- 1). Contact your state licensing board to request any study materials that may be available. This varies by state, but some states, such as California, produce videos and booklets to help examinees prepare for the written and practical portions.
At minimum, your cosmetology licensing board will publish an exam blue print that gives more details about the content and format of the test. You may receive this after you apply to take the exam. - 2). Buy the required tools well in advance of your exam date, and become comfortable using them. You may already have most of the cosmetic supplies required for the exam, but if you are not at ease using them, the proctors may notice this and question your proficiency.
- 3). Get an study guide for the licensing exam and compare the contents to your class curriculum. If your cosmetology instructor has not covered a topic that is on the exam, bring it to his or her attention.
- 4). Talk to recently licensed cosmetologists to learn about the most recent exams. They can give you tips on particular topics to study and tricks to get through the practical section of the exam.
- 5). Get an study guide for the licensing exam and compare the contents to your class curriculum. If your cosmetology instructor has not covered a topic that is on the exam, bring it to his or her attention.
- 6). Bone up on sanitation and safety standards. Most state licensing boards for cosmetology put great emphasis on health and safety regulations.
- 7). A few weeks before your scheduled exam date, give yourself a practice test for the written part so that you can get a feel for the timing of the cosmetology licensing test. You can do this by putting together sample questions from one or more study guides.
If you have trouble finishing the test, or miss too many questions, review your weak areas so that you can improve. - 8). Get a good night's rest the evening before the test, and work out the logistics of transportation. By eliminating extra sources of stress, you will have a clear head and enough confidence to pass the exam.
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