Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing exam-day guide
Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current government-issued photo ID matching the name on your enrolment. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID they accept and whether a secondary ID is required.
Confirmation and admission documents
Print or save your booking confirmation, admission letter, and any candidate number or ticket the provider issues. Confirm the exact arrival time and venue with the provider.
Model or client arrangements
If the practical assessment requires you to supply a model, confirm this in writing with the provider, including consent, age requirements, and what happens if the model is late or unsuitable. Do not assume a model is provided.
Consent and health forms
Bring completed client consultation, consent, and medical declaration forms for your model if the provider requires them. Confirm the provider's required paperwork in advance.
Professional kit
Bring your own working kit as specified in the provider's equipment list: machine, cartridges/needles, pigments, PPE, disinfection supplies, and waste disposal items. Confirm the exact list with the provider; do not rely on equipment being supplied.
Sterile and single-use supplies
Pack sealed, in-date sterile items and single-use consumables. Check expiry dates before packing. Confirm the provider's policy on what may be brought in versus what must be supplied on site.
Uniform and PPE
Wear clean professional attire and bring appropriate PPE (gloves, mask, eye protection, apron). Confirm any dress code or PPE requirements with the provider.
Written theory materials
If the exam day includes a written component, bring pens, pencils, and any permitted aids. Confirm whether notes, textbooks, or phones are allowed; assume they are not unless told otherwise.
Timing and travel plan
Plan to arrive with buffer time for check-in and setup. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance; do not assume you will be admitted after the start time.
Rest, food, and hydration
Plan a normal night's sleep, a proper meal, and water for the day. Practical assessments can be long; confirm with the provider whether breaks or food are permitted in the assessment area.
Backup plan for equipment failure
Pack spare cartridges, a spare machine or power source if permitted, and spare PPE. Confirm with the provider whether backup equipment is allowed in the assessment room.
Provider instructions re-read
Re-read the provider's candidate information, assessment criteria, and any conduct rules the day before. Confirm anything unclear with the provider rather than guessing.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate guide and equipment list; confirm venue, arrival time, ID requirements, model arrangements, and any paperwork with the provider. Resolve open questions now, not on the day.
Check your kit against the required equipment list, confirm expiry dates on sterile and single-use items, and replace anything missing or expired.
Confirm your model's attendance, consent, and health declarations if applicable, and give them arrival instructions.
Pack your kit and documents in one bag; lay out uniform and PPE; charge or check any equipment; prepare ID and confirmation documents.
Confirm travel route and timing, set alarms, eat well, and get a full night's sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming that displaces rest.
Eat a proper meal, hydrate, dress in clean professional attire, and take your packed bag and ID. Arrive with buffer time for check-in and setup.
Complete check-in and ID verification, follow the provider's setup instructions, and confirm where your station is and what is supplied versus what you brought.
Work to the provider's assessment criteria: follow infection control and consent steps, set up your station safely, work methodically, and manage your time so you complete required steps.
If something goes wrong (equipment failure, model issue, unclear instruction), stop and raise it with the assessor or supervisor immediately rather than improvising outside the rules.
Follow the provider's pack-down and waste disposal instructions, return any supplied items, and confirm with the provider how and when results will be issued.
Rules to check
Bring current government-issued photo ID matching your enrolment name; confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and what happens if ID is missing.
Follow all instructions from assessors and supervisors. If an instruction is unclear, ask before acting; do not interpret rules to your advantage.
Phones, smart devices, and notes are generally not permitted in the assessment area unless the provider states otherwise; confirm the provider's policy on personal items and storage.
Maintain professional and safe conduct at all times: infection control, consent, and client safety are part of what is being assessed, not just the final result.
Breaks, food, and movement in and out of the assessment area are at the provider's discretion; confirm the break policy before the day and plan around it.
Do not discuss or share assessment content with other candidates during or after the assessment; confirm the provider's confidentiality rules.
Scoring is against the provider's published assessment criteria; confirm with the provider how practical, written, and conduct components are weighted and what the pass standard is.
If you believe an assessment condition was unfair or something went wrong, raise it with the supervisor at the time and follow the provider's appeals or special consideration process; confirm those steps in advance.