CIBTAC Beauty Therapy exam-day guide
CIBTAC Beauty Therapy · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original, current photo ID specified by your provider (commonly a passport or driving licence). Confirm the exact accepted forms and whether a copy is permitted with the provider before test day; do not assume a student card will be accepted.
Confirmation and joining instructions
Carry a printed or offline copy of your appointment confirmation, including the centre address, arrival time, and any candidate number. Mobile signal at the venue may be unreliable, so do not rely solely on an email on your phone.
Model arrangements confirmed
If your practical assessment requires you to supply a model, confirm their attendance, arrival time, and ID requirements with the provider in advance. Ask what happens if the model is late or cancels, and whether the provider can supply one. Mark as needs_review if your provider has not confirmed model rules in writing.
Professional uniform and personal presentation
Wear the uniform standard required by your training provider: clean tunic, closed-toe footwear, hair tied back, short unpolished nails, and minimal jewellery. Confirm with the provider whether a tunic is mandatory or whether smart all-black is acceptable, and whether wristwatches or rings must be removed.
Toolkit and consumables
Pack the kit list issued by your provider: implements, products, disposables, and personal protective equipment. Check every item against the list the night before. Do not bring items that are not on the approved list; confirm with the provider whether unlisted products are allowed.
Written treatment plan and consultation notes
If your assessment includes a consultation or treatment-planning component, prepare the notes in the format your provider requires. These are working documents, not scripts to read aloud; confirm whether handwritten notes are permitted in the practical room.
Sanitised tools and correct waste disposal supplies
Clean and disinfect reusable implements before the test and pack them in a clean, closed container. Bring appropriate waste bags or sharps handling supplies if your treatment generates them. Confirm the provider's infection-control expectations for the day.
Timing and travel plan
Plan to arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled time, allowing for registration and setup. Check travel disruption the day before and identify a backup route. Confirm the arrival window with the provider rather than guessing.
Refreshments and personal medication
Bring water and a light snack if permitted, and any prescribed medication you may need. Ask the provider in advance whether food and drink are allowed in the waiting area and whether medication can be kept with you during the assessment.
Knowledge of the assessment criteria
Re-read the marking criteria your provider has issued so you know whether you are assessed on consultation, technique, hygiene, client care, timing, and aftercare. Do not rely on second-hand descriptions of the criteria; use the official documents from your provider.
Mobile phone and valuables plan
Expect phones to be switched off and stored away during the assessment. Confirm the provider's policy on phones, smart watches, and valuables storage before the day.
Contingency contact
Save the assessment centre's contact number and have a plan for who to call if you are delayed or unwell. Confirm the provider's procedure for late arrival or withdrawal; do not assume you will be admitted late.
Plan the day
Re-read the official assessment specification and marking criteria from your provider. Walk through each stage of your treatment sequence aloud or in writing, noting the order of consultation, preparation, service, and aftercare. Check that your kit matches the required list and replace anything missing or expired. Confirm your model's attendance and travel arrangements in writing. Practise the full routine within the time limit at least once, including setup and cleanup, and note where you lose time. Get two good nights of sleep rather than cramming late.
Pack your kit in a closed case and check it against the list item by item. Clean and disinfect reusable tools and let them dry fully before packing. Lay out your uniform and ID. Confirm the venue address, arrival time, and transport route, including a backup. Charge your phone and any required devices, and prepare an offline copy of your confirmation. Avoid trying new products or techniques on this day. Eat normally, hydrate, and set two alarms.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive at the venue within the window your provider specified, typically 15 to 30 minutes early. Present your ID at registration and follow staff instructions for storing belongings and phones. Set up your workstation methodically: clean surface, organised implements, waste disposal in place, and products within reach. Carry out a final hygiene check of your hands and tools. If you are unwell, speak to the centre staff immediately rather than proceeding; confirm the provider's illness policy in advance.
Introduce yourself to the examiner or assessor and follow their instructions exactly. Begin with a professional consultation and record any relevant information in the required format. Work in a logical sequence and maintain infection control throughout: clean hands, clean tools, and correct waste disposal. Communicate with your model courteously and check comfort. Manage your time by noting the clock at each stage; if you are running late, prioritise safe completion over adding extra steps. Do not ask the assessor for hints or feedback during the test. At the end, complete aftercare advice and leave the workstation clean and tidy. If you make an error, correct it safely and continue; do not attempt to conceal it.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo identification specified by your provider. If you do not have it, you may be refused entry; confirm accepted forms and the procedure for lost ID with the provider before the day.
Arrive within the arrival window stated in your joining instructions. Late arrival may result in you not being assessed; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in writing rather than assuming flexibility.
Follow all instructions from centre staff and assessors. Mobile phones, smart watches, and other devices must normally be switched off and stored away; confirm the provider's policy on personal devices and valuables.
Work only within your scope of practice and follow the infection-control and health-and-safety standards taught by your provider. Unsafe practice can lead to the assessment being stopped; confirm the provider's procedure if a safety concern arises.
Treat your model with dignity and obtain their consent for each stage of the treatment. Confirm with the provider in advance what to do if your model withdraws consent or becomes uncomfortable during the assessment.
Breaks are usually not permitted during a timed practical assessment. If you need to pause for a medical or personal reason, raise your hand and speak to the assessor; confirm the provider's policy on breaks and access to water or toilet facilities.
Do not discuss or share assessment content with other candidates during the day. Follow the provider's confidentiality and academic-integrity rules; confirm how these apply to practical assessments.
Scoring is based on the official marking criteria issued by your provider, which typically cover consultation, technique, hygiene, client care, timing, and aftercare. Ask the provider how and when results are released and what the appeals procedure is; do not rely on informal estimates of your mark.