CANDIDATE INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIB)

EXAMINATION CONTENT AND IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

Please visit your official examination provider website OR www.nictesting.org for the most current bulletin prior to testing.

The National Body Piercing Practical Examination is a licensure examination for Body Piercing, developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).

This bulletin contains IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding National Body Piercing Practical Examination content and administration for core services and additional sections and references.

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

For each NIC Practical Examination, there are multiple parts to every Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB):

  • Important Instructions and Examination Content Domain Sections – This provides information and guidelines related to administration of the Practical examination and information about the scope of content covered in the core sections of the Practical examination.
  • Additional Services – These provide information about additional sections offered by NIC for examination. Check with your State regulatory agency or examination administration vendor to determine which of these sections your State requires as part of their Practical examination.
  • References – This provides a list of references used to develop and support the content covered in NIC examinations. References will be the same across exam types for each exam.

BE CERTAIN TO REVIEW ALL PARTS OF THIS NIC EXAMINATION CIB CAREFULLY!

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

General

  • The NIC Practical examinations are designed to assess candidates’ ability to perform tasks expected to be performed while working as a licensed professional. The tasks a candidate will be asked to perform are those that frequently occur on-the-job and that are important to safe and proficient performance. Though the tasks are performed in an artificial testing session, efforts are made to make the tasks seem realistic and to closely mimic actual conditions. Candidates are expected to conduct themselves as if they were performing these tasks in actual scenarios.
  • Do not leave the examination area without permission. Permission must be obtained to leave the examination area for any reason, including restroom usage or at the completion of the examination. Picture ID is required for re-entry into the examination.
  • All examinations are administered in a testing environment.
  • Candidates are evaluated at all times. Continue working until the entire section is complete or time has elapsed.

Supplies

Candidates are required to bring a supply kit for their own use.

  • It is the candidate’s responsibility to make certain they have a sufficient quantity of supplies that have been properly cleaned and disinfected and that implements are in proper working order.
  • The kit will be used during the examination as dry storage and is considered part of the work area. The kit must be kept closed except when removing materials for a particular service.
  • Candidates may remove items, supplies, etc., from the kit at any time, however nothing may be returned to the kit.
  • EPA registered, disinfectant wipes that demonstrate bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal properties must be used. DISINFECTANT AND AEROSOL SPRAYS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE TESTING ENVIRONMENT.
  • All supplies must be labeled in English. When an original manufacturer’s label is required, there can be NO handwritten or any other type of labeling. Original manufacturers’ labels must have English and may also include other languages. All non-manufacturer-created labels must be only in English.
  • Original manufacturer’s labels are required for all disinfectants and hand-sanitizers.
  • Simulated products are not allowed for disinfectants and hand sanitizers.
  • Candidates are to perform all tasks, utilizing products and supplies, as they were taught. There is however, a section titled “Suggested Examination Supplies” provided for each section of the examination. Suggested Supplies can be found after the “Content Domains” section of this bulletin.

Standardized Administration

Due to standardization of the NIC National Examinations, proctors and examiners are required to adhere to the following standards:

  • The verbal instructions will be read twice for each section of the examination.
  • With the exception of verbal instructions or an emergency situation, the proctors and/or examination administration personnel are not allowed to communicate with other testing candidates.
  • Candidates requesting information during the examination will be told one of the following statements:
    • “Do the best you can with what you have available.”
    • “Do as you were taught.”
  • If a candidate experiences an emergency situation, they may notify the proctor by raising their hand.
  • Candidates will be given time to set up the universal (also known as general) supplies they will use throughout the examination.
    • Each section of the examination has a maximum time allowance, with the exception of those specified as untimed sections.
    • Once a candidate has completed all tasks in the section, they need to step back to indicate they have finished. In the event that all candidates complete a section before the time has elapsed, the examiners will proceed to the next section of the examination. When the timer goes off, all candidates must stop working and step back IMMEDIATELY.

Prohibited Items

  • The following provides examples of materials and actions that are prohibited in the examination room during the examination administration:
    • Possession of cellular phones, watches (of any kind), pagers, tablets, computers, projectors, cameras, or any other electronic or recording devices, printed materials, or handwritten notes.
    • Purses, bags, coats, hats, and any other personal items not directly needed to complete the examination, are not allowed.
  • Communicating to other candidates or any examiner.
  • Exhibiting disruptive behavior. The above referenced items or actions are not an exhaustive list.

Failure to comply with any of these conditions or exhibiting ANY behavior that suggests an effort to cheat will result in immediate dismissal from the examination and the candidates’ actions reported to the proper authorities.

Safety

  • During all phases of the examination, candidates must follow all appropriate public protection and infection control procedures and maintain a safe work area.
    • In the event of a blood exposure incident, candidates will be expected to follow proper blood exposure procedures.
  • Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the examination.
  • Be sure to contact the examination provider or State to obtain the most current version of, and any addenda to blood exposure procedures.
  • If a candidate does not follow infection control procedures or allows the work area to become and remain unsafe, the result may be a failing score for the examination and could result in removal from the testing area.
  • If a candidate experiences any other unsafe conditions, they will need to address it immediately.

NIC Model or Mannequin Requirements

Please refer to your state specific guidelines for model and mannequin requirements. If your state requires that you use a mannequin head(s) :

  • Candidates who are required to use a mannequin head(s) are responsible for coming prepared for the examination.
  • Mannequin heads that are premarked or presectioned are not allowed for any part of the practical examination.
  • Mannequin heads must be approved by the examination state/vendor prior to admittance into examination.

Special Attention

The following information is vital and specific to the NIC National Body Piercing Practical Examination:

  • Candidates will be evaluated on proper designation of materials that are disposed. Candidates are required to bring and use the following supplies for the appropriate disposal of materials:
  • Container labeled ‘To be disinfected’
  • Container labeled ‘Sharps’ (OSHA approved)
  • Container labeled ‘Trash’
  • Disinfectant must be real product with manufacturer’s label
  • A hand washing station will be identified at the testing location
  • Model must be free of nostril piercings
  • 2 tables and 1 chair will be provided at the test site
    • You may arrange the furniture as necessary
  • Simulated piercing procedure will be performed with the model in a seated position.


BODY PIERCING PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
CONTENT OUTLINE

Core Domain Sections

The scope of the National Body Piercing Practical Examination includes 4 (four) Core Domain Sections. The Core Domain Sections are based on the national job analysis.

  1. WORK AREA SET UP (20 minutes)

  2. SKIN PREPARATION AND MARKING (10 Minutes)

  3. SIMULATED NOSTRIL PIERCING PROCEDURE AND CONCLUSION (Untimed)

  4. BREAKDOWN AND NEW CLIENT SET UP (15 minutes)

Domain Details

The following outlines the scope of content covered by the NIC National Body Piercing Practical Examination.

1. WORK AREA SET UP (20 minutes)

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate: You will imagine the following scenario:

“You are starting work at a new studio. You have been assigned a work station that contains two tables and one chair. You are responsible for unpacking your supplies and setting up the work station. You will begin seeing clients as soon as your work station is prepared.

You will prepare yourself for a nostril piercing procedure.

You will prepare your work surface(s) and work area(s) for your first client.

You will unpack and set up the supplies and equipment you will use throughout the examination.

You may arrange the furniture to meet your needs.

The examiner will ask you to present your packaged jewelry and needle for inspection.

Do not open packaged tools, body jewelry, or needle at this time.

You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.

You will have 20 minutes to complete this section.

You will be informed when you have 10 minutes remaining.

Do not demonstrate any procedures until the verbal instructions are given and you are instructed to begin.

Raise your hand to indicate you have finished.

(1) The instructions will be repeated.

(2) You may begin.”

  • Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:

  • 1.1 Prepare yourself for a nostril piercing procedure

  • 1.2 Prepares work station and disinfects procedure surface(s)

  • 1.3 Prepares tools and supplies for a nostril piercing procedure

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if candidate has raised their hand to indicate they have completed the section before the timing has elapsed:

“The candidate has indicated they have completed this section of the examination.

Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before the candidate has indicated they have completed this section of the examination:

“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate:

“Please present your jewelry.

Please show the other side of the package.

Please present your needle.

Please show the other side of the package.”

  • 1.4 Presents items for a nostril piercing procedure

Examiner – Verbal Instructions:

“Read to candidate

Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

  • 1.5 Disposes of all contaminated supplies

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read when examiner has indicated they are ready to proceed:

“The examiner has indicated they are ready to proceed. The model may be seated at this time.”

2. SKIN PREPARATION AND MARKING (10 Minutes)

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate:

“You will demonstrate skin preparation and marking of the piercing area.

The model should be in place at this time.

You may open your supplies and tools as needed.

Do not demonstrate any procedures until the verbal instructions are given and you are instructed to begin.

You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.

You will have 10 minutes to complete this section.

You will be informed when you have 5 minutes remaining

Raise your hand to indicate you have finished.

(1) The instructions will be repeated.

(2) You may begin.”

  • Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:

  • 2.1 Prepares client for piercing

  • 2.2 Disposes of all contaminated supplies

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if candidate has raised their hand to indicate they have completed the section before the timing has elapsed:

“The candidate has indicated they have completed this section of the examination.

Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before the candidate has indicated they have completed this section of the examination:

“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

3. SIMULATED NOSTRIL PIERCING PROCEDURE AND CONCLUSION (Untimed)

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate:

“You will demonstrate a simulated nostril piercing.

You will use a tool to support the tissue.

Do not touch the needle to the model.

You will be instructed by the examiner to demonstrate a simulated nostril piercing procedure.

You will be instructed by the examiner to recover from jewelry being dropped on the floor.

You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.

This is an untimed section.

Do not demonstrate any procedure until the examiner instructs you to do so.

(1) The instructions will be repeated.”

Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate:

“Please simulate a nostril piercing including jewelry insertion.”

  • Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:

  • 3.1 Demonstrates simulated procedure for nostril piercing

Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate once they’ve simulated the piercing and prior to removing their gloves:

“Please stop. Demonstrate how the procedure would be completed if the jewelry had been dropped on the floor during the piercing.”

  • 3.2 Continues procedure following dropped jewelry

Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate after installation of new body jewelry has been observed:

“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

  • 3.3 Disposes of all contaminated supplies

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate:

“The examiner has indicated they are ready to proceed. The model is excused at this time.”

4. BREAKDOWN AND NEW CLIENT SET UP (15 minutes)

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to candidate:

“You will now break down your work station and dispose of supplies used in the previous sections of this examination.

You will prepare the procedure surface(s) for a nostril piercing procedure for a NEW client.

Do not open packaged tools, body jewelry, or needle at this time.

You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.

You will have 15 minutes to complete this section.

You will be informed when you have 8 minutes remaining.

Do not demonstrate any procedures until the verbal instructions are given and you are instructed to begin.

Raise your hand to indicate you have finished.

(1) The instructions will be repeated.

(2) You may begin.”

  • Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:

  • 4.1 Breaks down work station and disinfects procedure surface(s)

  • 4.2 Prepare yourself for a nostril piercing procedure

  • 4.3 Prepares items for a nostril piercing procedure

  • 4.4 Disposes of all contaminated supplies

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if candidate has raised their hand to indicate they have completed the section before the timing has elapsed:

“The candidate has indicated they have completed this section of the examination.

Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before the candidate has indicated they have completed this section:

“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”

  • CANDIDATE CLEANUP AND FINAL SUMMARY

Proctor - Verbal Instructions: Read to the candidate at the conclusion of the examination:

“The examiner has indicated they have completed their assessment.

Make sure that all kit supplies and disposable materials are taken with you.

This concludes the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, National Body Piercing Practical Examination.

Thank you for your participation.”


SUGGESTED EXAMINATION SUPPLIES

Suggested supply list:

  • This is a list of suggested supplies for the practical examination.
  • Candidates are responsible for bringing all needed materials, even if not included on this list.
  • Tools must be in good working order.

Information related to labeling of supplies:

  • ALL supplies must be labeled in English
  • No other languages can be present unless an original manufacturer’s label is present in English
  • All other created labels must be only English
Suggested Supplies
  • Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
  • Barriers
  • Box of Single-Use, Disposable Gloves (Medical-Grade)
  • Candidate Supply Container(s) to Serve as Storage Areas (Must be Closeable)
  • Container Labeled “to be Disinfected/Processed”
  • Container Labeled “trash”
  • EPA-Registered Disinfectant Wipes with Manufacturer’s Label that Demonstrates Bactericidal, Fungicidal and Virucidal Properties Must be Used (Must be Actual Disinfectant Wipes)
  • Implements for Nostril Piercings (Packaged and Sterile)
  • Insertion Tapers for Nostril Piercings (Packaged and Sterile)
  • Jewelry for Nostril Piercings (Packaged and Sterile)
  • Marking Implements
  • Needles for Nostril Piercings (Packaged and Sterile)
  • Prep Packs or Items Used for Skin Prep (Packaged and Sterile)
  • Sharps Container (OSHA-Approved) (New and Unused)
  • Tools to Support Tissue During Simulated Piercing Procedures (e g , Forceps, Receiving Tube, Etc )
  • Trash Bags/Liners


NATIONAL-INTERSTATE COUNCIL OF STATE BOARDS OF COSMETOLOGY (NIC) REFERENCES

This list provides the references used to develop and support the content covered in the NIC examinations. References will be the same across exam types for each exam. Candidates are responsible for using these most updated versions of references, as these editions were used to reference exam material.

Standard

Milady Standard Esthetics Fundamentals + Foundations

Copyrighted 2020

12th Edition

9780357263792

Milady www.Milady.com

;

APP Procedure Manual

Copyrighted 2013

Association of Professional Piercers safepiercing.org

; 888-888-1277

The Piercing Bible

Copyrighted 2009

Elayne Angel http://piercingbible.com

Copyright 2016 National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc.