Preparing for Your Minnesota Beauty State Board Exams

As students approach the end of their programs, anxiety about Minnesota beauty state board exams is very common. After months of learning new information and hands-on skills, it can feel overwhelming to remember everything needed for testing day. The good news is that preparing doesn’t have to feel chaotic. We’re here to break the process into clear, manageable steps to help you feel confident and ready for your state board exams.

Practical Skills Exam

Know the Rules

The Practical Skills Test consists of several services performed by students on a live model or mannequin under the supervision of an examiner.  

While testing, there are strict guidelines you want to be aware of. Otherwise, you could lose points or even need to retake a section of the test. 

For example, you cannot talk to anyone but the examiner unless a service section requires you to consult with your model.  This includes asking questions.

You must store your supplies in a closed, clean container, or under a towel during a service, and you cannot share tools with another test taker.

Knowing the rules gives you a heads up on what to expect and assures you won’t miss points due to something you weren’t aware of.

Study the Steps

Each section of the state practical exam consists of a series of steps that your examiner will look out for.  These steps are laid out in the Practical Skills Test Guide (commonly known as PST). 

Study the steps to ensure you understand the service procedure and the requirements for each step.

Take note of special considerations for each step. There may be things you do automatically in practice that need to be done differently or more methodically for the test.

Choose a Model

For most of the practical test, you will perform services on a live model of your choosing. 

You will want to make sure to choose a model who meets and acknowledges the criteria for each section.

To assure this, check the section descriptions carefully to make sure you choose an appropriate model, and inform them of the requirements.  For example, you wouldn’t want a model to show up who just got a fresh set of acrylics or recently shaved their head.

They must also have no previous association with any field of Cosmetology.  For example, if you are testing for a Cosmetology licence, your friend who is an Esthetician would not be eligible to be your model.

Certain chemical services can be performed on a mannequin for Cosmetology or Hair Technician test takers. However, the mannequin must have human hair with the appropriate texture to correspond with the section. See more information in the PST Guide 

Practice, Practice, Practice

Most importantly, take time to practice the skills and the correct procedure for each section as outlined in the PST Guide.

All service sections are timed and will need to be completed on schedule.  If you worry about timing, try to practice with a timer to help keep yourself on track.

Go through each service section step by step to commit them to memory. 

Try to practice the exact way you’ll need to perform on test day.

Written Exams

General Theory Exam

The general theory exam covers the general concepts of your chosen license. This may include things like anatomy, product chemistry, safety and disinfection, and proper procedure.

You can find the additional topics covered in the Candidate Information Bulletin (or CIB for short) and cross reference them with either your Milady or Pivot Point textbooks.

State Exam

The state exam covers the MN Laws & Rules that pertain to the field of Cosmetology.  

There are laws and/or rules that pertain to general salon operations that might not pertain to your chosen field, but because they pertain to all salons, you could still encounter a question about it.

If you are taking a test as an individual operator or salon manager, you will be tested on  Laws Chapter 155A and Rules Chapter 2105.  If you are taking a test as an instructor or school manager you will additionally be tested on Rules Chapter 2110.

Written Practical Exam

The written practical exam operates a little bit like the general theory exam, with special focus on service procedure.

You can find topics that will come up in the exam in the CIB, but it can also be helpful to review the Practical Skills Test Guide (PST Guide) as well. 

Study Tips

There is no “right” way to study for the state exams. Some test takers like to make their own notes or flashcards based on the information outlined in the CIB. For extra support, compare your notes with friends, or utilize online flashcard resources made by previous learners. 

Study for your Learning Style

Finding a study technique that matches your learning style is a good way to make sure information sticks. Here are some ideas for various types of learners:

• Visual: Create diagrams or pictures of different concepts in order to commit them to memory. Try writing your notes in different colors that correspond to different subjects.
• Reading/Writing: Read over the concepts in your textbook or Laws & Rules and rewrite them in your own words. Make flashcards, and study them by yourself or with a friend.
• Auditory: Utilize a text-to-speech program or listen to a content creator who reads your textbook aloud. Record yourself reading and replay the recording to review.
• Kinesthetic: Combine general theory studying with practice for your Practical Skills Test. (What is this perm solution made of that I’m applying? What would be the fine if I didn’t throw out my single-use implement?) Hand-write your notes or flashcards and ask a friend or family member to quiz you.

Other Resources

If you don’t know where to start, utilize internet platforms such as Kahoot! or Quizlet to make your own review games, or potentially source games that have already been created for inspiration.  

While it’s not mandatory, some people may find it helpful to see real examples of the exam format. If this is the case for you, there are paid example quizzes you can take that have questions similar to what you will see on the exam. You can find reputable practice quizzes on the PSI website, or through Milady or Pivot Point.

How we prepare our students

Our #1 priority is assuring our students are prepared with the skills and knowledge they will need to excel in their careers. Additionally, we want students to go into their licensure exams feeling confident.

At the Atelier Academy, our tests are worded and styled very similarly to those on the state board examinations.  

This allows our students to retain information and adapt to the exam language throughout their program. 

We provide guidelines for the Practical Skills Test in advance so our students have time to ask questions, practice and prepare. 

Toward the end of each program, we place special emphasis on test preparation.  

This includes: 

• Timed skills practice
• A mock Practical Skills Test
• Education in navigating and understanding the MN Laws & Rules
• Randomized quizzes you can take over and over
• In-class discussion, review, games, and study guidance 

We’re proud to report that our students consistently pass their exams on the first try at a higher rate than the state average. 

If you’d like to learn more about the programs we offer at the Atelier, please fill out our contact form below, or check out our Programs Page for more information.

We look forward to supporting you through your education, exams, and licensure!