Key Takeaways
- Verify your state's specific practical exam requirements, as procedures and criteria vary by state.
- Practice each procedure repeatedly until you can complete it within time limits without hesitation.
- Organize your supplies in a logical order and ensure all items meet sanitation requirements.
- Prepare your mannequin according to state specifications, including hair length and condition.
- Focus on demonstrating proper sanitation and safety procedures throughout every service.
Last updated: January 2026
Preparing for the Practical Exam
The practical exam demonstrates your ability to perform cosmetology services safely and competently. Success requires not only technical skill but also proper preparation, organization, and knowledge of sanitation procedures.
Understanding Your State's Practical Requirements
Practical exam requirements vary significantly by state. Before preparing, verify the specific requirements for your state board:
Information to Confirm
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Required services | Different states test different procedures |
| Time limits | Vary from 2-4 hours depending on state |
| Mannequin specifications | Hair length, type, and preparation requirements |
| Approved supply list | Only certain brands or types may be allowed |
| Dress code | Professional attire requirements |
| Live model requirements | Some states require live models for certain services |
Where to Find Requirements
- State Board of Cosmetology website
- Testing service website (PSI, Prometric, etc.)
- Your cosmetology school
- Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Required Supplies Checklist
Organize your supplies the night before. Missing or improper supplies can result in automatic failure.
General Supplies (Typically Required)
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Mannequin | State-approved mannequin with required hair length |
| Mannequin holder | Secure clamp or stand |
| Cape and towels | Clean, professional-grade |
| Combs and brushes | Variety of sizes, in good condition |
| Clips and pins | Sectioning clips, bobby pins, roller pins |
| Spray bottle | With clean water only |
| Disinfectant | EPA-registered, hospital-grade |
| Covered containers | For clean and soiled implements |
Service-Specific Supplies
| Service | Required Supplies |
|---|---|
| Haircutting | Shears, thinning shears, razor, clipper |
| Chemical service | Perm rods, end papers, neutralizer, cotton |
| Hair coloring | Color bowl, brush, foils, timer, gloves |
| Roller setting | Various roller sizes, setting lotion, picks |
| Thermal styling | Curling iron, flat iron, thermal protectant |
Supply Organization Tips
- Create a checklist - Use your state's official supply list
- Pack the night before - Don't rush morning of
- Organize by service - Group items you'll use together
- Bring extras - Backup combs, clips, pins
- Pre-sanitize - All implements should be pre-disinfected
Mannequin Preparation
Your mannequin is your "client" for the practical exam. Proper preparation is essential:
General Requirements
- Hair length: Check state requirements (usually minimum 4-6 inches)
- Hair condition: Clean, tangle-free, no prior chemical damage
- Hair type: Match state specifications (human hair typically required)
- No pre-styling: Hair should not be pre-set, permed, or colored
Preparation Steps
- Shampoo thoroughly - Use clarifying shampoo to remove buildup
- Deep condition - Ensures hair is manageable during exam
- Detangle completely - Work from ends to roots
- Air dry or blow dry - Depending on state requirements
- Inspect carefully - Check for damage, uneven areas, tangles
Day of Exam
- Hair should be slightly damp or dry per your state's requirements
- Secure mannequin properly - It should not wobble or move during services
- Position at comfortable height - Adjust for proper working posture
Time Management During Practical
Most practical exams have strict time limits. Proper time management is critical:
Sample Time Allocation (3-Hour Exam)
| Service | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Setup and sanitation demonstration | 15 minutes |
| Haircutting | 30-45 minutes |
| Chemical service (perm or relaxer) | 45-60 minutes |
| Hair coloring | 30-45 minutes |
| Thermal or wet styling | 20-30 minutes |
| Cleanup | 10-15 minutes |
Time Management Strategies
- Practice with a timer - Simulate exam conditions repeatedly
- Know your pacing - Time yourself on each service during practice
- Build in buffer time - Plan to finish early, not just on time
- Don't sacrifice quality for speed - Rushed work loses points
- Keep an eye on the clock - But don't obsess over it
If You're Running Behind
- Take a breath and stay calm
- Prioritize completing required elements
- Focus on clean, safe technique over perfection
- Finish what you can - partial credit is better than incomplete
Common Practical Exam Procedures
While requirements vary by state, these are commonly tested procedures:
Haircutting
| Element | What Examiners Look For |
|---|---|
| Sectioning | Clean, even sections with proper tension |
| Cutting technique | Consistent angle, proper body position |
| Safety | Control of shears, safe handling |
| Sanitation | Disinfection between implements |
| Finished result | Even length, clean lines, balanced shape |
Chemical Services
| Element | What Examiners Look For |
|---|---|
| Client protection | Cape, towels, protective cream |
| Sectioning | Even, consistent partings |
| Product application | Even saturation, proper rod placement |
| Safety | Gloves, timing, protective measures |
| Processing | Proper monitoring, test curls |
Styling Services
| Element | What Examiners Look For |
|---|---|
| Proper technique | Correct use of tools and products |
| Section control | Even, manageable sections |
| Heat safety | Proper temperature, protecting hair and skin |
| Finished look | Polished, professional appearance |
Grading Criteria Overview
Understanding how you'll be graded helps you focus your preparation:
General Grading Categories
| Category | Weight | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitation/Safety | 25-35% | Proper disinfection, client protection, safe practices |
| Technical Skill | 35-45% | Correct technique, proper tool use, accuracy |
| Time Management | 10-15% | Completing services within time limits |
| Professionalism | 10-15% | Appearance, organization, demeanor |
| Finished Results | 10-15% | Quality of final outcome |
Common Point Deductions
| Infraction | Typical Penalty |
|---|---|
| Dropping implement on floor | Deduction or disqualification |
| Improper disinfection | Major deduction |
| Cutting skin | Disqualification |
| Running over time | Points per minute or incomplete score |
| Missing required step | Deduction per step |
| Improper client protection | Deduction |
| Unsanitary work area | Deduction |
Automatic Failures
- Cutting skin (blood exposure)
- Using prohibited products
- Not completing required procedures
- Severe safety violations
- Arriving late or missing exam
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Test Your Knowledge
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Which grading category typically carries the highest weight on practical exams?
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When should you prepare and organize your practical exam supplies?
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What could result in automatic failure on the practical exam?
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How should your mannequin's hair be prepared for the practical exam?
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