the written exam takes about 90 minutes.
WHAT’S THE FORMAT OF THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION?
The written examination is computer-based. The examination comprises 110 questions. But you only have to answer 100 questions. The final score will be based on how much you score on the 100 questions.
The different sections in the question paper are as follows-
- Domain I (Scientific concept)- 30%
- Domain II (Haircare and services)- 40%
- Domain III (Skincare and services)- 15%
- Domain IV (Nail care and services)- 15%
CAN I TAKE A PRACTICE TEST EXAM?
If you want to familiarize yourself with the cosmetology test paper, try our cosmetology practice test paper. It will give you a comprehensive idea of the questions that appear in the final cosmetology state test.
WHAT’S THE FORMAT OF THE PRACTICAL EXAMINATION?
The Cosmetology practical examination outline comprises 10 core sections:
- Set up of work area and client preparation for 15 minutes
- Thermal curling for 10 minutes
- Setup of the work area for a new client with a set of supplies for 15 minutes
- Chemical waxing for 20 minutes
- Predisposition test & strand test for 10 minutes
- Highlight with foil for 15 minutes
- Retouching of hair color for 10 minutes
- Virgin hair relaxer application (no specific time given)
- Blood exposure procedure for 10 minutes.
WHAT SCORES DO I NEED TO PASS BOTH PORTIONS OF THE COSMETOLOGY EXAM?
The minimum score to qualify for the cosmetology exam is 75%. Note that you have to qualify for both written and practical examinations with a score of at least 75% for each.
HOW DO I TRANSFER MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO NORTH DAKOTA?
If you are not from North Dakota and want to transfer your cosmetology license, follow these steps:
- Fill out the reciprocity application. Please find the link for the reciprocity application here.
- You will be required to submit the following documents: a US-issued passport or your birth certificate;
- A copy of a Govt. issued photo ID card
- A copy of your work experience from your native state
- Documents to support your required training hours for the licensure
- Documents supporting your proof of licensure from your native state. You can get this document from your State Board.
There are reciprocity fees:
- For the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulation test – $60.00
- Reciprocity fees- $105.00 plus the original cosmetology license fees.
After approval of your application, you can schedule your examination. You can either schedule your examination with the PSI official website or call on (855) 746-8173.
HOW DO I GET MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE IN NORTH DAKOTA?
In North Dakota, all the cosmetology license expires on December 31st. You have to apply for license renewal before the expiration date. You can apply for the license renewal after the date of expiration. But you have to pay the late fee along with the standard renewal fees.
The duration for late license renewal is within five years.
HOW SHOULD I STUDY FOR THE NORTH DAKOTA COSMETOLOGY WRITTEN EXAM?
Our exam package will help you with an overall comprehensive preparation for the exam. The package is prepared with the previous year’s questions to give you an idea of the exact questions for the cosmetology board exam.
HOW TO BECOME AN ESTHETICIAN IN NORTH DAKOTA?
North Dakota requires completion of a licensed esthetics program consisting of 600 hours of training and successfully passing the written and practical examinations for esthetician licensure.
WHAT IS THE PASSING SCORE OF THE COSMETOLOGY WRITTEN EXAM IN NY?
You need at least a 70% to pass in NY cosmetology written exam.
HOW MUCH IS COMETOLOGY SCHOOL IN NORTH DAKOTA?
The average tuition fee for cosmetology school in North Dakota is $13,945.
DOES TEXAS ACCEPT OUT-OF-STATE COMETOLOGY LICENSES?
If you are currently licensed in another US state, you may be able to apply for a Texas license using your out-of-state license as proof of your training and experience.
CAN I TRANSFER MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO ILLINOIS?
Transferring your cosmetology/esthetics license to Illinois is called Licensure by Endorsement. To do that, you’ll have to fill out an application online.
North Dakota Cosmetology State Board Exam Practice Test
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