CAP Coiffure exam-day guide
CAP Coiffure · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation / convocation letter
Bring the printed or digital convocation you received from your exam centre. It states the time, address, and any candidate number. If you have not received one, contact your centre immediately; do not assume the time.
Valid photo ID
Bring the original ID document required by your centre (national ID card, passport, or residence permit). Check with the provider which documents are accepted; a photocopy or expired document may be refused.
Professional kit and tools
Bring your own scissors, clippers, combs, brushes, cape, towels, and sanitising products unless the centre explicitly provides them. Confirm with the provider whether you must supply your own model or mannequin head.
Model or mannequin head (if required)
Many practical hairdressing exams require you to bring a live model or a mannequin head. Confirm with the provider which is required, whether the model must arrive with you, and what health-and-safety conditions apply.
Professional clothing and closed-toe shoes
Wear clean, professional salon clothing and closed-toe, non-slip shoes. Avoid loose jewellery, long dangling accessories, or anything that could be a hygiene or safety risk. Confirm with the provider if a uniform or apron is mandatory.
Watch or timer
A simple wristwatch or small timer helps you track each section of the practical without relying on a wall clock. Confirm with the provider whether smart watches are allowed; if not, use a basic watch.
Stationery for written or oral parts
Bring black or blue pens and a pencil if the exam includes a written or diagram component. Confirm with the provider whether paper is supplied and whether notes are permitted.
Water and a light snack
Practical exams can run several hours. Bring water in a closed container and a small snack for scheduled breaks. Confirm with the provider where food and drink may be consumed.
Review the exam format and scoring criteria
Re-read the official candidate guide for your exam: number of techniques, time per section, hygiene requirements, and how points are awarded. Confirm with the provider if any criterion is unclear rather than guessing.
Plan your travel and arrival time
Check the route and transport in advance and aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your convocation time. Confirm with the provider what happens if you are late; do not assume late entry is allowed.
Know the centre's health and safety rules
Confirm with the provider the rules on tool disinfection, waste disposal, and accident reporting. Follow them exactly during the test, as hygiene is usually scored.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the exam centre's contact number and an emergency contact in your phone and on paper. If an incident occurs on the day, inform the invigilator immediately.
Plan the day
Re-read the official exam guide and scoring grid, then rehearse each required technique end-to-end under timed conditions. Check that every tool works (clippers charged, scissors sharp, spray bottles functional) and pack your kit. Confirm with the provider the exact address, arrival time, model requirements, and ID rules. Get two full nights of sleep and avoid learning new techniques at this stage.
Lay out clothing, ID, convocation, kit, water, and snack by the door. Clean and disinfect tools and check that you have enough consumables (foils, gloves, sanitiser, towels). Confirm your transport and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and go to bed early; do not stay up late practising.
Eat a proper breakfast, arrive at the centre at least 30 minutes early, and present your ID and convocation. Listen carefully to the invigilator's briefing, note the time allocated to each section, and set up your station exactly as instructed. If your model is late, notify the invigilator immediately rather than waiting silently.
Work section by section and keep an eye on the clock. Follow hygiene rules at every step: disinfect tools, wash hands, and dispose of waste correctly. If a tool fails or you make a mistake, stay calm, tell the invigilator if required, and continue with the remaining criteria. Do not leave your station without permission, and do not communicate with anyone other than the invigilator and your model.
Clean your station as instructed, pack your kit, and return any centre property. Do not discuss your performance with other candidates in the exam room. Confirm with the provider how and when results will be published.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID and convocation required by your centre. A candidate without acceptable ID may be refused entry; confirm with the provider which documents are accepted.
Arrive at the time stated on your convocation. Late arrival, entry, and extra time are governed by the centre's rules; confirm with the provider in advance rather than assuming you will be admitted.
Follow all health, safety, and hygiene instructions given by the invigilator, including tool disinfection, hand washing, and waste disposal. These behaviours are typically part of the assessment.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test. Direct questions only to the invigilator. If your model needs assistance, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator.
Breaks are usually only those scheduled by the centre. Confirm with the provider whether additional breaks are allowed and whether time stops during them.
Use only the tools, products, and materials permitted by the exam rules. Confirm with the provider whether electrical equipment must be PAT-tested or whether certain products are banned.
Scoring is based on the published criteria for each technique, including hygiene, sectioning, control, finish, and timing. Read the official grid in advance and confirm with the provider how each criterion is weighted.
Any attempt to bring unauthorised notes, use another person's work, or misrepresent your model may lead to disqualification. Confirm with the provider the exact misconduct rules before exam day.