100+ Free TESDA Hairdressing NC II Practice Questions

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Key Facts: TESDA Hairdressing NC II Exam

656

Training Hours

TESDA Training Regulations

Core Competencies

TESDA Competency Standards

₱1,000+

Assessment Fee

TESDA Circular 098-2021

5 Years

Certificate Validity

TESDA Certification Guidelines

100%

Satisfactory Rating Required

TESDA Assessment Guide

4 COCs

Certificates of Competency

TESDA Assessment Structure

The TESDA Hairdressing NC II assessment includes a practical demonstration, oral questioning, and a written exam, taking 4 to 6 hours. The fee is ₱1,000 - ₱1,500 PHP. A rating of 'Competent' is required to pass. The assessment covers 8 core competencies including pre- and post-hair care, hair cutting, coloring, bleaching, perming, straightening, scalp treatments, and makeup.

Sample TESDA Hairdressing NC II Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your TESDA Hairdressing NC II exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following is the first standard step in preparing a client for any hair service in a professional Philippine salon?

A.Draping the client with a shampoo cape and towel

B.Performing a detailed client consultation and hair/scalp analysis

C.Washing the client's hair with a clarifying shampoo

D.Applying protective cream around the client's hairline

Explanation: Before any hair service, a thorough consultation and hair/scalp analysis must be performed to determine the client's desires, check for scalp disorders (which may contraindicate the service), and assess hair condition. Draping, shampooing, or applying protective products are subsequent steps based on the findings of this analysis.

2Under TESDA safety standards, what is the primary purpose of placing a neck strip or a clean towel between the client's neck and the collar of the plastic cape?

A.To absorb excess water that drips from the hair during shampooing

B.To prevent the plastic cape from making direct contact with the client's skin for hygiene and comfort

C.To hold the cape securely in place so it does not slip during the haircut

D.To protect the client's clothes from chemical stains and water runoff

Explanation: For hygiene and sanitation, plastic capes must never touch the client's bare skin directly to prevent the spread of skin diseases or irritation. A neck strip or towel provides a sanitary barrier between the client's neck and the reusable plastic cape.

3When draping a client for a basic shampoo service, what sequence of materials should a salon technician use to ensure dryness and comfort?

A.Plastic cape, then a towel over the cape collar

B.Towel, plastic cape, and then a second towel folded over the cape collar

C.Neck strip, cloth cape, and a towel on the outside

D.Cloth cape, plastic cape, and a neck strip on the inside

Explanation: Standard draping for a wet service (shampooing) involves placing a towel around the neck, securing the plastic (waterproof) cape over it, and then placing a second towel over the cape's collar. This configuration prevents water from seeping onto the client's clothing from either the front or the back.

4How should a hairdressing technician test the water temperature before directing the spray nozzle onto a client's scalp during a shampoo service?

A.Ask the client if the temperature feels comfortable first

B.Test the water temperature on the inner side of the technician's wrist

C.Direct the nozzle onto the client's forehead to check their reaction

D.Visually inspect the water for steam or vapor rising from the basin

Explanation: Before applying water to a client's head, the technician must always test the water temperature on their own inner wrist. The skin on the wrist is highly sensitive and provides an accurate gauge of whether the water is too hot or cold, preventing accidental burns or discomfort.

5When detangling wet hair after a shampoo service, which tool and technique should a hair stylist use to prevent hair breakage?

A.A fine-toothed tail comb, brushing vigorously from the scalp down to the ends

B.A wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends of the hair and working upward to the scalp

C.A round boar-bristle brush, pulling firmly from the roots to smooth the cuticle

D.A vent brush, starting from the middle shaft and pulling downward with rapid strokes

Explanation: Wet hair is highly elastic and prone to stretching and breaking. Stylists should use a wide-toothed comb, which minimizes tension, and work systematically from the ends (tips) upward to the roots (scalp) to gently clear tangles without tearing the hair shaft.

6Under Philippine Code of Sanitation (PD 856) guidelines, how must capes, towels, and neck strips be managed between different clients in a salon?

A.Towels can be reused if they are hung up to dry, while capes must be replaced after every third client

B.Every towel and cape must be freshly laundered after a single client use, and paper neck strips must be discarded immediately

C.Capes and towels can be disinfected with a quick spray of alcohol between clients to save water

D.Only towels used for chemical services need to be washed; shampoo towels can be air-dried and reused

Explanation: According to salon sanitation regulations, any cloth or towel that makes contact with a client must be laundered after a single use. Paper neck strips are single-use disposable items and must be thrown away immediately to prevent cross-contamination.

7What is the primary function of a conditioning treatment applied to the hair after a shampoo service?

A.To chemically rebuild broken disulfide bonds within the cortex

B.To smooth the cuticle scales, restore moisture, and reduce static electricity along the hair shaft

C.To permanently change the natural pH level of the hair and scalp

D.To deposit pigment into the cortex to enhance the natural hair color

Explanation: Shampoos generally have a slightly alkaline pH which raises the cuticle scales. Hair conditioners are acidic formulations that close and smooth the cuticle scales, restore lost moisture, improve combability, and deposit a protective coating to reduce static and friction.

8Which pre-service shampoo type is best suited for removing styling product buildup, heavy silicones, and mineral deposits from a client's hair?

A.Moisturizing shampoo

B.Clarifying shampoo

C.Dry shampoo

D.Medicated anti-dandruff shampoo

Explanation: Clarifying shampoos contain active chelating agents and stronger surfactants designed to strip away accumulated styling residues, silicones, sebum, and hard water minerals. They prepare the hair shaft to receive chemical treatments or deep conditioning.

9When performing a blow-drying service, in which direction should the air flow from the dryer nozzle be directed relative to the hair strand?

A.Upward from the ends toward the scalp to create maximum volume

B.Downward from the scalp toward the ends, along the direction of the cuticle scales

C.Perpendicular to the hair shaft to dry the inner layers quickly

D.In a rapid circular motion over one spot to distribute heat evenly

Explanation: To prevent frizz and maintain shine, the airflow from the blow dryer must be directed downward from the roots (scalp) to the ends. This follows the natural overlapping direction of the cuticle scales, laying them flat and creating a smooth, reflective surface.

10What is the safety rule regarding the distance between the blow dryer nozzle and the client's hair during styling?

A.The nozzle must touch the hair directly to lock in the shape

B.The nozzle should be kept at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from the hair to prevent thermal damage

C.The nozzle must be held 1 inch away and kept stationary on each section for 30 seconds

D.The distance does not matter as long as the stylist is using a high-quality thermal protectant

Explanation: To protect the hair from heat damage and prevent burning the scalp, the blow dryer nozzle should be kept approximately 6 inches (15 cm) away from the hair. Continuous movement of the dryer is also required to avoid concentrated heat buildup.

About the TESDA Hairdressing NC II Exam

The TESDA Hairdressing NC II Assessment is a national certification program in the Philippines. It measures a candidate's competency in salon safety, hair styling, hair cutting, scalp treatment, perming, coloring, straightening, and basic makeup. Candidates must achieve a 'Competent' rating across all units to earn the National Certificate.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

4 to 6 hours

Passing Score

Competent

Exam Fee

₱1,000 - ₱1,500 PHP (TESDA, Philippines)

TESDA Hairdressing NC II Exam Content Outline

15%

Pre- and post-hair care activities

Prepare client, perform draping and shampooing, blow-dry hair, prepare workstation, and clean/sanitize salon tools.

10%

Hair and scalp treatment

Analyze hair and scalp conditions, perform scalp massage, apply hair spa or hot oil treatment, and follow safety protocols.

15%

Basic hair perming

Section hair, choose rod size, wrap hair in different patterns, apply chemical perm wave solution, neutralize, and clean up.

10%

Basic hair coloring

Perform predisposition (patch) test, select color shade, prepare mixture, apply hair color, monitor processing, and rinse.

10%

Hair bleaching

Analyze hair texture, mix bleach powder with correct volume developer, apply mixture, monitor decolorization levels, and rinse.

15%

Hair straightening

Perform chemical hair relaxing/rebonding, apply straightening cream, flat iron hair at correct temperature, neutralize, and style.

15%

Basic hair cutting

Perform client consultation, execute blunt, layered, and graduated haircuts, utilize proper elevation/angles, and handle shears safely.

Basic makeup application

Prepare face, apply foundation, eye makeup, cheek colors, lipstick, contouring, and perform daytime/evening makeup.

Sanitation, safety, and salon operations

Practice Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures, sterilize tools, manage salon waste, and clean the workspace.

How to Pass the TESDA Hairdressing NC II Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Competent
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 4 to 6 hours
Exam fee: ₱1,000 - ₱1,500 PHP

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TESDA Hairdressing NC II Study Tips from Top Performers

1Familiarize yourself with the 656-hour training regulation standards, particularly the safety protocols (OHS) for chemical applications.

2Practice the patch test (predisposition test) process as it is a critical safety step that assessors watch closely before coloring/bleaching.

3Understand the chemical processes behind perming, rebonding, and coloring, including the role of hydrogen peroxide volumes (10, 20, 30, 40).

4Perfect your classic haircut shapes: blunt cut (0-degree elevation), graduated cut (45-degree elevation), and uniform layer cut (90-degree elevation).

5Brush up on makeup application steps, ensuring high sanitary standards: sanitizing hands and tools, using clean spatulas, and avoiding double-dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the TESDA Hairdressing NC II assessment?

The assessment is primarily performance-based (practical demonstration of haircutting, perming, coloring, styling, and makeup) combined with oral questioning and a written theory exam. It is held at accredited TESDA assessment centers.

How much is the assessment fee for Hairdressing NC II?

The assessment fee promulgated by TESDA is around ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 PHP. It is split by Certificate of Competency (COC) if taken individually: COC 1 (₱938), COC 2 (₱1,099), COC 3 (₱1,098), and COC 4 (₱886).

What happens if I fail one part of the hairdressing assessment?

TESDA allows reassessment. If you fail a specific Certificate of Competency (COC) or unit, you only need to be re-assessed in that particular unit/COC within 2 years. You do not have to retake the entire qualification if you passed other COCs.

What are the core competencies tested in the exam?

The eight core competencies are: 1) Pre- and post-hair care activities, 2) Hair and scalp treatment, 3) Basic hair perming, 4) Basic hair coloring, 5) Hair bleaching, 6) Hair straightening, 7) Basic hair cutting, and 8) Basic makeup application.

Are there any prerequisites to take the assessment?

Candidates must have completed a registered Hairdressing NC II training course (minimum 656 hours) at a TESDA-accredited school or have equivalent industry experience as a practicing hairdressing stylist.

How long is the National Certificate valid?

TESDA National Certificates (NC) are valid for five (5) years. To renew, the certificate holder must submit an application form, photos, and proof of continuous work experience or training in hairdressing.