Good news! I passed my theory exam on December 9th, 2023 for the State of South Carolina and thought I would share what’s next. Hopefully you have had a wonderful year and have begun to plan for 2024 and what it will look like for you. I am putting it in the atmosphere that you will be successful in all that you do. Continue to strive for excellence.
That being said, the next step in the licensing journey is to sit for the second, and final, half of the licensing exam. This final portion is called the “Practical.” Be certain to visit your state’s board of cosmetology to review the necessary products for this portion of the exam. It shouldn’t change much by state, however, it is helpful to review it beforehand. You’ve made it too far in the journey to make any mistakes.
I shared a video briefly discussing my journey and study tactics to pass the theory portion on the first attempt on my YouTube channel (click the link). I celebrated this journey because I am an advocate for keeping professional nail tech licenses in good standing no matter what. The road to remaining licensed has been a multiple stages of grief process because I originally pouted when I received the dreaded “status pending” email from the South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation this time last year. I currently work full-time in a corporate setting with a Monday-Friday, 40hr. 9am-5pm schedule, so finding the time to sit for the state board again was something I grappled with for some time before ultimately deciding to do something about it.
My results are still pending on the state board’s website, however, I received my “Pass” notification from the exam site. I also reached out to the NIC Board of Directors to discuss ways to mitigate license barriers in the future for licensed nail technology professionals who cross state lines and wish to remain a licensed, practicing, nail technician in good standing. In the mean time, I am preparing for both my meeting with the NIC Board and the practical exam.
Below are the materials for the practical exam.
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES:
acetone/polish remover
adhesive
base coat
buffer(s)
candidate supply kit to serve as dry storage area (must be closeable)
container labeled “items to be disinfected”
container labeled “soiled linens”
container labeled “trash”
cotton
cuticle pusher
cuticle softener
dappen dish(es)
EPA-registered disinfectant wipes with manufacturer’s label that demonstrate bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal properties must be used (must be actual disinfectant wipes)
finger bowl with water
first aid kit
foil removal wraps
gloves
hand sanitizer with manufacturer’s label (must be real product)
mannequin hand(s) with artificial nails attached (must be entire hand; cannot have removable digits.)
massage product
nail brush
nail cleanser
nail clipper and/or tip trimmer
nail file(s)
nail form(s)
nail tips
oil
paper towels
red polish
sculptured nail brush
sculptured nail products – monomer, polymer Monomer must be low-odor/less-odor and factory sealed in its original container with manufacturer’s label. Polymer must be in its original container with manufacturer’s label. (Please check State specific examination guidelines) Primer (if used) must be in original container with manufacturer’s label.
top coat
towel(s)
Good luck with your journey and, as always, check with your respective state board to be for certain you have the correct materials.
Ciao,
Rah