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 Eyebrow Eyelash Theory Examination is a licensure examination for Eyebrow Eyelash, developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).

This bulletin contains IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding National Eyebrow Eyelash Theory Examination content and references.

This bulletin contains information applicable to the 2025 update of this exam.

The time allowed for this examination is 90 minutes.

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

For each NIC National Theory 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 Theory examination and information about the scope of content covered in the examination.
  • References – This provides a list of references used to develop and support the content covered in NIC examinations. References will be the same for Theory, Practical, Written Practical, and Additional Sections for each exam.

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

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

General

  • 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.

Standardized Administration

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

  • With the exception of verbal instructions, proctors and examination administration personnel are NOT allowed to speak with candidates.
  • If a candidate experiences an emergency situation, they may notify the proctor by raising their hand.

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.

EYEBROW EYELASH THEORY EXAMINATION
CONTENT OUTLINE

Domain Details

The following outlines the scope of content covered by the NIC National Eyebrow Eyelash Theory Examination. The percentages represent the percentage of items from each domain. The examination contains 60 items, of which 50 items are weighted and contribute to the candidate’s final score.

  1. SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS (55%)
    1. Basic knowledge of microbiology (i.e., bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi)
    2. Apply knowledge of infection control procedures related to:
      1. Levels of infection control (i.e., sanitation, disinfection, sterilization)
      2. Methods of infection control (i.e., heat, chemical agents)
    3. Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to:
      1. Standard (Universal) Precautions
      2. Blood exposure procedures
      3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (e.g., manufacturer’s labeling)
      4. Handling of chemicals
    4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of eyebrow and eyelash physiology and anatomy related to:
      1. Anatomy of the eye, eyelash, and eyebrow
      2. Eyelash and eyebrow hair growth
      3. Eyebrow and eyelash shape and function
    5. Recognize and understand eye disorders and diseases related to:
      1. Contagious diseases (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis, herpes simplex, tinea)
      2. Contraindications (e.g., inflammation, styes)
      3. Allergies and sensitivities of the eye
      4. Purpose of and how to conduct a patch test
    6. Understanding function and composition of the hair related to:
      1. Structure of the hair and its follicle
      2. Growth cycles
      3. Abnormal hair growth (e.g., hirsutism, hypertrichosis)
      4. Reactions (e.g., traction alopecia)
    7. Understanding basic chemistry as related to:
      1. Ingredients and interactions (e.g., current treatments, henna)
      2. Labeling
      3. Function (e.g., hydration, protection, cleanse)
      4. Acidity/Alkalinity (i.e., pH)
      5. Processing
  2. EYEBROW AND EYELASH SERVICES (45%)
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release, current medications)
      1. Pre- and post-treatment client care (e.g., client instructions and hygiene)
    2. Apply knowledge of client protection (i.e., draping of head)
      1. Taping
    3. Adhesives
      1. Ingredients and interactions (e.g., current treatments, henna)
      2. Safety procedures
      3. Disposal procedures
    4. Common tools and products
      1. Single-use implements
      2. Extension products
      3. Lifting and lamination products
      4. Tweezers
    5. Services
      1. Methods and tools
      2. Order of procedures
      3. Product choice and manufacturer guidelines
      4. Contraindications
      5. Specific services
        1. Eyelash extensions
          1. Types
          2. Sizing (e.g., diameter and length) and weight
        2. Demonstrate and understanding of extension procedures
          1. Lash map
          2. Different types (e.g., infill and full set)
          3. Preparation of lashes and post-service
        3. Eyelash lifting
        4. Eyebrow lamination
        5. Eyelash and eyebrow tinting
        6. Eyelash removal
        7. Eyelash refill
        8. Eyebrow removal

NATIONAL EYEBROW EYELASH THEORY EXAMINATION
SAMPLE QUESTIONS

The following sample questions are similar to those on the NIC National Eyebrow Eyelash Theory Examination. Each question is followed by four answer options. Only one option is correct. Correct answers (keys) are listed along with the sample questions.

  1. During the anagen phase of hair growth, the hair is

    A. beginning to destroy itself.

    B. actively growing.

    C. shedding.

    D. disconnecting from the papilla.

  2. What part of the eye protects the inner structure?

    A. Cornea

    B. Conjunctiva

    C. Eyelids

    D. Glands

  3. What condition is a reaction to irritating substances?

    A. Blepharitis

    B. Demodex

    C. Dry Eye Syndrome

    D. Contact Dermatitis

  4. A product containing antiseptic reaches what level of decontamination?

    A. Disinfection

    B. Sterilization

    C. Ionization

    D. Sanitation

  5. What is the first step in a client blood exposure incident?

    A. Treat the wound

    B. Sanitize the wounded area

    C. Put on gloves

    D. Disinfect the first aid kit

Answer Key
Item Key
1 B
2 A
3 D
4 D
5 C

NIC NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR EXAMS REFERENCES

This list provides the references used to develop and support the content covered in the NIC National Eyebrow Eyelash 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 test material.

Standard

Milady Standard Esthetics Fundamentals + Foundations

Copyrighted Foundations 2020

12th Edition

ISBN: 9780357263792

Milady www.Milady.com

Contact: ;


  Milady Advanced Services Eyelashes

Copyrighted Copyrighted ©2023 Cengage Learning, Inc

1st Edition

ISBN: 9780357923207

Milady www.Milady.com

Contact: ;


 

Supplemental

Milady Standard Advanced Esthetics

Copyrighted 2013

2013, 2nd Edition

ISBN: 9781111139094

Milady www.Milady.com

Contact: ;


 

Copyright 2025 National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc.