NC Esthetician study plan

Classify pathogens by type (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and state the chain-of-infection links for each in a spa setting.

Differentiate sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization, and match each level to the correct implement, surface, or linens category.

List the NC Board sanitation requirements for implements, towels, capes, and hand-washing between clients from memory.

Demonstrate a written step-by-step disinfection routine for a metal extractor, a brush, and a shared workstation.

Identify safety hazards for chemical products (storage, dilution, ventilation, SDS use) and electrical devices (cords, wet hands, grounding).

Apply contraindication screening to at least 15 written client scenarios involving devices, waxing, and chemical exfoliants.

Describe ergonomic body mechanics that prevent repetitive-strain injury during facial and waxing services.

Label the layers of the epidermis in order and state one function of each layer.

Diagram and label a skin cross-section from memory, including epidermis layers, dermal structures, glands, and hair follicle.

Explain the functions of the skin (protection, sensation, heat regulation, excretion, secretion, absorption) with one example each.

Compare skin types and skin conditions, and distinguish a skin type from a skin condition in 10 written examples.

Describe the structure and function of sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and the acid mantle.

Explain pH, acids, bases, and buffers, and predict how a product's pH affects the acid mantle and skin barrier.

Distinguish solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and gels, and identify which skin-care products fall into each category.

Identify the function of common product ingredient families (humectants, emollients, occlusives, surfactants, exfoliating acids, preservatives).

Interpret a product ingredient label and justify whether it suits a given skin type.

Recognize signs of common skin conditions and disorders (acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, keratosis, dermatitis) and classify each as treatable-in-scope or refer-out.

Describe the visible signs of aging and the physiological changes behind them.

Draft a client intake form that captures skin history, medications, allergies, and prior treatments.

Conduct a mock consultation using intake data to select a treatment plan and justify the choice.

Sequence a complete basic facial, listing each step, product category used, timing, and sanitation checkpoint.

Describe massage movements and their direction, pressure, and intended effect during a facial.

Compare treatment modalities (exfoliation, masks, extractions, heat/cold, light-based devices) by purpose, indication, and contraindication.

Outline a hair-removal service from patch test through post-care, including wax temperature and contraindication checks.

Explain makeup application steps and sanitation practices for shared cosmetics.

State NC licensure requirements, scope of practice boundaries, and the consequences of practicing outside scope.

Apply consumer protection rules (informed consent, recordkeeping, advertising claims, pricing disclosure) to written business scenarios.

Describe proper client record retention and documentation practices for a treatment.

Distinguish the legal and ethical responsibilities an esthetician has when a client discloses a medical condition.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams simulating exam-day conditions.

Categorize every missed item by domain and root cause (unknown fact, misread, or reasoning error).

Re-drill the two weakest domains using targeted question sets until each reaches 85% or higher.

Recite the top 30 high-risk facts (sanitation levels, contraindications, scope of practice, key anatomy terms) from memory.