TESDA Hairdressing NC II exam-day guide
TESDA Hairdressing NC II · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Printed copy of your TESDA application and confirmation
Bring the application form, your assessment/application reference number, and any confirmation slip or text message from the assessment center. Keep a photo of these on your phone as backup. If you are unsure which documents your center requires, confirm with the provider before the test day.
Valid government-issued ID (original)
Bring the original ID you used in your application, plus one photocopy. A passport, driver's license, PhilSys/PhilID, or other government ID is typical. Confirm with the provider which IDs they accept and whether a photocopy alone is allowed.
Two or more 1x1 or 2x2 ID photos
Assessment centers often ask for extra photos for the rating sheet and records. Bring recent photos with a plain background. Confirm with the provider the exact size and number required.
Your own hairdressing tools and kit
Bring the tools you trained with: shears, thinning shears, comb set, tail comb, sectioning clips, cape and towel, spray bottle, blow dryer, and styling brushes. Tools you are comfortable with reduce errors during the practical. Confirm with the provider whether tools and consumables are supplied or must be brought.
Complete hairdressing supplies and consumables
Shampoo, conditioner, styling products, hairpins, rubber bands, foil or clips, and any color or treatment products required by the tasks. Confirm with the provider which products are provided and which you must bring, and whether specific brands are required.
Uniform or prescribed attire, plus comfortable shoes
Wear a clean, professional uniform or the attire the center specifies. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes matter because you will stand for long periods. Confirm with the provider the dress code and whether a lab coat or apron is required.
Model or mannequin arrangement
Some practical assessments use a live model; others use a mannequin head. If a live model is required, arrange a willing model in advance and brief them on timing. Confirm with the provider whether a model is required, whether the center supplies mannequins, and any consent or health-screening rules for models.
Watch or small timer
Practical tasks are time-limited. A simple watch or timer helps you pace sectioning, processing, and finishing without relying on a phone, which may not be allowed at the station.
Water and a light snack
Practical assessments can run for hours. Bring water and a snack you can eat during breaks. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the holding area or only outside the assessment room.
Review your training checklist and task list
Reread the performance criteria for each task you practiced: consultation, shampooing, haircutting, blow-drying, hairstyling, and any coloring or treatment tasks in your program. Know the sequence and the safety and sanitation steps.
Plan your travel and arrival time
Confirm the exact address, building, and room, and plan to arrive early enough to register and set up. Traffic and queueing at the guardhouse are common causes of lateness. Confirm with the provider the reporting time and the late-arrival policy.
Health and safety essentials
Bring a face mask if the center requires one, and any personal medication you may need. Sanitize your hands and keep your station clean. Confirm with the provider any current health protocols, since these change over time.
Plan the day
Confirm your schedule, venue, and reporting time with the assessment center in writing or by phone. Recheck the list of tools, supplies, and documents they require. If anything is unclear, ask now rather than on the day.
Do a full dry run of each practical task on a mannequin or a practice model, using the same tools you will bring. Time yourself. Note where you lose time: sectioning, tension control, blow-dry technique, or finishing.
Inspect and clean your tools. Sharpen or check shears, test the blow dryer and cords, count clips and pins, and replace anything broken. Pack the kit in one bag so nothing is scattered.
If a live model is required, confirm their availability, arrival time, and what they should wear and bring. Brief them on the expected duration and on any chemical or heat procedures.
Practice your consultation and client-safety script aloud. Assessors look for professional communication, hair and scalp analysis, and clear explanation of the service, not only technical skill.
Review sanitation and safety routines: sterilizing or disinfecting tools, sweeping hair, handling chemicals safely, and keeping the workstation organized. These are scored behaviors, not extras.
Lay out your uniform, ID, documents, photos, and packed kit near the door. Charge your phone and set two alarms. Check the weather and plan your route and backup route.
Do a light review only. Read your notes on task sequence and performance criteria, then stop. Sleep early; fatigue shows in fine motor control and in safety habits.
Eat a proper meal and hydrate. Arrive ahead of the reporting time to allow for registration, ID checks, and station setup. Bring only what the center allows into the assessment area.
During orientation, listen for the task sequence, time limits, break rules, and what happens if a tool fails. Ask clarifying questions if the instructions allow it, and note the time each task starts.
Set up your station completely before starting: tools laid out, cape and towel ready, waste container placed, sanitizer within reach. A tidy station signals professionalism and saves time later.
Work in a fixed order and narrate key safety steps as you go, such as checking scalp condition or testing product temperature. Keep to the time limit per task and leave a few minutes for cleanup and final check.
If something goes wrong, such as a tool failure or a model arriving late, stay calm and tell the assessor or supervisor immediately. Do not improvise with unsafe shortcuts; ask for guidance instead.
Clean your station and pack your tools. Ask the staff how and when results will be released and what the process is if you need to retake a task. Confirm with the provider the official release channel for results.
Rules to check
Bring the original valid ID you used in your application and present it at registration. If your ID is lost or expired, contact the provider before the assessment date to ask what alternative is accepted; do not assume a photocopy will be enough.
Follow the assessment center's instructions on what may enter the assessment room. Phones, notes, and unauthorized materials are commonly restricted; confirm with the provider the exact policy and where to leave your belongings.
Work only on the task assigned and within the stated time limit. Do not accept help from your model, a companion, or another candidate on the practical task itself; assistance can be treated as a violation.
Observe safety and sanitation at all times: disinfect tools between clients, handle hot tools and chemicals carefully, keep the floor clear, and report any injury or spill to the supervisor immediately.
Treat assessors, staff, models, and other candidates professionally. Arguing with an assessor or disrupting the session can lead to removal; raise concerns through the proper channel after the session.
Ask before taking breaks. Break timing and duration are set by the center and may not stop the clock on a timed task. Confirm with the provider the break policy and whether water is allowed at the station.
Do not discuss or share details of the assessment tasks with candidates who have not yet taken them. Assessment integrity rules apply even after you leave the room.
Scoring is based on the performance criteria for each task, including safety, sanitation, communication, and finished output. Ask the provider how results are computed and how to request a re-assessment if you do not meet the required rating; do not rely on unofficial sources for the passing standard.