14.1 Practical Exam Format, Scheduling, Admittance and Results

Practical Exam Format, Scheduling, Admittance and Results

Exam Focus: Read this section before you buy a kit. Candidates are disqualified for arriving without a mannequin, turned away for an ID name mismatch, and marked down for aprons and canvas shoes. The examination is a compliance test as much as a skills test, and the compliance failures happen before the first procedure begins.

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1. The Eleven Graded Procedures

DOS states the cosmetology practical "will take approximately 3 hours to complete." The examination may be administered in a different order from the one published if necessary, and candidates begin each procedure only when directed to do so. Talking among candidates is not allowed.

Sanitation is graded throughout. The DOS overview states: "Proper sanitation and disinfection procedures must be demonstrated during every aspect of this examination in accordance with New York State appearance enhancement statute and regulations." There is no separate sanitation station — every procedure is a sanitation assessment.

2. The Mannequin

You must bring a mannequin. Failure to do so results in disqualification. You must also bring your own supplies and implements as listed on the DOS supply list; missing items may prevent you from performing some procedures. Sharing supplies between candidates is not allowed. Bring your own pen to sign in.

3. Scheduling and Fees

• Practical examinations are scheduled online through the Appearance Enhancement and Barber Licensing System after your application is approved. An email with a scheduling link is sent to the address on your application, and a NY.gov ID account is required.
• A $15 non-refundable fee is due at the time you schedule.
• Rescheduling requires at least six days' notice. Cancelling, arriving late, or failing to appear forfeits the fee.
• Candidates who have submitted documentation requesting special testing arrangements are contacted by the Division of Licensing Services and cannot self-schedule.
• Order does not matter — DOS confirms it makes no difference whether you take the written or the practical examination first.
• Examinations may be cancelled for weather or emergencies; check the DLS website or call 518-474-4429.

4. Admittance and Appearance

Identification. You must present current, government-issued, photo-bearing signature identification. Accepted documents include a driver's licence, state non-driver ID, IDNYC card, military ID, US passport, employment authorisation card issued by USCIS, INS-issued ID, certificate of US citizenship, foreign passport, Brazilian, Mexican, Honduran or Ecuadorian consular ID, and a Mexico voter ID card. The name must match exactly the name used to schedule, hyphens included, or you may be denied entry.

19 NYCRR § 160.35 additionally requires any applicant taking a practical examination to submit a recent photograph containing only the head and full face.

Dress code, taken directly from the DOS examination information:

1. A clean, washable outer garment — smock or gown. No aprons.
2. Closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the foot. No canvas.
3. Avoid bulky or dangling jewellery.
4. No gum chewing, cell phone use, or other technological devices.
5. Hands washed with soap and water before arrival, and a hand sanitiser containing 60% or more alcohol used throughout the examination.
6. Firearms are not allowed at the examination site.

Visual aids from the DOS website may be printed and brought to the examination. No other documents or written notes are allowed.

5. Results

• You are notified by email when results are available; you log in to your online account to view them.
• Results are reported as passed or failed. You will not receive a numerical score.
• Results are not given at the examination site or over the telephone, and may not be appealed.
• Candidates who pass the practical are issued a New York State cosmetology licence by mail, assuming the written examination is also passed.
• 19 NYCRR § 160.34 — a passing grade may be applied toward licensure for five years.
• If you fail, you may schedule another examination through your online account.

6. Requesting an Analysis After a Failure

A candidate who fails the practical examination may email the DOS examination unit at exams@dos.ny.gov to request an analysis — a report breaking down the practical scores to identify strengths and weaknesses.

• The request must be made within 60 days of the examination date.
• Analyses are not provided to candidates who passed.

This is the only feedback mechanism DOS offers, and it is time-limited. A candidate who fails and intends to retake should request the analysis immediately rather than waiting until they are ready to rebook.