CSLE Exam Information and Guideline
National-Interstate Council Cosmetology Licensing Exam
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
NIC Practical Cosmetology Exam Core Content
A practical examination is an important component for assessing your competence in cosmetology. The NIC cosmetology practical examination covers the following core content:
- Hair-shaping
- Chemical waving
- Chemical relaxing
- Hair lightening and hair coloring
- Thermal curling
Further, depending on your state, you may also be tested in the following areas:
- Blow-drying styling
- Shaping and pin curl placement
- Roller placement
- Facials
- Manicuring
- Sculptured nails
Although you should always refer to your state guidelines for a list of required supplies, the required general supplies for the NIC cosmetology practical examination include:
- Dry storage kit/container
- Hand sanitizer
- Mannequin head and a table clamp
- A towel placed between the clamp and the table
- EPA registered disinfectant
- Container/bag for soiled/trash items
- Container/bag for items to be disinfected
- Cloth and paper towels
- Neck strips
- Shampoo cape
- Hair clamps
- Combs/hair brushes
- Spray bottle
- Protective cream
- Spatula
- Protective cotton
- Protective gloves
- First aid supply kit
- Tape
When taking the NIC cosmetology practical examination, you will want to ensure you follow all exam rules and instructions, including:
Do not leave the exam area without permission.
- You must bring your own exam kit in sanitary condition.
- You must bring a container of water if needed for any section of the exam. You may also bring a thermos of hot water, if desired.
- You will be given 10 minutes for client protection and for setting up your supplies.
- You will be given 2 minutes in between each section of the exam for setting up the required supplies.
- You will receive verbal instructions twice before beginning each section of the exam.
- Once you have completed the tasks of a specific section, step back from your work station to indicate that you have finished.
- Always ensure you are following all appropriate public protection and infection control procedures during all phases of the exam.
- You may not bring your cell phone or any other electronic device, handwritten notes, or any other printed materials into the exam room.
- You may not talk with any other candidates during the testing period.
- Depending on your state, you will use either a live model or a mannequin head/hand for the exam.
If you are allowed to use a model, you must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Your model must be at least 15 years old and cannot be a licensed cosmetologist or cosmetology student.
- Your model must present ID to gain admittance into the exam.
- Your model must agree to submit to all services during the exam and may not participate in any way during the exam.
- Your model cannot talk to you at any time during the exam.