Do you need to take the State Board esthetician exams in New Jersey? On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for your exam, answers to all the most common questions, and a free practice test to check you’re prepared!
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Steps to Pass the Esthetician Exam and Obtain Your New Jersey Skin Care Specialist License
If you’re just about ready to graduate from your esthetics program, then congratulations! You’re almost ready to start your dream career as a licensed skin-beautifying esthetician!
The only thing left to do now is pass the exams set by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
Just a quick note, New Jersey doesn’t technically have “estheticians.” Instead, they’re called “skin care specialists.” The scope of practice is essentially the same as an esthetician, but a more detailed definition can be found on page 5 of this PDF.
So, the exam and requirements we’ll be focusing on in this article are for New Jersey Skin Care Specialists.
And if you’re like a lot of people we talk to, this process sounds scarier than it actually is. Scheduling and taking your exams seems like a daunting, confusing and exhausting ordeal. But don’t worry: we’ll walk you through the process step by step. Starting with…
Step 1: Verify Eligibility for New Jersey State Board Skin Care Exam
To be eligible to take the skin care specialist exam set by the New Jersey State Board of To be eligible to take the skin care specialist exam set by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, you must:
Step 2: Apply for the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist Examination
In New Jersey, the skin care exam consists of two parts: a written theory exam and a practical hands-on exam. Here’s how to navigate the application process for both:
Theory Exam
To apply for the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist Examination, you need to start with the theory exam. Your school will assist you in gathering the necessary information for your application. Once you have completed your required schooling hours, your school will electronically send your information to the testing company, PSI. After your submission, you will receive an email confirmation.
Practical Exam
The next step is the practical exam. It’s important to note that you must pass the written theory exam before you can apply for the practical portion. Once you have successfully passed the theory exam, you can complete an application and submit it to the State Board, along with the required documentation and fees. Steps to apply for the practical exam:
- Download and print the application from here.
- Fill it out completely.
- Get it notarized by a Notary Public (available at most UPS stores and local banks).
- Send a check or Money Order made out to the “State of New Jersey” to:
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
P.O. Box 45003
Newark, NJ 07101 - Arrange for your school or PSI to send official transcripts or exam results directly to the Board.
Remember, your fees must be paid in full, or the process can be significantly delayed. If you have any questions, contact the State Board directly at (973) 504-6400.
Step 3: Schedule Your Exam
You’ll be scheduling your written exam first, since you must complete that before you’re able to take the practical exam. Below we’ve covered everything you need to know for scheduling both exams.
Theory Exam
After you’ve been submitted to the testing company by your school and received your email confirmation from PSI, you can schedule your written exam. There are two ways to do this:
- Online
- By phone
To schedule your written exam via online after receiving your email confirmation from PSI, follow these steps:
- Create an Account: Visit PSI’s website and enter your email address and name, ensuring they match exactly with the information provided by your school.
- Locate Existing Records: Check the box labeled “Check here to attempt to locate existing records.”
- Select Exam: Choose the exam you will take and enter your Social Security number.
- Pay Fee: After your records are located, pay the non-refundable $39 exam fee to schedule your exam.
- Choose Test Site: Enter your ZIP code to see a list of nearby test sites. Select your preferred location, then choose from available test dates and times.
- Complete Within a Year: Remember, you have one year from the payment date to complete your exams.
To schedule your exam by phone, call PSI at (800) 733-9267 during their business hours. They are available from Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you encounter any issues locating your information, you can reach out to PSI at the same number for assistance.
Practical Exam
Once you’ve sent in all the necessary information to the State Board and paid the required fees, your practical exam will be scheduled for you within 6-8 weeks.
It is recommended that you give the State Board a call within a week or so after you’ve sent in your application to ensure that they’ve received everything and you’re in the process of being scheduled. You can reach them during business hours at (973) 504-6400.
Step 4: Arrive at the Exam Center on Exam Day
You should arrive at your exams at least 30 minutes early to ensure you have enough time to complete any required check-in procedures.
If you’re late, you’ll have to give up your exam fee and you reschedule your test – you won’t be let in.
For the written portion of the exam, you’ll be taking it at a PSI testing site. You’ll need to provide two forms of identification, one primary and one secondary.
Note that personal belongings are not allowed in the testing room, but storage should be available on-site.
Step 5: Take the New Jersey Esthetician Exam
For the written portion of the exam, you’ll be taking it at a PSI testing site. The exam is in a multiple choice format and is done entirely on the computer.
Before the test begins, you’ll have a brief tutorial to get familiar with the software. You’ll have up to 15 minutes to ask any questions before the test starts.
You have two hours to complete 105 questions:
And if you want a more in-depth look at what each section entails, check out PSI’s Theory Exam Bulletin.
For the practical exam, you’ll have approximately one hour and thirty minutes to complete it. They are not overly strict about the time limit and may give you a few extra minutes if needed.
More information about the practical exam will be provided after passing the written portion.
Step 6: Get Your Results
For the written exam, you will get your results immediately on screen. You must get 75% or more correct in order to pass. You’ll also get an official score report printed on-site after your exam.
If you didn’t pass, you’ll get a notification on screen that will indicate your strengths and weaknesses, which will help you know where to study for next time.
You must also pass your practical exam with a score of 75 or higher in order to receive your license.
Step 7: Get Your New Jersey Skin Care Specialist License!
After you’ve passed both your written and then your practical exam, then congrats – you’re officially licensed!
Once you pass the practical exam, you’ll receive your license number immediately, which you can verify online. Your physical license will be printed and mailed to you within two weeks.If you didn’t pass either portion of your exam, you’ll have to repay the fee, reschedule, and try again.
While failing your written exam is hard news to hear, it’s not as uncommon as you might think: the national pass rate is only 50%! However, students who use our Esthetician Exam Preparation Package have a pass rate of 98.5%!
Your Path to Success as a New Jersey Skin Care Specialist
Securing your skin care specialist license in New Jersey is a significant milestone in your professional journey. By understanding the steps involved, preparing thoroughly for both the written and practical exams, and staying organized with your application, you’ll be on the right path to success.
While the process may seem daunting, remember that you’re not alone. Many have navigated this journey before you, and with careful preparation and a positive attitude, you can join their ranks. If you encounter any challenges along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your school or the State Board.
Achieving your license opens doors to a rewarding career in the beauty industry, and with dedication, you’ll be well-equipped to start this exciting new chapter. Keep focused, stay motivated, and best of luck as you work towards your New Jersey Skin Care Specialist license!
Related Reads
Esthetics State Board Practice Exam
How Long Does It Take To Become An Esthetician?
How To Become A Paramedical Esthetician
Questions On the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist Exam
How do I apply for the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist examination?
You can apply to take the New Jersey State Board written exam by working with your school to collect all the necessary information.
Your school will then send all your information electronically to the testing entity PSI. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your information has been entered into the system.
For the practical exam, you’ll have to download and print an application, which can be found here.
You’ll have to fill it out, get it notarized, and pay all the required fees. You also might need to have PSI or your school send in official documentation to the State Board.
I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?
To reschedule your exam, you have to contact PSI by calling them at 1-800-733-9267.
Their business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
All exams must be rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
Which examination program does New Jersey use?
New Jersey uses the PSI Exam testing program for its Skin Care Specialist exam.
How much does it cost to take the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist exam?
The fee to take the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist written exam is $39. This fee is non-refundable.
Where does the examination take place?
The exam takes place at one of the many PSI testing facilities. Those locations can be found on page 3 this testing guide.
How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist examination?
In New Jersey, you need a 600-hour course in skin care specialty to qualify for the exam and be eligible for immediate licensure.
If you’ve completed 480 hours of schooling, you can take the exam early, but you won’t receive your license until you’ve completed the full 600 hours.
Can I take the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist examination before I’ve completed the required hours?
Yes, you can take the exam early if you’ve completed 480 hours of schooling.
How long is the Skin Care Specialist written examination in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Skin Care Specialist written exam is 2 hours long.
What’s the format of the written examination?
The written examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice test. For a breakdown of topics covered, check page 8 of the Test Bulletin. To familiarize yourself with the format, try our practice test here.
How long is the Skin Care Specialist practical examination?
The practical exam in New Jersey is one-and-a-half hours long.
What’s the format of the practical examination?
The practical exam consists of a series of hands-on tasks performed in front of a proctor.
What scores do I need to pass the Skin Care Specialist exam in New Jersey?
To pass the written exam, you need a score of 75% or higher. For the practical exam, a score of 75 or higher is required. You’ll receive your results the same day for both portions, whether you pass or fail.
What’s the pass rate for the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist exam?
New Jersey does not publish an individual pass rate, but the national average pass rate for the written portion is approximately 50%.
Check if you’re on track to pass your exam by taking our free esthetician practice test.
How many times can I re-take the New Jersey Skin Care Specialist examination if I fail?
In New Jersey, you can retake the Skin Care Specialist exam three times without additional requirements. You must wait 15 days from the date of your exam to reschedule and pay the fee each time you retake the test.
How long does the Skin Care Specialist course take in New Jersey?
There are no specific time requirements for the Skin Care Specialist course in New Jersey. Generally, if you attend school full-time, you can complete your hours in about one year. Part-time students might take 2-3 years to finish.
How do I transfer my Skin Care Specialist licence to New Jersey?
To transfer your license, contact the State Board where you’re currently licensed. They must send a certification of your current, active license directly to New Jersey’s State Board. After submission, contact New Jersey’s State Board at (973) 504-6400 to ensure they’ve received the certification.
The State Board will review your certification to determine if you qualify for an endorsement or if you need to take additional exams. Generally, if your home state’s requirements are similar to or exceed New Jersey’s requirements, you may not need to take the exams. If your state did not require a practical exam, you will need to take the exams.
How do I get my Skin Care Specialist license in New Jersey?
To obtain your Skin Care Specialist license in New Jersey, complete a 600-hour course in skin care specialty and pass both a theory and practical examination at a PSI testing facility. Pass the written exam first, then fill out an application for the practical exam, available online. You’ll generally be scheduled for the practical exam within 6-8 weeks following the acceptance of your application, documents, and fees.
After passing both exams, you’ll receive your Skin Care Specialist license by mail.
How do I renew my Skin Care Specialist license in New Jersey?
Skin Care Specialist licenses are valid for two years. You can renew it online and pay the fee.