As of September 1, 1999, changes have been made to the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology’s practical examination. Instead of doing a full manicure on both hands, the test now consists of a plain manicure on one hand using dark polish. A nail tip must be applied to the other hand and a wrap must be applied to the tip. Two other nails on that same hand must also have some sort of flat nail art applied. Twenty minutes are allotted for each task, except the flat nail art section, which is only allotted 15 minutes.

According to Diane Galutia, a spokesperson for the department of state, the changes were necessary in order to keep the exam in line with what’s currently being done in the field. “The basic manicure on one hand is enough to demonstrate entry-level competency,” she says. No complaints have been issued so far, she says.

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