Are You Prepared?
When students start preparing for the State Board Exam, the pressure kicks in fast. Even people who feel confident in the classroom suddenly worry that they’re not ready, not prepared, or not “good enough” to pass on the first try.
But here’s the truth: most students fail for predictable reasons — and every one of them can be avoided.
If you understand what actually causes people to miss the mark, you can walk into your exam with confidence instead of fear.
Common Reasons Students Fail the Cosmetology State Board Exam
1. Waiting Too Long to Start Studying
A lot of students put off studying because the exam feels overwhelming. They wait until the last week, try to cram everything, and burnout hits hard.
The exam covers sanitation, chemical services, safety rules, anatomy, state laws, and more — too much to memorize last minute.
How to avoid it:
Break your studying into short sessions. Start early. Repetition is what actually sticks.
2. Not Practicing Under Real Testing Conditions
Knowing the material is one thing. Performing services in a timed, step-by-step exam is something else.
Students often fail because they’ve never:
- Practiced with a mannequin
- Set up their workstation correctly
- Run through the full exam from start to finish
How to avoid it:
Do full walk-throughs. Set a timer. Follow every sanitation step exactly how the exam requires — not “how you remember it.”
Empire’s mock testing system is built for this exact reason.
It gives students the same style, pace, and pressure they will experience on test day.
3. Missing Sanitation Steps
Sanitation is the number one reason students lose points.
Common mistakes include:
- Cross-contamination
- Touching equipment before sanitizing
- Not disposing items correctly
- Forgetting draping steps
It’s easy to overlook these small details, but the exam doesn’t give much room for error.
How to avoid it:
Practice sanitation until it becomes a habit — not something you have to think through.
4. Struggling With Written Test Anxiety
Some students know the material but freeze during the written exam. Anxiety causes second-guessing, rushed answers, or blanking out on questions they normally know.
How to avoid it:
Focus on repetition with written practice tests.
Use studying patterns that build familiarity:
- Short daily quizzes
- Flashcards
- Recapping missed questions
- Reviewing core categories like anatomy, chemistry, and state laws
The more you expose yourself to the style of questions, the less intimidating the exam feels.
5. Not Knowing What Will Actually Be Tested
Some students walk into the exam unsure of what to expect.
They study everything at a surface level instead of focusing on the key categories the board is known for.
How to avoid it:
Learn the exact structure of the exam:
- What’s included in the written test
- What’s required in the practical
- How each section is scored
- Which steps are automatic fails
This shifts your studying from “random review” to real exam strategy.r training can pay off sooner, and you have more control over how and where you work.
How Empire Helps Students Avoid These Mistakes
1. Mock Testing That Mirrors the Real Exam
Empire students run through full practice exams — complete with timing, setup, sanitation steps, and instructor feedback.
This removes the shock factor that causes so many students to freeze on test day.
2. Hands-On Training That Builds Real Skills
The more comfortable students are with real services, the easier the exam feels.
Empire’s day-to-day hands-on work forces muscle memory to kick in when it matters most.
3. Instructors Who Guide You Step-by-Step
Empire instructors don’t wait until the last month to get students prepared.
They walk you through:
- What’s on the exam
- The most commonly missed steps
- How to organize your kit and mannequin
- How to study effectively
Students never feel like they’re studying alone.
4. Written Test Prep That Reduces Anxiety
From practice exams to study resources, students learn how the questions are written — so the test feels familiar, not frightening.
What Happens After You Pass?
Once you pass both parts of the exam, you’ll move on to:
- Submitting your paperwork
- Getting your state cosmetology license
- Beginning your job search or applying to salons
Empire guides students through the next steps so they feel confident stepping into the industry.
If you’re still deciding whether cosmetology school is right for you, or you want support that actually prepares you for the State Board, Empire is built for exactly that.next step is talking to admissions. There are more options than most people realize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason people fail the cosmetology State Board Exam?
Most students fail because they miss sanitation steps. Even small errors — like touching an item before sanitizing or disposing of materials incorrectly — can cost major points. Timing and organization also play a big role.
Is the cosmetology State Board Exam hard?
It can feel tough if you’re not familiar with the format. The written exam covers a lot of categories, and the practical exam is strict about procedure. Students who practice under real testing conditions usually feel it’s much more manageable.
How many times can you retake the cosmetology State Board Exam?
Most states allow multiple retakes, but rules vary. Some require a waiting period; others limit how many attempts you can make before retraining. It’s always best to check your state’s licensing board for specific details.
Can you fail for small mistakes on the practical exam?
Yes. The practical exam is strict because sanitation and safety come first. Missing a draping step, skipping a cleanup step, or cross-contaminating tools can lead to an automatic point deduction — and sometimes an automatic fail.
How long should I study before taking the State Board Exam?
Most students start preparing at least a month in advance. Short, consistent study sessions work better than cramming. Practice tests, hands-on run-throughs, and sanitation repetition make the biggest difference.
Ready to Start Your Cosmetology Journey?
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