Illinois Barber, Esthetician and Teacher Examinations:
PSI Computerized Testing Procedure Guide
The following information is intended to help you prepare for the computer-administered Illinois
Barber, Esthetician and Teacher Examinations from the National Interstate Council for State
Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). These tests are being administered in the same network of PSI
test centers that give CTS exams for cosmetology and nail technicians.
Part I General Information
APPLY ONLINE Complete the application online at www.continentaltesting.net and submit
all required transcripts and related documents. An application is not
complete until it includes a valid email address and all fees have been
paid. Credit card payment is available as part of the online application.
Each approved candidate receives an email from PSI that provides
instructions to schedule a testing appointment.
Part I of this guide provides information about test center locations and
how to schedule examinations. Part II provides content outlines for these
NIC examinations. Go to www.nictesting.org for the most current
candidate information bulletin for NIC examinations. Part III includes
information about testing procedures on the day of your examination.
TIME LIMIT Each candidate schedules a PSI appointment to allow time to verify IDs
and complete other check-in procedures. The time limit for each of these
examinations is 90 minutes.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION
REQUESTS An application for special accommodations with appropriate documentation
is required before any special arrangements can be completed. If
approved, the candidate will receive an email from PSI with instructions to
schedule a test date in a test center that has appropriate facilities.
Candidates who are approved for special accommodations must schedule
using the PSI Call Center. Testing appointments with special
accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to the desired
test date.
SCHEDULING After CTS approves your application, you can schedule a test date at one
of the approved PSI Test Centers by using PSI’s online system at
www.psiexams.com or by calling PSI at 1-800-733-9267. All regular
testing appointments must be scheduled at least two business days prior
to the desired test date. You must complete your test within 60 days
after CTS approves your application.
(c) 2017, Employment Research & Development Institute
Continental Testing Services, Inc.
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SCHEDULING After CTS approves your application, you can schedule a test date at one
of the approved PSI Test Centers by using PSI’s online system at
www.psiexams.com or by calling PSI at 1-800-733-9267. All regular testing
appointments must be scheduled at least two business days prior to the
desired test date. You must complete your test within 60 days after
CTS approves your application.
PSI Test Centers in Carbondale, Champaign, downtown Chicago, East Peoria and Peoria,
Galesburg, Glen Ellyn, Springfield, Westmont and Evansville, IN, are proctored by onsite
personnel. Other locations use remotely proctored testing stations that monitor candidates with
three digital cameras, an on-screen chat window and a sensitive built-in microphone. Proctors in
these locations communicate with candidates on-screen during the test and pause the exam
whenever unauthorized persons or activity appear on video monitors or in audio recordings. The
proctor will pause the exam whenever a candidate leaves the testing station or an interruption
occurs. The proctor may end the test if an interruption is not corrected appropriately. Each
remotely proctored test station also is equipped with noise-cancelling headphones to help
candidates screen out distractions if they wish to use them. All other rules are the same for
examinations in on-site proctored and remotely proctored locations.
Directions and other information about each test location follow and are available on the PSI
website. Testing locations are subject to change. Candidates should verify the location of each
test center in their admission notice after they schedule an examination.
Testing locations are subject to change.
Locations of Approved PSI Centers
SIU
Carbondale
PSI Test Center
Springfield
PSI Test Center
332 S. Michigan Ave.
College of DuPage
1. Carol Stream
2. Glen Ellyn
3. Naperville
4. Westmont
Chicago
Metro
Area
Galesburg
Chicago Heights
Niles
Schaumburg
Rockford
Chicago State University
9501 S. King Drive, Chicago
Champaign
Peoria &
East Peoria
Skokie
Joliet
Testing locations are subject to change.
Evansville,
IN
Oak Forest
Grayslake Waukegan
St. Louis,
MO
Romeoville
Locations of Approved PSI Centers
SIU
Carbondale
PSI Test Center
Springfield
PSI Test Center
332 S. Michigan Ave.
College of DuPage
1. Carol Stream
2. Glen Ellyn
3. Naperville
4. Westmont
Chicago
Metro
Area
Galesburg
Chicago Heights
Niles
Schaumburg
Rockford
Chicago State University
9501 S. King Drive, Chicago
Champaign
Peoria &
East Peoria
Skokie
Joliet
Testing locations are subject to change.
Evansville,
IN
Oak Forest
Grayslake Waukegan
St. Louis,
MO
Romeoville
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Remotely proctored test centers are indicated. All others are proctored by on-site personnel.
Address
Driving Directions
Southern Illinois
University, 605 Agriculture
Dr., MC 4722 Room 781
(7th floor)
Morris Library is in the center of campus. More information
about parking for the new center in Morris Library is available
online at http://lib.siu.edu/directions.
Parkland College
2400 W Bradley Ave,
U203
From I-72 East, take N Country Fair Drive. Turn left onto W
Bradley Ave. RM U203
PSI Chicago
332 S. Michigan Avenue
Suite 410
Take US-41S which becomes I-94E. Take the W Jackson Blvd
exit (51F). Turn left on W Jackson Blvd. Turn right on S
Michigan Ave.
Chicago State University,
9501 S. Martin Luther
King Drive
One remotely proctored test station. Chicago State
University is located at 9501 South Martin Luther King Drive in
Chicago. The testing station is located in Room 202 on the 2nd
floor Quiet Study Area of the New Library. Park on campus for
$5. Nearest CTS Station: 0.6 miles from 95th Street Station on
Red Line; numerous bus routes to campus.
Prairie State College
202 S. Halsted Street
Room 3211
One remotely proctored test station. Prairie State College is
located at South Halsted Street and Vollmer Road in Chicago
Heights. The campus is about three miles south of Interstate
80 on Halsted. Testing is in room 3211 of the main building
Carl Sandburg College
2400 Tom L Wilson Blvd
Exit Interstate 74 onto Hwy 34 West (toward Monmouth).
Proceed to Hwy 150 West (Carl Sandburg College Exit toward
Alpha). Turn left at stoplight onto South Lake Storey Road. 1
mile to CSC entrance on the left. The entrance to Carl
Sandburg College will be to your left. Turn left onto Tom L.
Wilson Blvd. Upon entering campus from Lake Storey Rd, turn
right at the electronic marquee sign. Enter the door with the
large B above it. Once in the lobby, turn right and go through
glass door. The Testing Center check-in is immediately located
to the right in room B-07.
Real Estate Institute
6203 W Howard Street
Exam Room
Two remotely proctored test stations. REI is located at the
corner of Howard Street and Merrimac Avenue in Niles,
between Caldwell and Lehigh.
South Suburban College -
Oak Forest Center
16333 S. Kilbourn
Avenue,
Room 5130
One remotely proctored test station. Exit I-57 on 167 East to
Kilbourn Avenue. Turn left on Kilbourn and drive three blocks
to South Suburban College campus. Park in front of building.
The campus also is served by bus routes 364-159th Street and
354 Harvey-Oak Forest Loop.
ROCKFORD OSF Center
For Health, 5510 E. State
St, Room 284 (back of the
building)
One remotely proctored test station. From I-90 W, take the
US-20 Bus/State St exit. Merge onto US-20 Bus W/E State St
toward Rockford. The building is on the righthand side after
passing the main hospital.
Schaumburg - Harper
College Professional
Center, 650 E. Higgins
Road
Suite 2W
Two remotely proctored test stations. North side of Higgins
Rd, between Roselle and Plum Grove, just west of the
McDonalds. When you enter the drive, turn right and park. Our
new Suite 2W is on the northeast end of the building.
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Remotely proctored test centers are indicated. All others are proctored by on-site personnel.
City/State
Address
Driving Directions
Skokie,
Illinois
Oakton Community
College 7701 North Lincoln
Avenue Room A135
One remotely proctored test station. Oakton Colleges
Skokie campus is between Howard and Niles Center Road on
Lincoln in Skokie. Park in student lot in front of campus. Test
center is Room A135.
Springfield,
Illinois
PSI Springfield
3223 South Meadowbrook
Road, Suite B
Follow I-55 south to I-72 toward Jacksonville, exit at IL 4
(Veterans Parkway) and go north to Wabash and turn Left on
Wabash and then Left again on S. Meadowbrook Rd.
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE TEST CENTERS (4)
Carol
Stream,
Illinois
College of DuPage
Carol Stream Campus
500 N Kuhn Road
One remotely proctored test station. Center is on the west
side of Kuhn Rd, north of North Ave and south of Lies Rd.
From North or South: Exit from I-355 at Route 64/North Ave,
and head west to Kuhn Rd (second stoplight past Gary Ave.)
Turn right on Kuhn Rd north to the center on the west side of
the street.
From East or West: Exit from I-88 at Route 59 and go north to
Route 64/North Ave. Turn right on Route 64/North Ave
heading east to Kuhn Rd (next stoplight past County Farm
Rd). Turn left heading north to the center located on the west
side of the street. The center is also accessible from I-88 via I-
355 North. Follow north/south directions above after exiting
from I-88 to I-355 North.
Glen Ellyn,
Illinois
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn Campus
425 Fawell Blvd, BIC 2A08
Enter the College of DuPage Main Campus on Fawell Blvd.
Enter the Student Services Center (SSC) Building. Please go
to the Berg Instructional Center (BIC) Specialized Testing
Services - Room 2A08. The SSC and BIC buildings are
attached.
Naperville,
Illinois
College of DuPage
Naperville Campus
1223 Rickert Drive
One remotely proctored test station. Naperville Center is
located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is
accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of
Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street
to Rickert Drive and turn north.
Westmont,
Illinois
College of DuPage -
Westmont Center
650 Pasquinelli Drive
Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli
Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from
Ogden Ave one block west of Rout 83. The center entrance is
immediately north of the bank.
COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY TEST CENTERS (2)
Grayslake,
Illinois
College of Lake County
Grayslake Campus,
19351 West Washington
Street Room B150
One remotely proctored test station. The Testing Center is
located in Room B150 on the first floor of the Grayslake
Campus.
Waukegan,
Illinois
College of Lake County
Waukegan Campus
33 N. Genesee Street
One remotely proctored test station. Take Belvidere (Route
120), Grand or Washington east to Genesee Street. The CLC
Lakeshore Campus is on Genesee north of Washington and
west of Sheridan Road. 2nd floor room N203.
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Remotely proctored test centers are indicated. All others are proctored by on-site personnel.
City/State
Address
Driving Directions
ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE TEST CENTERS (2)
East Peoria,
Illinois
Illinois Central College,
1 College Drive
Room L220 in Library &
Administration Building
East or West: Exit US 150/IL 116. Drive 3 miles to Centennial
Drive. Turn right onto Centennial Drive and go up the hill to the
stoplight; ICC is on the left. Park in Visitors lot. North-Exit I-55
onto US Rte 24. Drive 42 miles. At the College Drive stoplight,
turn left. Park in Visitors lot. South-Take I-55 N towards
Chicago. Take I-155 N on the left toward Peoria. Merge onto I-
155 N. Take the I-74 W exit on the left at Morton toward
Peoria. Merge onto I-74 W. Take US-150/IL-116 E exit 95
toward Metamora. Turn right onto US-150/IL-116E. Drive 3
miles to the stoplight at Centennial Drive. Turn right onto
Centennial Drive. Park in Visitors lot.
Peoria,
Illinois
Illinois Central College
5407 N University Drive
Arbor Hall 103E
East or West-Exit I-74 at US-150 E/N War Memorial Drive.
Turn left onto N University St. North-Exit I-55 onto I-74 W.
Merge onto US-150 E/N War Memorial Drive 9. Turn left onto
N University St. South-Exit I-55 N onto I-155 N/IL-121 N
toward Peoria/ Hartsburg. Merge onto I-74 W via the exit-on
the left-toward Peoria. Merge onto US-150 E/N War Memorial
Drive. Turn left onto N University St. Look for Illinois Central
College - North Campus.
JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE TEST CENTERS (2)
Joliet, Illinois
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Road
One remotely proctored test station. Exit I-55 onto Route 52
East (Exit 253) to Houbolt. Turn right (South) to college
entrance. Report to Academic Skills Center in A-1138.
Romeoville,
Illinois
Joliet Junior College
(Romeoville Campus)
1125 W 135th Street
One remotely proctored test station. The testing center is
located in the Resource Center, room NC 80.
PSI TEST CENTERS OUTSIDE ILLINOIS (2)
St. Louis,
Missouri
PSI Test Center
11100 Mueller Road
Suite 7 & 8
One remotely proctored test station. From St. Ann: Drive I-
270 South and exit onto MO-21 (Tesson Ferry Rd). Drive east
for about one and a half miles. From Tesson Ferry Rd, turn
right onto US-50 (Lindbergh Blvd) for approximately a quarter
mile. From Lindbergh Blvd, turn left onto Mueller Rd. The
building is located behind McDonalds and a Mobile gas
station.
Evansville,
Indiana
Ivy Technical Community
College, 3401 N First Ave
Testing is in the Workforce Certification and Assessment
Center.
From Kentucky (South):
Take Hwy 41 N to the Diamond Ave exit. Exit, going West to
First Avenue turn right going North. You will travel through 2
stoplights before reaching Wendy’s restaurant. Turn right at
Wendy’s; our parking lot is immediately to the left.
From the airport:
Take a left on Hwy 57 To Hwy 41. Go left going South on Hwy
41 to the Diamond Avenue Exit, going West to First Avenue
turn right going North.
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Instructions for scheduling a test using PSI’s 800 number
PSI provides an automated system to schedule your test via the telephone without having to
speak with a Customer Service Registrar.
1. Call 800-733-9267, then Press 5
2. Stay on the line until the you hear the system begin (about 30 seconds)
3. You will be asked what you want to do: schedule, confirm, or retake a test
4. You will be asked if you know your ID# (this is your social security number)
5. The system will find your record and confirm the first few letters of your last name
6. The system will confirm the test
7. You will be asked what you want to do: schedule or request a bulletin
8. The system will use your zip code to find the closest test center
9. You will be given the closest test center
10. You will be given the available dates and times when you could take the test
11. You will select the date and time and the system will schedule you
12. You will be emailed a confirmation including the date and time of your testing
appointment; the email includes directions to the PSI Test Center
If you prefer to speak to a Customer Service Registrar, they are available Monday through
Friday, between 6:30 am and 7:00 pm and Saturday, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Central
Time.
• Call 800-733-9267, Select 5, then select * (star).
• A PSI staff member will answer to help you schedule your CTS exam.
Instructions for scheduling a test online at www.psiexams.com
1. Go to www.psiexams.com.
If you are a new user at PSI,
click on “Create an Account”.
If you have already created an account in the PSI
system, type in your email address and password.
VERY IMPORTANT STEP You must enter your email
address, your password and the spelling of your name
in these screens EXACTLY as you have submitted them
on your application to CTS because that is what CTS
sent to PSI.
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2. If you already have an account in the PSI system, check the box “Check here to
attempt to locate existing records for you in the system”.
3. Complete the following steps as shown below.
Select Government/State Licensing
Agencies under Select Organization.
Select Illinois in Select Jurisdiction.
Select IL Cosmetology in the box
marked Select Account.
Enter your Social Security Number.
Click on Submit.
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4. You are now ready to schedule. Click on Schedule for a test.
5. Enter your zip code or the city where you live. Click on the Search button.
You will see a list of the testing sites, starting with the one that is closest to you.
Select the Test center you prefer from the list, then click on Continue.
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6. You will now see a list of available test dates and times based on your eligibility
expiration date. Click on the date and time of your choice and select Schedule.
7. A confirmation will appear that you can print by clicking on the Print Details button.
This message also includes directions to the test center.
8. You also will receive an email from PSI to confirm the test center, date and time you
have selected to take your test.
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PSI CONFIRMS
BY EMAIL PSI sends each candidate an email to confirm the date and time of his/her
testing appointment; the email includes directions to the PSI Test Center.
RESCHEDULING A testing appointment may be rescheduled up to two business days before
the scheduled test date. Candidates who fail this examination must reapply
after complying with the requirements for retesting based on the number of
their prior attempts.
MISSING AN
APPOINTMENT Candidates who miss a testing appointment forfeit all fees and must
reapply before they are eligible to schedule a new test date.
TEST SCORES Candidates will receive an unofficial score report before they leave the PSI
Test Center. All candidates will receive their official score reports
from CTS one to two weeks after their test date. Candidates who pass
will receive an application to apply for licensure with their CTS score report.
Candidates who fail will receive a diagnostic report in their CTS score
report indicating content areas in which they need to improve their scores.
NIC Candidate Information Bulletins
Additional information is available in Candidate Information Bulletins on the NIC website at
http://NICtesting.org. Summaries of information from these Bulletins follows.
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Part II Test Content and Recommended Study Materials
NIC Barber Theory Examinations – English and Spanish
Topics on the test are as indicated below.
A. Scientific Concepts
• Infection Control and Safe Practices
• Tools, Implements and Equipment
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemistry
• Electricity and Light
• Skin Histology
• Hair and Scalp
B. Facial and Shaving Services Draping Procedures
• Facial Hair, Facial and Skin Care Treatments
• Shaving Procedures and Facial Hair Design
• Chemistry
C. Hair Care Services
• Client Consultation
• Draping Procedures
• Haircutting and Styling
• Haircutting Methods and Procedures
• Treatment of the Hair and Scalp
D. Chemical Services
• Draping Procedures
• Safety Procedures
• Client Consultation
• Chemical Texture Services
• Haircolor and Lightener
Barber Examination References
Questions in this examination are supported by the following references.
Milady's Standard Professional Barbering 5
th
Edition, (2011)
Publisher: Milady Publishing Company Website: www.milady.com
NIC Infection Control and Safety Standards
Adopted 1998, Revised August 2014
National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
Website: http://nictesting.org/membership/NIC Health & Safety Standards-Aug 2014.pdf
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NIC Esthetics Theory Examination
Topics on the test are as indicated below.
A. Scientific Concepts
• Sanitation and Infection Control
• Human Physiology and Anatomy
• Integumentary System and Skin Histology
• Disorders of the Sebaceous and Sudorifious Glands
• Skin Conditions, Disorders and Diseases
• Basic Chemistry
• Skin Care Products
• Factors that Affect the Skin
B. Skin Care and Services
• Skin Analysis and Implementation Procedures
• Product Application and Removal Procedures
• Cleansing, Steaming, Exfoliation and Extraction Procedures
• Massage Manipulations and Their Effects
• Electricity and Use of Electrical Devices
• Hair Removal Procedures
• Color Theory and Makeup Appolication
• General Knowledge of Specialized Procedures
Esthetics Examination References
Questions in this examination are supported by the following references.
Milady's Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, 11
th
Edition, (2013)
Publisher: Milady Publishing Company Website: www.milady.com
Salon Fundamentals Esthetics, 2
nd
Edition, (2013)
Publisher: Pivot Point International Website: www.pivot-point.com
NIC Infection Control and Safety Standards
Adopted 1998, Revised August 2014
National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
Website: http://nictesting.org/membership/NIC Health & Safety Standards-Aug 2014.pdf
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National Instructor Written Examinations
Topics are as indicated below.
A. Instructional Planning
• Understanding the Curriculum Delivery Process
• Understanding Student Learning Styles
• Understanding the Advantage and Purpose of Materials
• Understanding Assessment Methods of Student Learning
B. Instructional Methods
• Utilize Methods of Instruction
• Recognize Obstacles to Learning
• Apply Communication Skills (e.g., lesson delivery)
• Utilize Time Management Techniques
• Assess Student Learning
C. Classroom and Clinic Management
• Manage Learning Environment
• Understand Instructor Responsibilities
D. Maintain a Safe Learning Environment
NIC Instructor Examination References
Questions in this examination are supported by the following references.
Milady's Master Educator student Course Book, 2
nd
Edition, (2009)
Publisher: Milady Publishing Company Website: www.milady.com
Pivot Point’s Mindful Teaching Program, 2002-2005
Publisher: Pivot Point International Website: www.pivot-point.com
NIC Infection Control and Safety Standards
Adopted 1998, Revised August 2014
National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
Website: http://nictesting.org/membership/NIC Health & Safety Standards-Aug 2014.pdf
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Part III Testing Procedures
YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE EXAM IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE OF
THESE FORMS OF ID. ALL CANDIDATE IDS ARE SUBJECT TO SECURITY
SCREENING TO VERIFY THEIR AUTHENTICITY.
• A valid US Driver’s License or State ID issued by one of the 50 states or US
Territories.
• A valid US Passport or Military Active Duty ID.
• A valid consular ID
All candidates must agree to abide by PSI Test Center Rules:
• Video monitoring of each candidate occurs throughout the test.
• Video tapes may be reviewed if suspicious behavior occurs during a test.
• Name and address on the candidate ID must match the CTS application and PSI
candidate registration records.
• ALL NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO CTS IN
WRITING AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE TESTING APPOINTMENT.
No candidate may take this test if he/she:
• Does not present required photo ID when asked
• Refuses to sign the PSI Examinee Agreement
• Does not follow all PSI Test Center rules
• Tries to use prohibited items, including but not limited to books, notes, cell phones,
cameras, pagers or other electronic devices during a test
• Gives or receives help during a test or test breaks
• Tries to record or copy any test questions
• Fails to follow PSI Test Center staff instructions
• Disrupts testing for other candidates
Test Center check-in procedures include:
• Cell phones, pagers or other electronic devices are NOT PERMITTED in the
testing room.
• Personal items (purses, coats, etc.) MUST be secured outside the testing room.
• A digital photograph and a digital fingerprint will be taken during check-in.
• Candidates must sign in and out of the test center for all personal breaks during
testing.
• The test timer continues during any candidate’s personal breaks.
Before you start the test, you will be asked to enter your social security number. It must
be identical to the social security number you submitted in your application to take this
examination.
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You will be required to read and agree to the security agreement before the test will begin.
You will be asked to confirm your name, social security number and the examination for which
you are registered before you can begin.
Before you start your examination, an introductory tutorial to the computer will be
available on the computer screen. The time you spend on this tutorial DOES NOT count as
part of your examination time. Candidates may repeat the tutorial as many times as they
like until they are ready to start the test.
Examination Screen
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The Status Bar
The Status Bar at the top of the examination screen gives the status of the test.
• “Question 3 of 40” indicates that you are on QUESTION 3 out of 40 total questions.
• “Answered” and “Unanswered” indicate that you have answered 2 questions and left one
question unanswered.
• “Marked” means that you have marked 0 questions to review later.
• “View” indicates that all questions on the test are available to you for VIEWING. (See
GOTO Button)
• “Time Left” indicates how many minutes the candidate has remaining on this exam.
The Item or Question
Each question or test item appears on the screen ONE ITEM AT A TIME.
Choosing an Answer
Use the mouse to click on the option you believe is the best answer to the question. The answer
you select will show a check mark or a filled button. Your answer is recorded when you click on
NEXT. The computer then moves you to the next question. Since there is no penalty for wrong
answers, you should answer every question by choosing what you think is the best response.
Mark Button
The candidate may choose to mark a question to review later with the Mark button above the
Status Bar. The candidate can review marked items by clicking on the GoTo button.
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Comments Button
The Comments button offers the option to give a comment or feedback about the question in the
screen that appears below.
GoTo Button
The GoTo Button takes the candidate to the following screen.
The candidate may use this screen to find:
• Marked questions
• Unanswered questions
• All questions
• A specific question identified by question number
View on the Status Bar will change to indicate which questions the candidate is viewing: For
example, if the candidate chooses Marked Questions on the GoTo screen, the status will change
to View: Marked.
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Help Button
The HELP Button provides summary of each button’s functions. The candidate can click on
HELP at any time.
Practice Questions or Sample Test
The Sample Test provides a few questions to help the candidate confirm how to mark answers to
questions on the test. Sample Items are not scored and do not count toward the final result.
They are provided for the candidate to become familiar with the computer prior to starting the
scored portion of the exam.
On the last Sample Question, the candidate will see a series of messages.
Click Next to continue to the full exam or Back to return to sample questions.
The third screen confirms that the candidate is ready to begin the full exam.
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Ending the Exam
The End button starts the sequence for ending either the sample items or the full exam.
Candidates will see the following screens at the end of the examination.
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Part IV Sample Questions
All questions on the Illinois Cosmetology Test are multiple-choice, with one
correct answer. The answer key for this sample test appears after these
questions. These are provided for information purposes only to illustrate the
types of questions that will appear on each test.
Question 1 A general infection
1. is found in most of the general population.
2. attacks both clients and staff at the same time.
3. spreads throughout the body in the bloodstream.
4. combines virus, bacteria and fungus germs at once.
Question 2 The purpose of sanitizing implements and equipment is to
1. remove all offensive odors.
2. destroy or prevent the growth of terms.
3. eliminate scratches and blemishes.
4. resist staining and fading.
Question 3 When giving a client with dry hair a scalp treatment, you should
select preparations that contain
1. mineral oil or sulfonated oil base.
2. a high alcohol content.
3. guar gum or carnuba wax.
4. moisturizing or emollient materials.
Question 4 When using a thermal iron, what should you do to protect the
client’s scalp from being burned?
1. Make sure the client’s hair is very wet.
2. Place a comb between the scalp and the iron.
3. Apply a protective cream to the scalp.
4. Keep the thermal iron setting on low at all times.
Question 5 Which of these is the LEAST common cause of over-processing hair?
1. Leaving lotion on too long
2. Improperly analyzing the hair
3. Wrapping the hair too loosely
4. Testing curls too infrequently
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Question 6 What are the three basic steps used in chemical hair relaxing?
1. Processing, neutralizing and conditioning
2. Shampooing, neutralizing and heating
3. Processing, conditioning and wrapping
4. Waving, conditioning and neutralizing
Question 7 The allergic reaction of some clients to depilatory waxes is due
mainly to
1. the temperature of the cold wax.
2. the temperature of the hot wax.
3. pulling out hairs.
4. beeswax.
Question 8 The use of a mechanical vibrator during a massage
1. is used mainly on a woman’s face.
2. can be applied for a long time in one spot.
3. will produce muscular contractions.
4. should never be used.
Question 9 Cleanup of the manicure table should be done
1. after the completion of each client.
2. as frequently as possible.
3. once at the end of each day.
4. once at midday and again at the end of the day.
Question 10 In a nail wrap, the wrapping material is applied with
1. 70% alcohol.
2. warm soapy water.
3. a disinfectant.
4. a mending adhesive.
Answers to Sample Questions
Question 1 3 Question 6 1
Question 2 2 Question 7 4
Question 3 4 Question 8 3
Question 4 2 Question 9 1
Question 5 3 Question 10 4