NV Esthetician study plan
NV Esthetician · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Skin Care and Esthetics Fundamentals
Build a one-page reference sheet mapping the layers of the epidermis and dermis to their functions, then recite it from memory without notes
Define and correctly distinguish 25 core esthetics terms (e.g., pH, sebum, desquamation, comedogenic, humectant, emollient, occlusion) in your own words
Classify 15 sample skin conditions or client descriptions into the correct skin type and Fitzpatrick phototype category
Explain the skin barrier and acid mantle in writing and predict what happens to skin when pH is disrupted
Your checkpoint
A completed 2-page fundamentals cheat sheet (epidermal layers, 25 defined terms, 15 classified skin scenarios) that you can self-quiz from with 90% accuracy
Skin Care and Esthetics Fundamentals & Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin
Label a blank diagram of skin anatomy (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, hair follicle, sebaceous gland, sweat gland, arrector pili, sensory receptors) with 95% accuracy
Trace the function of each skin appendage and explain how it affects treatment choices such as exfoliation depth or product selection
Describe the physiology of wound healing and inflammation and identify which client presentations require referral rather than treatment
Match each skin function (protection, sensation, thermoregulation, excretion, secretion, absorption) to a concrete esthetic implication
Your checkpoint
A fully labeled skin anatomy diagram plus a 1-page table linking each appendage and skin function to a specific treatment implication, scored by self-test at 95% or better
Facial Treatments and Techniques
Sequence the steps of a standard facial (consultation, cleansing, analysis, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, finishing products) and justify the order of each step
Compare the indications, contraindications, and expected outcomes of at least four facial treatment categories (basic, deep-cleansing, anti-aging, hydrating)
Identify the correct massage movements and contraindications for facial massage, and state when massage must be omitted
Select appropriate modalities and products for three written client case scenarios and defend your choices
Your checkpoint
Three written case studies (client profile, skin analysis, chosen protocol, product rationale, contraindication check) each graded against a self-made rubric
Sanitation, Disinfection, and Infection Control & Nevada Cosmetology Law and Board Regulations
Distinguish cleaning, sanitizing, disinfection, and sterilization and state which level applies to implements, surfaces, hands, and linens
List the correct disinfection procedure and contact time for implements and describe how to store them between clients
Summarize Nevada Board rules on licensure, scope of practice, sanitation standards, and prohibited practices in your own words without copying statute text
Identify the violations most commonly cited in inspections and write the corrective action for each
Your checkpoint
A one-page sanitation workflow checklist plus a 20-question self-written Nevada law quiz with answer key, both scoring 90% or higher on a timed retake
Nevada Cosmetology Law and Board Regulations & Hair Removal and Waxing
Explain Nevada requirements for license display, continuing education, renewal, and handling of client records and consent
Describe the scope boundaries between esthetician, cosmetologist, and other licensees and identify tasks that must be referred out
Sequence a full waxing service from patch test and consultation through post-wax care and aftercare instructions
Compare hard wax, soft wax, and sugaring by hair type, skin sensitivity, and body area, and list absolute contraindications to waxing
Demonstrate (or verbally rehearse) correct wax temperature testing, sectioning, and hair growth direction technique
Your checkpoint
A written waxing protocol card covering five body areas with contraindications, temperature check, and aftercare, plus a law-and-waxing quiz scoring 85% or better
Makeup Application & Professional Ethics, Safety, and Client Relations
Map face shapes and color theory (undertone, complementary correction) to concrete contour, highlight, and color-correction choices
Build a step-by-step makeup application sequence for a daytime and an evening look, naming products and tools at each step
Apply a client-consultation framework covering expectations, allergies, consent, confidentiality, and boundaries to three written scenarios
Identify ergonomic and safety practices that reduce injury risk and describe how to handle a dissatisfied client professionally
Your checkpoint
Two face charts (day and evening looks) with annotated product and technique notes, plus three written ethics/safety scenario responses
Skin Care and Esthetics Fundamentals & Facial Treatments and Techniques & Sanitation, Disinfection, and Infection Control
Review and re-drill the 40 facts you missed most often across weeks 1-6, tracking each until it is answered correctly twice in a row
Complete two timed mixed-domain practice sets of at least 50 questions each and log every error by domain and cause
Re-teach the three weakest concepts aloud or in writing as if explaining to a new client
Rehearse a full facial and a full waxing sequence end to end within realistic time limits
Your checkpoint
An error log of at least 40 missed items with corrections and a retest score of 80% or higher on both mixed-domain sets
Nevada Cosmetology Law and Board Regulations & Professional Ethics, Safety, and Client Relations
Complete three full-length timed mock exams under exam conditions and score 85% or higher on the final one
Review every remaining flagged or uncertain item and resolve each to a confident, sourced answer or mark it for instructor follow-up
Recite the key Nevada law numbers, sanitation standards, and contraindication lists from memory in a single pass
Write a one-page exam-day plan covering timing per question, flagging strategy, and rest schedule
Your checkpoint
A final readiness report showing three mock exam scores, a resolved review list, and a written exam-day strategy page
Milestones
Week 2: Score 90% or higher on a self-made 30-question quiz covering skin fundamentals and anatomy, with no unresolved flagged items
Week 4: Pass a timed 25-question sanitation and Nevada law quiz at 90% or higher and produce the completed sanitation workflow checklist
Week 6: Complete all deliverable artifacts from weeks 1-6 and score 80% or higher on a 50-question cumulative quiz spanning every domain
Week 8: Achieve 85% or higher on a full-length timed mock exam and have zero unresolved review items before test day