Nail Technology - Candidate Handbook

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 1

Arizona

Barbering and Cosmetology Board

Nail Technology

Candidate Handbook

Examination Content/CIBs Developed and Owned© by:

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (“NIC”)

Revised 12/2022

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 2

Contents

Quick Reference ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Application

Process ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 5

State Licensure

Requirements

........................................................................................................................ 5

Examination

Fees ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Refund Policy ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Special Accommodations ............................................................................................................................... 6

PCS Account Set-Up ....................................................................................................................................... 6

PCS Registration ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Logging into your

Homepage

....................................................................................................... 8

Registration Status ...................................................................................................................... 8

Registration Approval Process ....................................................................................................................... 9

Examination

Scheduling ................................................................................................................................. 9

Reprinting Documents

...................................................................................................................................

10

Examination

Scheduling ............................................................................................................................... 10

Theory Examination Scheduling ................................................................................................ 10

Written Practical Examination Scheduling ................................................................................. 10

Examination Day Requirements .................................................................................................................. 11

General Examination Policies ...................................................................................................................... 12

Examination

Results .....................................................................................................................................

12

Change of Information ................................................................................................................................. 13

Formal

Complaints ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 3

Quick Reference

STEP ONE: READ CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

• Register for Examinations with PCS

STEP TWO: TAKE EXAMINATIONS

• Upon approval, schedule and take Written Practical and Theory Examinations with IQT

STEP THREE: Apply for Licensure with the Arizona State Board

• Once you pass your examinations, apply for your license.

Contact Information

Professional Credential Services (PCS)

Email: cosandbar@pcshq.com

Website: http://www.pcshq.com

Customer Service: (888) 822-3272

Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board

Regular Mailing Address

1740 W Adams Suite #4400

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Telephone: (480) 784-4539 ext. 240

Website: www.bcb.az.gov

Email: azboard@azboc.gov

Scheduling Theory and Written Practical

Iso-Quality (IQT), owned and operated by Prometric

www.IQTTesting.com

Toll-Free Telephone Support: (866) 773-1114 or

Email: SMT-OperationsTeam@prometric.com

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 4

Application Process

Candidate reviews license and examination

requirements in Candidate Handbook available at

http://www.pcshq.com

Candidate completes an online registration with

PCS at http://www.pcshq.com

PCS reviews completed registration and

approves candidate for the written practical and

theory examinations.

PCS emails candidate Written Practical and

Theory Authorization to Test Letter (ATT)

Candidate schedules a test date and location

with IQT, owned and operated by Prometric

Candidate takes the examinations

PCS emails score notices to candidates within 10 business days after the exam.

PCS electronically notifies Arizona State Board Office when candidates has met the

examination requirements for licensing.

Candidate applies for licensure with the Arizona

Barbering and Cosmetology Board at

http://www.bcb.az.gov

Arizona State Board issues license to candidate

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 5

Introduction

The Candidate Handbook is intended to help you to prepare and to understand the processes and

procedures for applying for Licensure and for scheduling your examination(s). The Arizona Barbering and

Cosmetology Board (the "Board") is responsible for licensing and regulating the profession of Nail

Technology in the State of Arizona. The Board has contracted with Professional Credential Services

("PCS") to provide administrative examination services. The Board, through PCS, will exclusively use the

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology ("NIC") examinations. The State Board will

have the final authority to approve the issuance of a license.

State Licensure Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for Licensure (Apply with the state after passing all required examinations)

1. Submits to the board an application for a nail technician license on a form supplied by the board.

2. Does either of the following:

(a) Completes and receives appropriate credits for at least two years of high school education or

its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules and submits satisfactory evidence that the

person is at least sixteen years of age.

(b) Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least eighteen years of age.

3. Submits to the board satisfactory evidence of either of the following:

(a) That the person graduated from a nail technology school in another state or country that had

at the time of the person's graduation substantially the same requirements as this state for

schools licensed by the board.

(b) That the person completed a nail technician course consisting of at least six hundred hours of

training in a school licensed by the board.

4. Pays the prescribed fees for a nail technician license.

5. Passes the examination for a nail technician license.

Reinstatement

If you wish to reinstate your expired Arizona license, please contact the Arizona State Board office at

(602) 542-4498 or visit www.bcb.az.gov

.

Examination Fees

Examination

Type

First Time Fees

Re-Exam Fees

Nail Technology Theory & Practical

$ 177.00

Nail Technology

Theory

$ 100.00

Nail Technology

Practical

$ 77.00

Fees may be paid online with a credit card (Master Card, Visa, or Discover). Your registration will not be

considered complete until payment has been received.

! You must take the examinations within one calendar year of your registration date with PCS, or the

examination fees are no longer valid.

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 6

Refund Policy

Please carefully review this handbook and your state laws, rules, and regulations prior to making

payment. All fees are non-refundable.

! Candidates are especially encouraged to carefully review licensing requirements PRIOR to

completing an online registration with PCS. If testing is not required fees are non-refundable.

Special Accommodations

If you require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you must submit an

ADA Request Form along with supporting medical documentation. This form will be made available

when filling out the online application.

PCS Account Set-Up

Before you are able to complete an online registration with PCS, you must first become a registered user

within the website. To do so, please follow the steps below.

1. Go to www.pcshq.com

2. Click Applicants & Candidates

3. Click Cosmetology & Barbering

4. Click Arizona

5. Click Create an Account (First Time)

6. Creating a PCS Account (first time users only); enter valid, unique email address,

your first and last name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

7. Click Create Account

8. Check your email account for a PCS system generated email.

9. Click link in email to verify account information and create PCS password.

10. Click Enable Account

! A unique email address must be provided to create a PCS Account (i.e. more than one user

cannot provide the same email address).

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 7

PCS Registration

Once you have created your PCS account, you are then ready to complete the online application.

To do so, please follow the steps below.

1. Go to http://www.pcshq.com

2. Click Client Portal

3. Enter email address and password

4. Click Log In

5. Click the PCS Logo to return to the Homepage

6. Click Applicants & Candidates

7. Click Cosmetology & Barbering

8. Select Arizona

9. Click the Pre-register and pay for your Exams (after you logged in) link at Step 3

10. You are now in the online application; select appropriate license type (i.e., Cosmetology).

11. Continue with online application until all required fields have been completed.

12. Choose the examinations you wish to take.

13. Select Payment Option.

! You must complete the online application using your legal name – the name which appears

on your current government issued photo identification (i.e. Driver’s License).

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 8

PCS Candidate Homepage

Logging into your Homepage

1. Go to http://www.pcshq.com

2. Click Client Portal

3. Enter email address and password

4. Click Log In

Registration Status

You may check the status of your online registration 24/7 by logging into your PCS account. As items are

received, green checkmarks will appear under the registration.

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 9

Registration Approval Process

Once an online registration has been completed, PCS will review and forward a notification to IQT

regarding your written practical and theory examinations.

Exam Notification

Once you have been approved, PCS will forward the following notifications via email.

1. A Theory Authorization to Test (ATT) letter will be sent via email within one business day.

2. A Written Practical Authorization to Test (ATT) letter will be sent via email within one business

day.

!

If you do not receive any emails within the time frame listed above, it is your responsibility to check your

PCS account and reprint this information. If you are unable to access your account, it is your responsibility

to contact PCS at (888) 822-3272.

How do I know if my registration is approved?

If a registration has been approved, a green check will appear in the Final Review Box under Active

Applications.

Examination Scheduling

Theory and Written Practical Examination Scheduling

Once you have received your ATT letter(s), you must contact Iso-Quality (IQT), owned, and operated by

Prometric, to schedule your written practical and theory appointment(s). Upon receipt of your ATT Letter,

you must follow the specific directions listed on the ATT to take the examination(s). Log in to the website

at www.IQTTesting.com

. Select SCHEDULE and follow the prompts given for each screen. You can also

contact Toll-Free Telephone Support at (866) 773-1114 or email at SMT-OperationsTe[email protected].

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 10

Reprinting Documents

You may reprint information concerning your examinations, payment receipts, and/or scores by logging

into your Homepage

Example:

• Click the Print Score Notice option next to the item you wish to reprint.

• Click the ATT Letter option next to the item you wish to reprint

• Click the Reprint option next to the item you wish to print.

Examination Rescheduling

Rescheduling Policy

You may reschedule your written practical and/or theory examination without forfeiting your fee by

contacting IQT at least 6 business days prior to your scheduled date. Fees will be forfeited if you attempt to

reschedule in six or less days prior to your scheduled examination. Please call 866-773-1114 to cancel or

reschedule your examination. If you cancel your exam the fees will be forfeited.

If you fail your written practical and/or theory exam and wish to reschedule, please wait until you have

received your Official Score Notice from PCS by email before paying the rescheduling fee. Please allow at

least 10 business days.

If you have missed, canceled, or failed an examination, you may reschedule online with a credit card by

logging into your Homepage.

• To reschedule your written practical examination, click Written Practical under the Active

Applications box.

• To reschedule your theory examination, click Theory under the Active Applications box.

! DO NOT SELECT REGISTRATION FROM YOUR SHOPPING CART

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 11

If you have paid to reschedule your exam and have not received an email notification from PCS within 5

business days of submission, please contact PCS immediately at [email protected]

.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather or similar emergency, a scheduled examination may be canceled or

delayed. However, this decision is made only in rare instances and at the discretion of IQT. If a test center

is open for testing, and you choose not to appear for your scheduled examination, your fee will be

forfeited. You will have to reschedule your appointment and resubmit the appropriate fee to PCS. If you

have reason to question whether a center will be closed due to an emergency, please call IQT for inquiries

regarding the written practical and theory examinations.

Examination Day Requirements

What do I need to take with me to the examination?

• Government Issued ID – must be a current, non-expired government-issued photo ID with a

signature (see below)

!

If you fail to bring these items, you will not be permitted to test, and a rescheduling fee will be required.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

Current, non-expired Government Issued ID - must be listed under the name in which you applied.

Photocopies will not be accepted

• State issued Driver's License

• State issued Identification Card

• US Government issued Passport

• US Government issued Military Identification Card

• US Government issued Alien Registration Card

!

Student ID and employment ID are NOT acceptable forms of Identification.

!

If you fail to bring proper identification or your names do not match, you will not be permitted to test,

and a rescheduling fee will be required.

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 12

Arrival

!

You must arrive at the test center at least thirty (30) minutes prior to your examination for registration. If

you arrive past your examination time, you will not be permitted to test, and are scheduling fee will be

required.

General Examination Policies

Security Policy

Suspected security breaches during the theory or written practical test administrations, such as an act of

impersonation, creating a disturbance, giving, or receiving unauthorized information or aiding other

candidates, attempting to remove test information by any means, possessing prohibited materials may be

sufficient cause to dismiss you from the examination site or to invalidate or cancel your scores. Suspected

breaches may be identified by observation or suspicion by the test center staff or may be evidenced by

subsequent statistical analysis of examination materials. PCS reserves the right to investigate each incident

of misconduct and will report such incidents directly to the Board. The Board will make all final decisions

on examination score invalidations or cancellations. No visitors, guests or children are allowed in the test

center.

Copyrighted Examination Questions

All test questions are the express copyrighted property of NIC. It is forbidden under federal copyright law

to copy, reproduce, record, distribute or display these test questions by any means, in whole or in part.

Doing so may subject you to severe civil and criminal penalties, including prison incarceration and/or fined

up to $250,000 for criminal violations.

Prohibited Items

No food, beverages, purses, notebooks, magazines, backpacks, briefcases, hats, caps, reference books, or

electronic devices such as cameras, computers or computerized devices, iPods, radios, recording devices,

portable fax machines, cellular telephones, calculators, watches, reproduction equipment, smoking or the

use of tobacco are strictly prohibited in the examination room. Failure to comply with any of these

conditions will result in you being dismissed immediately and your actions reported to the proper

authorities. PCS is not responsible for any personal items brought to the examination site.

Environmental Distracters

Although every attempt is made to provide a quiet and comfortable test environment, noise and room

temperature may be an unforeseen and unavoidable distracter. It is suggested that you wear the type of

clothing that would allow you to adapt to a cooler or warmer climate at the testing site.

Examination Results

Score Notices

An unofficial pass or fail notice will be provided to you by IQT after you take the written practical and

theory examinations. An official score notice will be emailed to you at least 10 business days after your

examination date. If you do not receive an email within this time frame, you may print a score notice by

logging into your PCS account.

Professional Credential Services, Inc. 13

State Score Requirements

The minimum score required to pass both the theory and written practical examination is 75. If you fail an

examination, PCS will provide a strength and weakness report (located at the bottom of the score notice)

and information on how to re-apply online.

Once all required examinations have been passed, PCS will electronically notify the Arizona Board office of

your status.

You must apply with the Arizona State Board for your license. When the state receives your passing scores,

you will be issued a license if you meet the requirements on page 5.

Change of Information

If you need to update your information on your account (i.e., name corrections, date of

birth, Social Security number), please upload supporting documentation to your account.

You must provide a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or other court

documentation confirming your name change.

• Driver’s License (Change address, Date of Birth)

• Social Security Card (Change SS#)

• Birth Certificate (Change Date of Birth)

Formal Complaints

If you have a complaint regarding any aspect of the registration and examination process,

examinations must be emailed to PCS within 48 hours of the incident. The written complaint

must include the following information:

• First and Last Name

• Last four digits of Social Security Number

• State in which you are applying for a license

• Examination Date & Location if applicable

Send Complaint to:

• Professional Credential Services Inc. - cosandbar@pcshq.com

Complaint Review Process

Upon receipt of your complaint, PCS will confirm receipt within 48 hours. After a thorough

review, a reply will be sent to you within 15-20 business days.

NATIONAL NAIL TECHNOLOGY

THEORY EXAMINATION

CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIB)

Please visit your examination provider’s website OR www.nictesting.org for the most current bulletin prior to testing.

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB

1

(Rev. 2.26.2020)

The National Nail Technology Theory Examination is the licensure examination for Nail Technicians, which is

developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This bulletin contains

IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding the examination, including content outline covered by the theory

examination, sample questions and answers, and references. The time allowed for the Nail Technology Theory

Examination is 90 minutes.

For each NIC National Theory Examination, there are TWO (2) parts to every Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) stored as

separate documents:

 Examination Content and Important Instructions – This provides information about the scope of content covered in the

Theory examination and information and guidelines related to administration of the Theory examination.

 References – This provides a list of references used to develop and support the content covered in the examination. The

references are always the same for the Theory and Practical examinations.

BE CERTAIN TO DOWNLOAD AND/OR PRINT AND REVIEW BOTH DOCUMENTS THAT

MAKE UP THE NIC EXAMINATION CIB.

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY!

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

 Do not leave the examination area without permission. Permission must be obtained to leave the examination area

for any reason, including restroom usage or at the completion of the examination. Picture ID is required for re-

entry into the examination.

 With the exception of verbal instructions, the proctors and examination administration personnel are not allowed

to communicate with candidates.

 If you have an emergency situation please notify the proctor.

 The following provides examples of materials and actions that are prohibited during the examination

administration:

o Possession of cellular phones, watches (of any kind), pagers, tablets, computers, projectors, cameras, or any

other electronic or recording devices, printed materials, or handwritten notes.

o Communicating to other candidates or any examiner.

o Exhibiting disruptive behavior.

 The above referenced items or actions are not an exhaustive list. Failure to comply with any of these

conditions or exhibiting ANY behavior that suggests an effort to cheat will result in your immediate

dismissal from the examination and your actions reported to the proper authorities.

NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY THEORY EXAMINATION – CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB

2

(Rev. 2.26.2020)

NAIL TECHNOLOGY THEORY EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINE

The following outlines the scope of content covered by the NIC National Nail Technology Theory

Examination. The percentages represent the percentage of items from each domain. The examination is

comprised of 110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the candidate’s final score.

1A: Scientific Concepts - Infection Control and Safety Practices (15%)

1. Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted

2. Recognize and utilize infection control principles

a. Levels of infection control

b. Process of infection control (e.g., dispensing products, disposal of materials)

3. Apply blood exposure procedures

4. Identify adverse reactions to products or services

5. Utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

6. Identify ways to prevent work injuries (e.g., ventilation, ergonomics)

1B: Scientific Concepts - Anatomy and Physiology (15%)

1. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the:

a. nails

b. skin

2. Recognize disorders and diseases of the:

a. nails

b. skin

3. Recognize signs and symptoms of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the:

a. nails

b. skin

4. Identify bones of the:

a. arms and hands

b. legs and feet

5. Identify muscles and recognize their functions in the:

a. arms and hands

b. legs and feet

1C: Scientific Concepts - Chemistry of Nail Products (10%)

1. Explain purpose and effects of product ingredients

2. Recognize interaction between chemicals

3. Recognize physical changes

4. Recognize chemical reactions

2A: Nail Technology Procedures - Client Consultation and Documentation (5%)

1. Identify elements of a client consultation and documentation

2. Evaluate condition of client’s nails and skin

3. Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (contraindications)

4. Determine services or products

NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY THEORY EXAMINATION – CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB

3

(Rev. 2.26.2020)

2B: Nail Technology Procedures - Nail Service Tools (8%)

1. Identify purpose and function of:

a. Nail equipment (e.g., electric file, pedicure basin)

b. Nail implements (e.g., nail clippers, cuticle pusher)

c. Nail supplies and materials (e.g., cotton, buffer)

d. Nail products (e.g., polish, lotion)

2. Follow practices for safe use of tools

2C: Nail Technology Procedures - Nail Service Preparation (5%)

1. Perform set-up of work station service area

2. Perform client and practitioner sanitation

2D: Nail Technology Procedures - Manicure and Pedicure Services (18%)

1. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service

a. Trim and shape nails

b. Soak

c. Cuticle maintenance

d. Cleanse nails

e. Buff nails

f. Exfoliate

g. Perform basic massage

1. Identify mechanics of massage movements

a. Effleurage

b. Petrissage

c. Friction

d. Tapotement

2. Recognize effects of massage types

a. Effleurage

b. Petrissage

c. Friction

d. Tapotement

h. Completion of service

2. Recognize purpose and procedures for add-on services

a. Paraffin

b. Masks and essential oils

c. Gel polish

d. Thermal (e.g., stone, towel)

2E: Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Application Maintenance and Removal Procedures for Nail Enhancement

Services (20%)

1. Nail tip

2. Acrylics

3. Light-cured gels

4. Powder dip

2F: Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Post-Service Procedures (4%)

NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY THEORY EXAMINATION – CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB

4

(Rev. 2.26.2020)

NAIL TECHNOLOGY SAMPLE QUESTIONS

The following sample questions are similar to those on the NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination. Each question is followed by

four answer options. Only one option is correct. Correct answers (keys) are listed following the sample questions.

1. Pumice stone is used in pedicuring as

a. an abrasive.

b. a bleach.

c. a lubricant.

d. an astringent.

2. What is the FIRST step in performing a manicure?

a. Shape the nails

b. Soften the cuticles

c. Clean under free edge

d. Remove old polish

3. Where should all manicuring cosmetic supplies be kept when not being used?

a. On a clean shelf

b. On the manicuring table

c. In a clean manicuring kit

d. In clean, closed containers

4. Which one of the following is a condition in which the cuticle splits around the nail?

a. Hangnails

b. Pterygium

c. Onychophagy

d. Onychorrhexis

5. Nerves and blood vessels are found in the nail

a. bed.

b. wall.

c. plate.

d. grooves.

6. An antiseptic is used in manicuring to

a. bleach the nails.

b. treat minor cuts.

c. smooth corrugated nails.

d. give the nails a high sheen.

7. After each use, manicuring implements should be

a. wiped with a towel.

b. wiped with a tissue.

c. cleansed and disinfected.

d. placed in dry storage.

NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY THEORY EXAMINATION – CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB

5

(Rev. 2.26.2020)

8. For which one of the following are oil manicures recommended?

a. Leuconychia

b. Split nails

c. Brittle nails

d. Prevention of infection

9. What is the actively growing part of the nail?

a. Lunula

b. Matrix

c. Mantle

d. Free edge

10. What should be applied to a split in the nail before wrapping it?

a. Top coat

b. Base coat

c. Adhesive glue

d. Nail hardener

KEY: 1: A, 2: D, 3: D, 4: A, 5: A, 6: B, 7: C, 8: C, 9: B, 10: C

NATIONAL NAIL TECHNOLOGY

WRITTEN PRACTICAL EXAMINATION

CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIB)

Please visit your examination provider’s website OR www.nictesting.org for the most current bulletin prior to testing.

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Written Practical Examination CIB

1

(Rev. 4/15/2021)

The National Nail Technology Written Practical Examination is the licensure examination for Nail Technicians,

which is developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This bulletin contains

IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding the examination, including content outline covered by the Written

Practical examination, sample questions and answers, and references. The time allowed for the Nail Technology

Written Practical Examination is 120 minutes.

For each NIC National Written Practical Examination, there are TWO (2) parts to every Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) stored

as separate documents:

 Examination Content and Important Instructions – This provides information about the scope of content covered in the

Written Practical examination and information and guidelines related to administration of the Written Practical examination.

 References – This provides a list of references used to develop and support the content covered in the examination. The

references are always the same for the Theory, Written Practical, and Practical examinations.

BE CERTAIN TO DOWNLOAD AND/OR PRINT AND REVIEW BOTH DOCUMENTS THAT

MAKE UP THE NIC EXAMINATION CIB.

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY!

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

 Do not leave the examination area without permission. Permission must be obtained to leave the examination area

for any reason, including restroom usage or at the completion of the examination. Picture ID is required for re-

entry into the examination.

 With the exception of verbal instructions, the proctors and examination administration personnel are not allowed

to communicate with candidates.

 If you have an emergency situation please notify the proctor.

 The following provides examples of materials and actions that are prohibited during the examination

administration:

o Possession of cellular phones, watches (of any kind), pagers, tablets, computers, projectors, cameras, or any

other electronic or recording devices, printed materials, or handwritten notes.

o Communicating to other candidates or any examiner.

o Exhibiting disruptive behavior.

 The above referenced items or actions are not an exhaustive list. Failure to comply with any of these

conditions or exhibiting ANY behavior that suggests an effort to cheat will result in your immediate

dismissal from the examination and your actions reported to the proper authorities.

NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY WRITTEN PRACTICAL EXAMINATION – CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Written Practical Examination CIB

2

(Rev. 4/15/2021)

NAIL TECHNOLOGY WRITTEN PRACTICAL EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINE

The following outlines the scope of content covered by the NIC National Nail Technology Written Practical

Examination. The percentages represent the percentage of items from each domain. The examination is

comprised of 60 items, of which 50 items are weighted and contribute to the candidate’s final score.

1. Scientific Concepts

(40%)

A: Infection Control and Safety Practices

1. Recognize and utilize infection control principles

a. Process of infection control (e.g., dispensing products, disposal of

materials)

1. Differentiate between single- and multi-use tools

2. Recognize when cross-contamination occurs

2. Apply blood exposure procedures

3. Identify adverse reactions to products or services

4. Identify ways to prevent work injuries (e.g., ventilation, ergonomics)

B: Anatomy and Physiology

1. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the:

a. nails

b. skin

2. Recognize disorders and diseases of the:

a. nails

b. skin

3. Recognize signs and symptoms of disorders, diseases, and conditions of

the:

a. nails

b. skin

2. Nail Technology

Procedures (60%)

A: Nail Technology Procedures - Client Consultation and Documentation

1. Identify elements of a client consultation and documentation

2. Evaluate condition of client’s nails and skin

3. Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (contraindications)

4. Determine services or products

B: Nail Technology Procedures - Nail Service Tools

1. Identify purpose and function of:

a. Nail equipment (e.g., electric file, pedicure basin)

b. Nail implements (e.g., nail clippers, cuticle pusher)

c. Nail supplies and materials (e.g., cotton, buffer)

d. Nail products (e.g., polish, lotion)

2. Follow practices for safe use of tools

C: Nail Technology Procedures - Nail Service Preparation

D: Nail Technology Procedures - Manicure and Pedicure Services

1. Perform procedures for basic manicure and or pedicure service

2. Recognize purpose and procedure for add-on services

NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY WRITTEN PRACTICAL EXAMINATION – CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Written Practical Examination CIB

3

(Rev. 4/15/2021)

a. Paraffin

b. Masks and essential oils

c. Gel polish

d. Thermal (e.g., stone, towel)

E: Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Application/Maintenance and

Removal for Nail Enhancement Services

1. Nail tip

2. Acrylics

3. Light-cured gels

4. Powder dip

F: Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Post-Service Procedures

NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY WRITTEN PRACTICAL EXAMINATION – CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Written Practical Examination CIB

4

(Rev. 4/15/2021)

NAIL TECHNOLOGY SAMPLE QUESTIONS

The following sample questions are similar to those on the NIC Nail Technology Written Practical Examination. Correct answers (keys)

are listed following the sample questions.

1. During a gel polish manicure, the client says they are having an allergic reaction, although they had not disclosed any allergies on the

client consultation form. What should the practitioner do?

(A) Discard the product

(B) Diagnose the cause

(C) Discontinue use of the product

(D) Cleanse the nails with alcohol

2. What is the FIRST step in performing a manicure?

(A) Shape the nails

(B) Soften the cuticles

(C) Clean under free edge

(D) Remove old polish

3. A client appears with a yellow-green spot under an artificial nail. What is the cause of this problem?

(A) Tinea

(B) Corrugations

(C) Carcinogen

(D) Bacteria

4. Please select all images of multi-use items.

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

NATIONAL NAIL TECHNOLOGY

WRITTEN PRACTICAL EXAMINATION

CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIB)

Please visit your examination provider’s website OR www.nictesting.org for the most current bulletin prior to testing.

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. – Nail Technology Written Practical Examination CIB

5

(Rev. 4/15/2021)

5. Select the lunula in the image provided.

(A) A

(B) B

(C) C

(D) D

(E) E

(F) F

(G) G

(H) H

(I) I

(J) J

KEY:

1: C

2: D

3: D

4: A, C

5: C

NATIONAL-INTERSTATE COUNCIL OF STATE BOARDS OF COSMETOLOGY (NIC)

REFERENCES

This list provides the references used to develop and support the content covered in the NIC

Theory and Practical examinations.

The references are always the same for the Theory and Practical examinations.

9

Copyright National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. References (Approved Textbooks)

As it pertains to publishers of reference materials, no one company's publication listed as a reference for an exam modality is a preferred reference for the examination. When multiple references

are listed for an exam modality, all publications have met the same criterion established by the NIC to be approved as a reference for the examination.

Updated 5.20.2022

NAIL TECHNOLOGY

REFERENCES

Milady Standard Nail Technology 8

th

Edition + Foundations

2020, 8

th

Edition

ISBN: 9780357446867

Contact:

Info@Milady.com

www.Milady.com

Nails – Exhibits of Art

2007, 2.1 Edition

CLIC International

2014

Pottsville, PA 17901

Salon Fundamentals Nails

2013, 1

st

Edition, 10

th

printing, June 2013

Pivot Point International, Inc.

www.pivot-point.com

Contact: info@pivot-point.com

847-886-0500, Ext. 7399

Today’s Class: Nail Technician

2016

Melior, Inc.

https://www.todaysclass.com/index.html

877-224-0435

SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES

Nails – Exhibits of Art

2007, 1

st

Edition

Author: Randy Rick

CLIC International

2014

Pottsville, PA 17901

Salon Fundamentals Nails

2011, 1

st

Edition, 7

th

Printing, October 2011

Pivot Point International, Inc.

www.pivot-point.com

Contact: info@pivot-point.com

847-886-0500, Ext. 7399