The practical exam kit list

What to bring to the practical exam

Your kit is part of your score. A missing item can cost you points before you start. Read the rules for your own state and build your list from them.

Texas: items you do not label

In Texas, some items must stay unlabeled. A label on them may cost you points.

The Texas unlabeled list includes tools such as combs, clips, and a blow dryer. It also includes a cuticle pusher.

The Texas unlabeled list also names a mannequin with a stand or tripod. For nails, it names a mannequin hand or finger prepped with tips.

Texas: items you must label

In Texas, a second list of items must carry a label. Numbering is not allowed, but a label from the maker is fine.

The Texas labeled list covers products such as hand sanitizer, massage product, moisturizer, and nail adhesive.

It also lists a blood exposure or first aid kit and a disinfectant. The disinfectant can be a simulated product.

In Texas, the rule for products is plain: label them in English. A maker's label counts.

Mannequin and clean supplies in Texas

In Texas, you work on mannequins for every procedure. Scoring looks at safety, sanitation, and procedures.

Your mannequin must be free of marks. Marks on the hair, scalp, hairline, hands, or fingers cost you the points for the sections that use that mannequin.

Texas also sets a rule for the state of your supplies. They must be clean, sanitary, and unstained.

Wash and check each tool the night before. Look at towels and capes for stains. Swap anything marked or worn.

Odorless nail liquid and no aerosols

Texas examiners check your nail liquid before each exam. If it is not odorless, you cannot use it and you get no points for those tasks.

Georgia has the same ban on aerosols. Georgia also requires monomer that is factory sealed and labeled low odor or odorless.

In Alabama, aerosols are banned too. The monomer must be in its sealed original container and labeled odorless.

Georgia, Colorado, and Alabama: the supply kit

In Georgia, you bring one closable container with everything you need. The suggested size is no more than 24 inches wide, long, and high.

Alabama asks for the same kind of closable container. It has no supply list. Candidates bring the supplies they use every day.

Colorado also asks for a closable supply kit. Its general rules give the same 24 inch size.

In Georgia, you also bring two containers for used items. One is marked single use and one is marked multi use.

Labels on products in Georgia, Colorado, and Alabama

In Georgia, labels must be big and easy to read. The evaluator must be able to see them.

Georgia lets some products be fictitious. This applies to products that OSHA does not group as dangerous chemicals. You can put another substance inside to stand in for the product.

In Colorado, chemical products that need an SDS sheet in a real business must come in the original container, or in a container carrying the maker's label.

In Alabama, disinfectant containers must show the maker's label, and it must be legible. The label must list virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties.

In Georgia, your name must be covered on your body and supplies during the test.

Other Texas kit rules

In Texas, no notes are allowed. Written task lines on containers or a written supply list in a bag lose you points. An identifying bag for a service is allowed.

Texas bans cell phones in the practical room. It also bans trainer hands for nail procedures.

Texas also requires closed-toe shoes for the practical exam.

Common questions

How big can my practical exam supply kit be?

In Georgia, you bring one closable container with everything you need. The suggested size is no more than 24 inches wide, long, and high.

Must my nail liquid be odorless?

Texas examiners check your nail liquid before each exam. If it is not odorless, you cannot use it and you get no points for those tasks.

Does a maker's label count as a product label in Texas?

In Texas, the rule for products is plain: label them in English. A maker's label counts.