Ergometrics
Exams Overview and Candidate
Preparation
Kansas School Seminar
July 15, 2013
Agenda
– Company overview
– Test security
– New features to improve candidate experience
– How schools can help students
– Overview of exams
– Example service
– Questions and answers
Ergometrics Overview
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Established in 1981
Based in Lynnwood, Washington
Professional test developers
Over 1450 Clients
Very familiar with high stakes testing
• e.g., Cosmetology professions, Police, Fire, 911
Security Reminder
• Exam security is critical to the integrity of the
exam process
– Violations of exam security can have legal and
financial consequences
• Confidentiality waiver that prohibits
discussion of exam content or re-creation of
exam content
• Discussing exam content is not appropriate
• If a student has a question about specific
exam content, refer them to Ergometrics
New Features
New features to improve candidate
experience
• Three dedicated locations (Topeka, Wichita,
Great Bend)
• Easier scheduling
• Small groups
• Calm, organized atmosphere
• Streamlined check in
Ergometrics Exams
• Candidates demonstrate ability to perform
services in a way that is safe, sanitary and
legal.
• Licensure for minimum competency.
• Measure candidates’ knowledge of legal scope
of practice within the State.
Exams Overview
Profession
Written
Practical
Cosmetology
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X
Esthetics
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Nail Technology
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Electrology
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X
Body Piercing
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Tattooing/Permanent Cosmetics
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X
Instructor
X
How Schools Can Help Students
• Be sure candidates understand requirements
in handbook
• Licensing is not based on an individual
school’s curriculum. Successful candidates will
be licensed to perform all services allowed by
law.
• Make sure candidates are bringing complete,
organized kits
• Remind candidates to required ID
How Schools Can Help Students
• Practice with your students so they are
comfortable with timing
• Explain that time is intended to be generous
• If candidates race as if they are in a competition
they are likely to make mistakes
• Explain that evaluators are professionals who
have been through testing themselves
• They understand candidates may be nervous and
are happy to see candidates succeed
Test Requirements
• All hours and training requirements met
• Correct ID requirements
• Check in begins 30 minutes prior to exams –
no late arrivals
• Candidates bring complete kits for practical
• Usernames and passwords for written exams
Candidate Preparation Guides
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Available on www.cosmetologykansas.com
Answers to common questions
Instructions for registering
Test requirements
Important exam day information
– Identification requirements
– Exam rules
– General policies
– What to expect when you arrive to your test
Written Exams
• Computer-based tests
• 100 – 120 questions (state law/rules and
profession)
• 2 hours
• Knowledge required to perform the profession
• Industry standard textbooks, universal safety and
sanitation precautions, and Kansas State Rules
and Regulations
Practical Exams
Candidates must perform each task:
• taking appropriate safety and sanitation
precautions (draping, client protection, etc.).
• without cross contamination of bacteria
through products (sanitary removal from
containers, etc.).
• maintaining consumer and personal sanitation
(hand sanitation, sanitary linens, etc.).
• using tools, implements and products safely
(curling iron, shears, chemical exposure, etc.).
Practical Exam Center
• Administered in a testing setting
• Brooms and dustpans are available
• Workstations are 25-30” deep, 34-35” wide
and 35-36” tall
• Mannequin clamps must fit 2” countertop
• Waste receptacles (freestanding) and kit must
be stored under the workstation
Sample Test Center
Practical Exam Kits
• Candidates are responsible for bringing a
complete kit
• Clamp, tools and implements must be in
working order
• All products must be clearly labeled in English
and visible to evaluators
• Implements, tools, linens and paper products
must be visibly clean and sanitary
Mannequins & Live Models
• Head mannequins
– At least 7” of hair
– Thermal curl, haircut, chemical wave
– Hair coloring & lightening, chemical relaxing
– Esthetics exam
• Hand mannequins
– Must have all 5 nails attached
– No trainer hands
Mannequins & Live Models
Live models
• Electrology (actual hair removal)
• Body Piercing, Tattooing/Permanent Cosmetics
(mock service)
• At least 18 years old
• Not a licensee or apprentice
• Screened for contraindications and health risks
• Candidates responsible for pre-screening
• NTN/Ergometrics not responsible
Blood Spill Kit
• Required for Blood Spill procedures
demonstration
• Required in event of actual blood spill during
exam
• Contents as defined by Kansas Rules and
Regulations and federal universal precautions
• Set out on workstation during setup, remains
during entire exam
Practical Exams - Rating
• Entry-level practitioners
• Priority is on safe and sanitary performance of
tasks
• Breaks in sanitation must be remedied
– Hand sanitation
– Sanitary product application and storage
– Disinfect work surfaces
– Maintain kit sanitation
During Practical Exams
• Evaluators will not assist candidates
• Evaluators may not answer candidate
questions
• No talking among candidates
• No unauthorized materials
• No disruptive behavior
Technical Support
• 866-414-2828
• Support@NationalTestingNetwork.com
Questions
Example Service
cosmetologykansas.com
Practical Exams - Services
• Listed with timing in Exam Preparation Guides
Practical Exams - Services
• Each service is outlined step by step
• Complete all steps of the service safely using
tools and clearly labeled products without
cross contamination or risk
Identification
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Initial Setup Items that
Remain Out for Entire
Exam
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General and Extra
Items that Should Be
Available in Your Kit
Two valid forms of government
issued identification (one with
photo, see page 3)
Paper towels in labeled plastic
bags
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At least 1 plastic or plastic lined,
freestanding waste receptacles,
such as paper grocery or
shopping bags lined with plastic
garbage bags.
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Workstation disinfectant
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Liquid hand sanitizer in sufficient
quantity to keep hands sanitary
throughout the exam.
Recommended: extra combs
and brushes / extra capes
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Blood spill kit/first aid
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Neck strips
Cotton balls or other disposable
cotton product
Spatulas
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Hair clips/clamps (for sectioning
the hair)
Protective skin cream
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Disposable gloves
10 or more hair or hand-sized
cloth towels
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Protective cotton
Chemical Waving
Service Items
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Chemical wave rods
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Hair clips/clamps (for sectioning the hair)
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Protective cream and cotton
Non-metallic combs
Chemical cape
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Applicator bottle with
mock waving lotion
(water)
End papers
Single use protective
gloves
Spray bottle with water
Towels
Note:
Chemical Waving (20 minutes)
Continue using mannequin head #1 for chemical waving.
2 minute setup:
Sanitize your station and set up with chemical waving implements,
products and tools.
Candidates will be evaluated on the safe and sanitary performance of the
following:
1. Securely drape mannequin for chemical service using a towel and
chemical cape.
2. Wet all hair and section the entire head. The number of sections is
your choice, but must correspond to the length of the rod.
3. Wrap at least 4 rods in the center section, beginning at the top of the
crown.
4. Prepare for application of mock chemical waving solution:
a. Apply protective skin cream around the entire hairline.
b. Apply cotton around the entire hairline.
c. Put on disposable gloves to wear during solution application.
2. Wet all hair and section the entire head. The number of sections is
your choice, but must correspond to the length of the rod.
3. Wrap at least 4 rods in the center section, beginning at the top of the
crown.
4. Prepare for application of mock chemical waving solution:
a. Apply protective skin cream around the entire hairline.
b. Apply cotton around the entire hairline.
c. Put on disposable gloves to wear during solution application.
d. Stop working, stand back and raise your hand to request an
evaluator.
5. With the evaluator observing:
a. Apply effective amount of mock solution to the wrapped rods
without excessive dripping.
b. Perform a test curl.
6. After your work is checked, clean your station.
Switching Mannequins:
Time is provided between services for switching mannequin heads.
 Store mannequin head #1 for later use.
 Your evaluator will instruct you when to set up mannequin head
#2 for next service.