Cosmetology (Kenya TVET CDACC Beauty & Cosmetology) study guide
Cosmetology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Cosmetology Licensure Examination is the credentialing exam that a candidate must pass to become a licensed cosmetologist in the United States. Each state board (or its designated testing vendor) administers its own version, so the exam you sit for depends on where you plan to practice. The credential is for graduates of state-approved cosmetology programs and for candidates transferring a license from another state. The exam typically blends a written, multiple-choice component with a practical or performance component, and it samples broadly across five domains: scientific concepts and hair care; haircutting, hairstyling, and chemical services; skin care and nail care; professional practices, business, and law; and health, safety, and infection control. The Cosmetology study guide has 5 sections and about 1,897 words.
01Scientific Concepts and Hair Care
This domain tests how hair is built, grows, and responds to water, heat, and chemicals-and how that science guides safe product and service choices. Expect questions on hair structure, bonds, pH, growth cycles, hair analysis, and scalp/hair disorders.
384 words, about 2 min02Haircutting, Hairstyling, and Chemical Services
This domain tests the technical decisions behind shaping hair, setting/style formation, and safe chemical change. Questions target sectioning, elevation, distribution, tension, tool use, wet/thermal styling, relaxers, and color.
384 words, about 2 min03Skin Care and Nail Care
This domain tests skin and nail anatomy, client analysis, service protocols, and contraindications. Expect questions on skin layers and types, lesion recognition, facial massage, exfoliation, nail structures, manicure/pedicure safety, and when to refer.
366 words, about 2 min04Professional Practices, Business, and Law
This domain tests how a licensed professional works legally, communicates, documents, and runs the business side of services. Questions cover scope of practice, consent, confidentiality, records, regulation, pricing, compensation, and salon operations.
387 words, about 2 min05Health, Safety, and Infection Control
This domain tests how to prevent transmission of pathogens and manage chemical and workplace hazards in a salon. Expect questions on cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, hand hygiene, PPE, blood exposure, SDS, ventilation, and safe work practices.
376 words, about 2 min