OR Cosmetology study plan

Define the scope of Oregon cosmetology practice by listing the services a licensed operator may legally perform and the services reserved for barbers, estheticians, or nail technicians

Identify the state licensing authority, the required training hours, and the exam pass thresholds from the official candidate bulletin, and record them in your own words

Map the exam's content areas to a personal weak/strong inventory by self-rating each area 1-5 before studying anything

Set up a spaced-repetition deck with separate decks for sanitation, anatomy, chemistry, hair, skin, and nails

Explain the chain of infection and classify pathogens as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites with one example each

Differentiate cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, and state which level is required for implements, linens, and surfaces

Demonstrate the correct sequence for hand washing and for disinfecting a reusable implement between clients

List the safety and health standards a salon must meet, including ventilation, chemical storage, and Material Safety Data Sheet access

Label the major bones of the skull, face, and neck and locate the muscles that control facial expression and mastication

Describe the structure of hair, skin, and nails at the tissue level and relate each structure to a service outcome

Trace the nerves and blood vessels most relevant to scalp and facial services and state why pressure points matter for safety

Connect each anatomical structure to at least one practical implication for cutting, coloring, or skincare

Distinguish physical and chemical changes and classify products as solutions, suspensions, or emulsions

Explain pH, the acid mantle, and how pH affects hair, skin, and the performance of shampoos and relaxers

Describe the chemistry of oxidation in permanent color and in chemical relaxers, including the role of developer volume

Identify the active ingredients and hazards of the products you will handle most, and state the first-aid response for each

Perform the standard draping, sectioning, and parting procedures for a haircut, a wet set, and a chemical service

Demonstrate haircutting fundamentals on a mannequin, including blunt, graduated, and layered forms with consistent elevation and distribution

Execute a wet set and blow-dry finish using proper tool angles and tension

Explain the difference between a patch test, a strand test, and a porosity test and when each is required

Apply the law of color to predict the result of a given formula, including gray coverage and correction of unwanted warmth

Formulate a virgin-application, a retouch, and a highlight service and justify developer choice and processing time

Describe the chemistry and safety limits of permanent waving and chemical relaxing, including when not to service a client

Practice a full color consultation that covers patch testing, history, and realistic expectations

Identify skin types and disorders and distinguish conditions you may treat from those requiring referral

Outline the steps of a basic facial and the safety precautions for massage and electrical equipment

Describe nail structure, common nail disorders, and the sanitation rules specific to manicuring

Assemble a referral list of conditions that must be sent to a physician, stated in plain client-facing language

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test conditions and log every missed item by content area

Re-drill only the missed items until each is answered correctly twice in a row

Rehearse the practical checklist end to end within the time limit

Review Oregon licensing rules, renewal requirements, and salon safety obligations one final time