Cosmetology Resources

Exam Components/Format:

• Written Exam: The following content outline lists the topics that are on the test and the number of questions for each topic. The Master Cosmetology test consists of 110 scored questions and 10 non-scored experimental questions. Test takers will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the test.

I. Safety and Infection Control (25%)

a. Workstation and environment

1. Chemical labeling, storage, and disposal

2. OSHA Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

b. Safe working practices

1. Hand Hygiene

2. Client protection

c. Regulatory agencies

d. Infection control

1. Infectious diseases and pathogens

2. Cleaning and disinfection

a. Single vs. multiuse items

b. Disinfectants

c. Procedures for tools, equipment, and work surfaces

d. Storage of tools and equipment

e. Standard Precautions for exposure incidents

f. Effective safety responses for client injury

II. Client Consultation (2%)

a. Client intake form

b. Client release form

c. Contraindications

III. Hair, Scalp, Skin, and Nail Analysis (15%)

a. Hair and scalp structure, type, conditions, and disorders

b. Skin structure, type, conditions, and disorders

c. Nail structure, conditions, and disorders

IV. Hairstyling (6%)

a. Blow-dry and thermal irons

1. Heat precautions

2. Tool safety

3. Styling

V. Haircutting (12%)

a. Haircutting tools

1. Razors

2. Scissors/Shears

3. Trimmers/Edgers

4. Clippers

VI. Chemical Services (15%)

a. Products and product chemistry

1. Hair coloring and lightning

2. Permanent waving

3. Chemical relaxing

b. Hair and scalp preparation

c. Precautions

1. Metallic and compound dyes

2. Minerals

d. Application procedures

1. Hair color and lightning

2. Permanent waving

3. Chemical relaxing

VII. Skin Care (6%)

a. Products and product chemistry

b. Procedures

1. Skin Analysis

2. Facials

3. Massage manipulations

4. Tool/device safety

VIII. Makeup (2%)

a. Procedures

b. Eyelash extensions and enhancements

IX. Hair Removal (4%)

a. Waxing

1. Procedures

2. Temperature precautions

b. Tweezing

X. Nails (13%)

a. Products and product chemistry

b. Precautions

c. Manicure and pedicure

1. Procedures related to safety and infection precautions

a. Cuticle care

b. Buffing, shaping, and finishing

2. Disinfection of pedicure bowl

a. Non-jetted tubs and tub liners

b. Jetted tubs

d. Nail enhancements

1. Procedures

a. Application

b. Nail tips

c. Gels (oligomer), monomer and polymer

d. Maintenance

e. Removal

e. Massage manipulations

• Practical Exam:  A hands on application of all techniques taught and learned in the Cosmetology Program.

​​​​​​​TOPIC AREA: 1 WORKSTATION PREPARATION 10 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: 2 HAIRCUTTING 25 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: 3 CHEMICAL WAVE VARIED TIMING

TOPIC AREA: 4 FOIL HIGHLIGHTS 25 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: 5 HYDROXIDE VIRGIN RELAXER 25 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: 6 HAIRCOLOR RETOUCH 25 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: A BLOW DRY AND THERMAL CURL 25 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: B BASIC FACIAL 25 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: C EYEBROW WAXING AND TWEEZING VARIED TIMING

TOPIC AREA: G NAIL ENHANCEMENT USING A FORM 35 MINUTES

TOPIC AREA: 7 END OF DAY CLEAN UP 10 MINUTES

• Examinees must receive a passing grade of 70% or higher on the theory licensure exam. The theory exam is a comprehensive exam of all contents of the Cosmetology program.

• Once Theory is completed students may apply and take the practical licensure exam. The practical exam is hands on application of all techniques taught and learned in the Cosmetology Program.

• A composite of 70% or higher is required to obtain your Cosmetology license in Kentucky.

• Additional requirements: Pay application fee of $85.00 and have 2 forms of government identification at time of examination.