Cert III Beauty (SHB30121) exam-day guide
Cert III Beauty (SHB30121) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring the original government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver licence) in the name you enrolled under. If you are unsure which forms are accepted, confirm with the provider before the day.
Assessment booking confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email or letter showing your candidate number, time, and venue. Have it accessible on your phone as a backup.
Approved beauty kit and tools
Pack the tools and products listed in your provider's kit list, cleaned and in working order. Do not bring items not on the list unless the provider has approved them in writing.
Uniform and personal protective equipment
Wear the required salon uniform and closed-toe shoes. Bring freshly laundered towels, apron, and any PPE (gloves, masks, goggles) specified by the provider.
Model or client arrangements
Confirm your model's arrival time, consent, and any pre-assessment requirements such as patch tests. If the provider supplies models, confirm the procedure with them.
Water, snacks, and a light lunch
Practical assessments can run for several hours. Bring water and food that will not interfere with hygiene or the assessment area; check the venue's rules on eating.
Stationery
Bring a pen and notebook for any written components or notes you are permitted to take. Confirm whether notes are allowed in the assessment area.
Watch or timer
A simple watch or timer helps you manage service timings without relying on a phone, which may not be permitted at your station.
Hair ties and personal grooming items
Long hair must be tied back, and nails must be short and clean. Bring spare hair ties and a nail brush.
Infection-control supplies
Bring hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, and any sterilisation supplies specified in your kit list. Confirm the provider's requirements for linen and waste disposal.
Review the assessment criteria and range statement
Re-read the performance evidence and knowledge evidence for each unit being assessed. Confirm with the provider which units and tasks are included on the day.
Confirm venue access and parking
Check travel time, parking, and public transport options. If you are unsure about access arrangements or start time, confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the assessment task and criteria for each unit. Practise the full service sequence, including consultation, patch test checks, and clean-up, within the time limits. Check that all kit items are clean, complete, and in working order, and replace anything missing. Confirm your model's attendance and any consent or patch-test requirements. Confirm venue, start time, and what to bring with the provider if anything is unclear.
Pack your kit and uniform, label your tools, and set out your ID and booking confirmation. Do a final hygiene check of tools and linen. Avoid late nights and heavy meals; hydrate well. Confirm transport and set two alarms. Do not start any new products or treatments on yourself or your model that could cause a reaction.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive early, allowing time for check-in and setup. Wear your uniform, tie back hair, and remove jewellery as required. Present your ID and confirmation at check-in. Set up your station according to the provider's layout and complete any hand hygiene and equipment disinfection before the assessor signals the start.
Listen carefully to instructions and ask the assessor only for clarification, not for answers. Follow the service sequence: consult and confirm client expectations, check for contraindications and patch tests, maintain hygiene and safety throughout, manage your time, and communicate professionally with your model. Clean and store tools and dispose of waste correctly. If something goes wrong, stay calm, follow safe practice, and continue; note any incident as directed.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID in the name you enrolled under; if you are unsure which forms are accepted, confirm with the provider before the day.
Arrive at the venue at the time specified in your booking. Late arrival may affect your assessment; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance.
Follow all workplace health and safety and infection-control instructions given by the assessor, including hand hygiene, PPE, and waste disposal.
Do not use phones, smart watches, or notes in the assessment area unless the provider has given explicit permission; confirm the provider's policy on personal devices.
Treat models and assessors with respect and obtain informed consent before any service; do not perform treatments on a model who has not been patch-tested or consented as required.
Breaks are taken at times set by the assessor. If you need to leave the room, ask first; confirm the provider's rules on breaks and leaving the assessment area.
Assessment is based on the performance criteria and evidence requirements for each unit; your result is determined by the assessor against those criteria, not by comparison with other candidates.
If you believe an assessment decision is wrong, follow the provider's complaints and appeals process; ask the provider for the process details if they are not in your student handbook.