1. A. The Board shall schedule examinations as often as necessary to meet the demand.

2. B. Each qualified applicant for examination shall be sent a notice of the examination that contains the:

   1. (1) Time, date, and location of the examination;
   2. (2) Amount of time allotted for the examination;
   3. (3) Areas that will be tested during the theoretical and practical portions of the examination;
   4. (4) Requirements for models;
   5. (5) Equipment the applicant shall bring;
   6. (6) Requirements for passing the examination; and
   7. (7) Board's policy on bringing books or other materials into the examination room.

3. C. Requirements for Taking Examination.

   1. (1) A candidate shall arrive in a timely fashion to take the examination.
   2. (2) A candidate shall present the notice of examination and a proper identification with the candidate's signature and photograph.
   3. (3) A candidate may not bring books or papers into the examination room and may not use those materials during either the practical or the theoretical portion of the examination.

   4. (4) A candidate taking the practical portion of an examination shall:

      1. (a) Appear in a clean, washable garment;
      2. (b) If taking the cosmetologist examination, appear with an appropriate mannequin head;
      3. (c) If taking the nail technician examination, appear with an appropriate mannequin hand;

      4. (d) If taking the esthetician examination:

         1. (i) Be accompanied by a live model who is 16 years old or older; or
         2. (ii) Appear with a mannequin head; and
      5. (e) Appear with the equipment necessary to take the examination which shall be in a clean and disinfected condition and in good repair.
4. D. Disqualification. A candidate who violates any of the provisions of §C of this regulation may not be admitted to the examination and shall forfeit the examination fee.

5. E. Interpreters—Foreign Language Dictionaries.

   1. (1) The Board may permit a Board-approved interpreter to accompany an applicant and assist in the theory portion of the examination.
   2. (2) If approved by the Board or its authorized representative, an applicant may use a word-for-word, bilingual dictionary during the theory portion of an examination.

   3. (3) During any portion of an examination:

      1. (a) A sign interpreter may assist an applicant who is hearing impaired; and
      2. (b) A reader may assist an applicant who has dyslexia or another, similar reading impairment.
6. F. When a practical test cannot be completed for any reason, the grade for that test shall be “incomplete” and not “failure.”

7. G. Passing Examination.

   1. (1) In order to be certified as passing an examination, a candidate shall:

      1. (a) Receive a score of 75 percent or more on the practical portion of the examination;
      2. (b) Score at least 75 percent or more on the theoretical portion of the examination; and
      3. (c) Demonstrate a sufficient ability to verbally communicate and comprehend the English language in order to understand, converse, and properly respond to the requests, needs, and explanations of English speaking patrons.
   2. (2) An individual who passes one or more portions of the examination shall be excused from retaking the portion passed.
   3. (3) An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination.

8. H. Content of Cosmetologist Examination.

   1. (1) A cosmetologist examination shall consist of a theoretical portion and a practical portion.

   2. (2) The theoretical portion of the cosmetologist examination shall consist of questions which embrace the subjects of cosmetology found in basic cosmetology textbooks including, but not limited to, the following:

      1. (a) Sanitation and disinfection;
      2. (b) Chemical applications;
      3. (c) Hair cutting and styling techniques;
      4. (d) Diseases and disorders;
      5. (e) Facial massage;
      6. (f) Skin care;
      7. (g) Makeup application;
      8. (h) Hair removal;
      9. (i) Application of artificial nails;
      10. (j) Manicuring and pedicuring procedures; and
      11. (k) Laws and regulations regarding the practice of cosmetology.

   3. (3) The practical portion of the cosmetologist examination shall consist of the candidate demonstrating and explaining:

      1. (a) Wet set or thermal curl set;
      2. (b) Permanent cold wave;
      3. (c) Chemical relaxing;
      4. (d) Hair pressing;
      5. (e) Croquignole curl;
      6. (f) Bleach and tint;
      7. (g) Blended haircut;
      8. (h) Fingerwave;
      9. (i) Pincurls;
      10. (j) Roller placement; and
      11. (k) Manicure.

9. I. Content of Senior Cosmetologist Examination.

   1. (1) A senior cosmetologist examination shall consist of a theoretical portion only.

   2. (2) A candidate shall be required to demonstrate a knowledge of cosmetology including, but not limited to, an advanced knowledge of:

      1. (a) Sanitation and disinfection techniques;
      2. (b) Chemical applications;
      3. (c) Hair cutting and styling techniques;
      4. (d) Diseases and disorders; and
      5. (e) Laws and regulations regarding the practice of cosmetology.

10. J. Content of Esthetician Examination.

    1. (1) An esthetician examination shall consist of a theoretical portion and a practical portion.

    2. (2) The theoretical portion of the esthetician examination shall consist of questions which embrace the subjects of esthetics found in basic esthetics textbooks including, but not limited to, the following:

       1. (a) Sanitation and disinfection;
       2. (b) Diseases and disorders;
       3. (c) Facial massage;
       4. (d) Skin care;
       5. (e) Makeup application;
       6. (f) Hair removal; and
       7. (g) Laws and regulations regarding the practice of esthetics.

    3. (3) The practical portion of the esthetician examination shall consist of the candidate demonstrating and explaining:

       1. (a) Patron preparation;
       2. (b) Skin cleansing;
       3. (c) Skin analysis;
       4. (d) Location and names of motor points;
       5. (e) Tweezing and arching of eyebrows;
       6. (f) Massage movements; and
       7. (g) Application of women's daytime makeup.

11. K. Contents of Nail Technician Examination.

    1. (1) A nail technician examination shall consist of a theoretical portion and a practical portion.

    2. (2) The theoretical portion of the nail technician examination shall consist of questions which embrace the subjects of manicuring found in basic manicuring textbooks including, but not limited to, the following:

       1. (a) Sanitation and disinfection;
       2. (b) Diseases and disorders;
       3. (c) Manicuring and pedicuring procedures;
       4. (d) Application of artificial nails; and
       5. (e) Laws and regulations regarding the practice of a nail technician.

    3. (3) The practical portion of the nail technician examination shall consist of the candidate demonstrating and explaining:

       1. (a) Basic manicure;
       2. (b) Hairline tip of a free edge;
       3. (c) Half moon;
       4. (d) Application of acrylic nails; and
       5. (e) Pedicure procedure.

12. L. Contents of Blow Drying Examination.

    1. (1) A blow drying examination shall consist of a theoretical portion and a practical portion.

    2. (2) The theoretical portion of the blow drying examination shall consist of questions which embrace the subjects of beautifying, cleaning, and arranging hair found in cosmetology textbooks including, but not limited to, the following:

       1. (a) Sanitation and disinfection;
       2. (b) Disease and disorders;
       3. (c) Arranging hair;
       4. (d) Cleansing hair;
       5. (e) Curling hair;
       6. (f) Dressing hair;
       7. (g) Blow drying hair;
       8. (h) Singeing hair; and
       9. (i) Beautifying hair.

    3. (3) The practical portion of the blow drying examination shall consist of the candidate demonstrating and explaining:

       1. (a) Arranging hair;
       2. (b) Cleansing hair;
       3. (c) Curling hair;
       4. (d) Dressing hair;
       5. (e) Blow drying hair;
       6. (f) Singeing hair; and
       7. (g) Beautifying hair.

13. M. Content of Hair Stylist Examination.

    1. (1) A hair stylist examination shall consist of a theoretical and a practical portion.

    2. (2) The Theoretical portion of the hair stylist examination shall consist of questions which embrace the subjects of the hair styling found in basic cosmetology textbooks, including, but not limited to, the following:

       1. (a) Sanitation and disinfection;
       2. (b) Chemical applications;
       3. (c) Hair cutting and styling techniques;
       4. (d) Diseases and disorders; and
       5. (e) Laws and regulations regarding the practice of hair styling.

    3. (3) The practical portion of the hair styling examination shall consist of the candidate demonstrating and explaining:

       1. (a) Wet set or thermal curl set;
       2. (b) Permanent cold wave;
       3. (c) Chemical relaxing;
       4. (d) Hair pressing;
       5. (e) Croquignole curl;
       6. (f) Bleach and tint;
       7. (g) Blended haircut;
       8. (h) Fingerwave;
       9. (i) Pincurls; and
       10. (j) Roller placement.

14. N. Content of Eyelash Extension Examination.

    1. (1) An eyelash extension examination shall consist of a theoretical and a practical portion.

    2. (2) The theoretical portion of the eyelash extension examination shall consist of questions that relate to the subject of eyelash extensions, including, but not limited to, the following:

       1. (a) Sanitation and safety;
       2. (b) Lash extension types, adhesives, and tools;
       3. (c) Lash anatomy and growth cycles;
       4. (d) Contraindications and allergic reactions; and
       5. (e) Laws and regulations regarding the practice of cosmetology.

    3. (3) The practical portion of the eyelash extension examination shall consist of the candidate demonstrating and explaining:

       1. (a) Lash isolation;
       2. (b) Lash extension application;
       3. (c) Adhesive control;
       4. (d) Lash extension removal;
       5. (e) Client safety measures; and
       6. (f) Sanitation practices.

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, Titles 4 and 5; Business Regulation Article, §§2-106.13 and 2-106.14;
Annotated Code of Maryland; Ch. 256, Acts of 2017

Effective date: April 4, 1973

Regulation .01 amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166); repealed effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .01 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 1, 1991 (18:18 Md. R. 2001); emergency status expired January 1, 1992

Regulation .01 adopted as an emergency provision effective February 14, 1992 (19:5 Md. R. 573); emergency status extended at 19:11 Md. R. 1011

Regulation .02A amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166); repealed effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .02B repealed effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .02C amended effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .02D repealed effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .02D adopted effective April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 830)

Regulation .02 repealed and new Regulation .02 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 1, 1991 (18:18 Md. R. 2001); emergency status extended at 19:2 Md. R. 150 and 19:11 Md. R. 1011

Regulation .03A—C amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166)

Regulation .03D repealed effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 1, 1991 (18:18 Md. R. 2001); emergency status expired January 1, 1992

Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted as an emergency provision effective February 14, 1992 (19:5 Md. R. 573); emergency status extended at 19:11 Md. R. 1011

Regulation .04A amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166)

Regulation .04B amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166)

Regulation .04C-1 adopted effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166)

Regulation .04F repealed effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .05 amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166); June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163); March 23, 1987 (14:6 Md. R. 713); November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .06A adopted effective April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 830)

Regulation .06D repealed effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .06D—F adopted effective April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 830)

Regulations .06, .08, and .09 amended as an emergency provision effective July 1, 1991 (18:18 Md. R. 2001); emergency status extended at 19:2 Md. R. 150 and 19:11 Md. R. 1011

Regulation .07A and C amended effective December 30, 1977 (4:27 Md. R. 2106)

Regulation .07E repealed effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .08 amended effective February 4, 1976 (3:3 Md. R. 149)

Regulation .08A amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166); June 12, 1981 (8:12 Md. R. 1061); April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 830)

Regulation .08B amended effective April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 830)

Regulation .08C repealed effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .08C adopted effective April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 830)

Regulation .09A amended effective August 21, 1989 (16:16 Md. R. 1750)

Regulation .09D repealed effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .09F amended effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .09F-1 adopted effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .12 amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166); June 12, 1981 (8:12 Md. R. 1061)

Regulation .12A amended effective March 23, 1987 (14:6 Md. R. 713)

Regulation .12D amended effective March 23, 1987 (14:6 Md. R. 713)

Regulation .13 repealed effective December 15, 1978 (5:25 Md. R. 1853)

Regulation .13 adopted effective March 23, 1987 (14:6 Md. R. 713)

Regulation .13 amended effective June 11, 1990 (17:11 Md. R. 1343)

Regulation .14 amended effective August 21, 1989 (16:16 Md. R. 1750)

Regulation .14B amended effective December 30, 1977 (4:27 Md. R. 2106)

Regulation .15 repealed and new Regulation .15 adopted effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .15C—F amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166)

Regulation .15D amended effective February 4, 1976 (3:3 Md. R. 149)

Regulation .15F amended effective February 4, 1976 (3:3 Md. R. 149); October 19, 1979 (6:21 Md. R. 1708)

Regulation .16B amended effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .16C amended effective March 3, 1976 (3:5 Md. R. 295); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166); November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .16D amended effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulation .16F amended effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulation .16H amended effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulation .16I repealed effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .16I adopted effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulation .16J amended effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulation .16U amended effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166)

Regulation .16W amended effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulation .16AA repealed effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulation .16BB adopted effective November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2166)

Regulation .16CC adopted effective February 9, 1987 (14:3 Md. R. 272)

Regulation .16DD adopted effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulation .16EE adopted effective May 1, 1989 (16:8 Md. R. 909)

Regulation .17F repealed effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .18A—D amended effective June 17, 1985 (12:12 Md. R. 1163)

Regulation .18C amended effective February 4, 1976 (3:3 Md. R. 149)

Regulation .18D amended effective February 4, 1976 (3:3 Md. R. 149)

Regulation .18H amended effective February 4, 1976 (3:3 Md. R. 149); March 23, 1987 (14:6 Md. R. 713)

Regulation .19 repealed effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2414)

Regulations .20—.24 adopted effective April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 830)

Regulations .21, .22, and .24 amended as an emergency provision effective July 1, 1991 (18:18 Md. R. 2001); emergency status extended at 19:2 Md. R. 150 and 19:11 Md. R. 1011

Regulation .22G amended effective June 13, 1988 (15:12 Md. R. 1445)

Regulations .02—.24 repealed and new Regulations .01—.15 adopted effective June 22, 1992 (19:12 Md. R. 1133)

Regulation .01 amended effective December 14, 1998 (25:25 Md. R. 1831)

Regulation .01B amended effective May 13, 2002 (29:9 Md. R. 745)

Regulation .01C amended effective July 17, 1995 (22:14 Md. R. 1052)

Regulation .01D amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1618)

Regulation .01J adopted effective May 13, 2002 (29:9 Md. R. 745)

Regulation .04 amended effective April 26, 2004 (31:8 Md. R. 646)

Regulation .04D amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R.1619)

Regulation .06 amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1618)

Regulation .07 amended effective April 29, 2002 (29:8 Md. R. 698)

Regulation .07E adopted effective October 7, 1996 (23:20 Md. R. 1422)

Regulation .07F adopted effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619)

Regulation .08 amended effective April 26, 2004 (31:8 Md. R. 646)

Regulation .08A amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619)

Regulation .08B amended effective February 14, 1994 (21:3 Md. R. 193)

Regulation .08C amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619) April 29, 2002 (29:8 Md. R. 698)

Regulation .08D adopted effective October 7, 1996 (23:20 Md. R. 1422)

Regulation .08E adopted effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619)

Regulation .08F adopted effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619)

Regulation .09A amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1618)

Regulation .09B amended effective February 14, 1994 (21:3 Md. R. 193); September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1618)

Regulation .09C amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1618); September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619); April 29, 2002 (29:8 Md. R. 698)

Regulation .09D adopted effective October 7, 1996 (23:20 Md. R. 1422)

Regulation .09D amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619)

Regulation .09E adopted effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619)

Regulation .10 amended effective April 29, 2002 (29:8 Md. R. 699); February 6, 2012 (39:2 Md. R. 141)

Regulation .11A amended effective February 6, 2012 (39:2 Md. R. 141)

Regulation .12C amended effective November 6, 2006 (33:22 Md. R. 1732)

Regulation .12E amended as an emergency provision effective July 23, 1993 (20:15 Md. R. 1218); amended permanently effective November 22, 1993 (20:23 Md. R. 1804)

Regulation .12E amended as an emergency provision effective June 20, 1997 (24:15 Md. R. 1060); emergency status expired December 20, 1997

Regulation .12E amended effective March 9, 1998 (25:5 Md. R. 367)

Regulation .12G amended effective April 29, 2002 (29:8 Md. R. 699)

Regulation .12K amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1618)

Regulation .13A amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 1996 (23:10 Md. R. 728); emergency status expired July 15, 1996

Regulation .13A amended as an emergency provision effective July 1, 1997 (24:15 Md. R. 1060); emergency status expired December 1, 1997; amended permanently effective March 9, 1998 (25:5 Md. R. 368)

Regulation .13A amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R.1618)

Regulation .13A amended as an emergency provision effective October 1, 2002 (29:23 Md. R. 1807); emergency status expired April 2, 2003

Regulation .13A amended as an emergency provision effective March 1, 2003 (30:13 Md. R. 851); emergency status extended at 30:25 Md. R. 1843); emergency status expired January 1, 2004; amended permanently effective January 5, 2004 (30:26 Md. R, 1913)

Regulation .13A amended as an emergency provision effective October 15, 2009 (36:23 Md. R. 1815); emergency status expired effective April 9, 2010; amended permanently effective June 14, 2010 (37:12 Md. R. 800)

Regulation .13A amended as an emergency provision effective December 19, 2014 (42:1 Md. R. 13); emergency status expired May 30, 2015

Regulation .13B amended as an emergency provision effective July 25, 1997 (24:17 Md. R. 1208); emergency status expired January 25, 1998; amended permanently effective March 9, 1998 (25:5 Md. R. 368)

Regulation .13B amended effective September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1618); September 4, 2000 (27:17 Md. R. 1619)

Regulation .13C, E amended effective October 24, 2016 (43:21 Md. R. 1165)

Regulation .13D amended effective December 14, 1998 (25:25 Md. R. 1831); May 2, 2011 (38:9 Md. R. 552)

Regulation .16 adopted effective July 31, 2006 (33:15 Md. R. 1280)

Chapter revised effective May 8, 2017 (44:9 Md. R. 437)

Regulation .11C amended as an emergency provision effective July 8, 2020 (47:16 Md. R. 736); emergency status expired effective November 30, 2020

Regulation .11C amended effective March 22, 2021 (48:6 Md. R. 237)

Regulation .11E amended effective June 3, 2019 (46:11 Md. R. 516)

Regulation .12 repealed and new Regulation .12 adopted effective November 5, 2018 (45:22 Md. R. 1027)

Regulation .12E amended effective May 27, 2024 (51:10 Md. R. 525)

Regulation .13F adopted effective May 1, 2023 (50:8 Md. R. 337)

Regulation .15E amended effective March 23, 2020 (47:6 Md. R. 341)

Regulation .16 adopted effective January 28, 2019 (46:2 Md. R. 52)

Chapter revised effective March 2, 2026 (53:4 Md. R. 184)