The practical exam mistakes that cost points

Notes and cheat sheets on the practical exam

In Texas, PSI bans cheat sheets and written notes. That includes task lines written on containers, numbered items, and bags with a supply list.

The Texas penalty is steep. You lose points on every procedure criterion in the exam. A bag that only identifies the service is fine.

Learn the steps in your head before test day. Pack your kit so nothing in it works as a written reminder.

Mannequin markings

In Texas, PSI does not allow marks or color on the mannequin's hair, scalp, hairline, hands or fingers.

A marked mannequin costs points. You get none for the sections that use that mannequin.

Check your mannequin the night before. Wash off any pen, guide line or dye.

Labeling mistakes

In Texas, PSI lists items that must not carry a label. A label on one of them may cost you points.

PSI Texas also lists items that must carry a label. Numbering does not count as a label, but the maker's label does. A missing label may cost points.

In Georgia, PSI wants labels in large print that the evaluator can see and read.

Georgia also sets a rule for disinfectant. The container needs the maker's label, and that label must list three kinds of germ killing power.

In Alabama, PSI lets you pack and label a bag for each topic area. After you set up your station, the empty bag goes into the single use bag.

Read the label rules for your own state before you pack. Do not copy a friend's kit from another state.

Running out of time

In Texas, an evaluator watches the clock. You get no points for work you did not finish in the time given.

The Texas time for each service includes setup and cleanup.

In Georgia and Alabama, PSI uses the same rule for each topic area. You also must stop at once when the proctor says to stop.

Doing the steps out of order

In Texas, PSI scores tasks in the listed order. Do them in another order and you get no points.

Texas also tells you not to start until the evaluator says to. Each procedure criterion must follow the listed order to earn points.

Forgetting to raise your hand

In Texas, PSI wants you to raise your hand at the end of each section to show you are done.

Kit and cross contamination

In Georgia, PSI treats the supply kit as clean storage. Putting items back in the kit or leaving it open contaminates it.

Georgia also names double dipping as a case of cross contamination.

In Texas, PSI wants supplies clean, sanitary and unstained. Products need an English label, and the maker's label counts.

In Colorado, PSI describes the kit the same way as Georgia: it stands for clean storage and must stay clean.

Other mistakes with named costs

In Georgia, PSI calls watching other test takers a form of cheating. The penalty runs from a warning up to dismissal.

In Texas, an evaluator checks your nail liquid. If it is not odorless, you cannot use it and you get no points for those tasks.

In Georgia, PSI keeps monomer out of the room if it is not sealed and labeled low odor or odorless.

Read your state's candidate guide the week before. Pack from its list, and fix any gap early.

Common questions

What happens if my mannequin has marks on it?

In Texas, PSI does not allow marks or color on the mannequin's hair, scalp, hairline, hands or fingers. A marked mannequin costs points. You get none for the sections that use that mannequin.

Does the time for each service include setup?

The Texas time for each service includes setup and cleanup.

Do I have to raise my hand at the end of a section?

In Texas, PSI wants you to raise your hand at the end of each section to show you are done.