NY Written Exam Content

The New York Written Examination tests your fundamental knowledge of cosmetology principles, safety procedures, anatomy, chemistry, and New York-specific laws and regulations. Understanding the exam structure and content areas will help you prepare effectively.

Exam Structure

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Language Options

The New York written exam is available in 14 languages:

Select your preferred language when scheduling through the NY.gov e-Licensing system.

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Content Areas

NY Written Exam Topics

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How NY Exam Differs from NIC

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Bacteriology & Sanitation

This is heavily tested on the NY exam. Topics include:

Types of Bacteria

• Cocci - Round-shaped (staphylococci, streptococci, diplococci)
• Bacilli - Rod-shaped (cause tetanus, typhoid)
• Spirilla - Spiral-shaped (cause syphilis, Lyme disease)

Infection Control

• Sanitation - Reducing number of pathogens to safe levels
• Disinfection - Destroying most pathogens (not spores)
• Sterilization - Destroying ALL microorganisms including spores

NY Section 404 Requirements

• Clean and disinfect all implements between clients
• Proper hand washing protocols
• Storage of clean vs. used implements
• Single-use item disposal
• Workplace cleanliness standards

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Anatomy & Physiology

Bones of the Head and Face

• Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital bones
• Facial bones: zygomatic, maxillae, mandible, nasal

Muscles

• Muscles of facial expression
• Muscles of mastication (chewing)
• Muscles of the neck, arms, and hands

Nerves

• Cranial nerves (especially trigeminal/trifacial nerve - 5th cranial)
• Nerves of the arm and hand
• Sensory vs. motor nerves

Circulatory System

• Blood supply to the head and face
• Arteries and veins relevant to cosmetology
• Function of blood components

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Chemistry

pH Scale

• Scale of 0-14 (7 is neutral)
• Below 7 = acidic (hair cuticle closes)
• Above 7 = alkaline (hair cuticle opens)
• Most hair products are slightly acidic (4.5-5.5)

Chemical Formulas to Know

• H2O - Water
• H2O2 - Hydrogen peroxide (developer, neutralizer)
• NaOH - Sodium hydroxide (lye relaxers)
• NH3 - Ammonia (hair color)

Matter and Chemical Reactions

• Physical vs. chemical changes
• Oxidation and reduction reactions
• How permanent color and relaxers work chemically

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Hair Structure & Disorders

Hair Anatomy

• Cuticle - Outer protective layer
• Cortex - Middle layer (color, strength, elasticity)
• Medulla - Inner core (may be absent in fine hair)

Hair Growth Cycle

• Anagen - Active growth phase (2-7 years)
• Catagen - Transition phase (1-2 weeks)
• Telogen - Resting/shedding phase (5-6 weeks)

Hair Properties

• Texture - Coarse, medium, fine
• Porosity - Ability to absorb moisture
• Elasticity - Ability to stretch and return
• Density - Number of hairs per square inch

Hair Disorders

• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Tinea capitis (ringworm)
• Pediculosis capitis (head lice)
• Canities (gray hair)

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Skin Structure & Disorders

Skin Layers

• Epidermis - Outer layer (stratum corneum, etc.)
• Dermis - Middle layer (blood vessels, nerves, follicles)
• Subcutaneous - Fat layer (insulation, cushioning)

Skin Conditions

• Acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Herpes simplex (cold sores)
• When to refer vs. when to service

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Nail Structure & Disorders

Nail Anatomy

• Nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle
• Lunula, free edge, nail walls

Nail Disorders

• Onychomycosis (fungal infection)
• Paronychia (infection around nail)
• When to refuse service and refer

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NY Laws & Regulations

Key Topics

• Article 27 of the General Business Law
• Section 404 sanitation requirements
• License types and requirements
• Penalties for violations (Section 412)
• DOS procedures and requirements
• Display requirements
• Booth rental regulations

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Exam Day Tips

Before the Exam

• Bring valid government-issued photo ID (current, not expired)
• Name on ID must match exam registration exactly
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• No study materials allowed in testing room

During the Exam

• Read each question carefully
• Watch for words like "NOT," "EXCEPT," "ALWAYS," "NEVER"
• Flag difficult questions and return to them
• Use all available time - don't rush
• 2.5 hours provides about 1.5 minutes per question

After the Exam

• Results reported as Pass/Fail only
• Email notification when results available
• View results through MY NY.gov Online Services
• Results NOT given by phone

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Key Takeaways

• Approximately 100 multiple-choice questions, 2.5-hour time limit
• 70% passing score required
• Available in 14 languages
• Heavy emphasis on NY Section 404 sanitation requirements
• Study bacteriology, anatomy, chemistry, and NY laws
• Results are pass/fail only - no numerical score