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SEARCHNot too many people can say they love exams, but ask nail techs in Germany whether they like taking tests and they’ll most likely respond with an emphatic yes.
Not too many people can say they love exams, but ask nail techs in Germany whether they like taking tests and they’ll most likely respond with an emphatic yes. As of November 2005, nail techs in that country have the option of taking a state exam offered by Bundesverband deutscher Nail Designer (BDND), a professional organization for nail techs founded in 2004. The exam is both written and practical. The written portion includes sections on dermatology, chemistry, and product application techniques. The practical exam includes doing tips with overlay, sculptured nails, repairs, and refills.
For the premiere exam, 52 nail techs participated, and 47 passed both portions of the test.
“In order to pass the exam you need to have experience as a nail tech and also study a 100-page book for the written part,” says Erika Brander, president of BDND. Once a nail tech passes the exam, she receives a diploma and is given the title of staalich gepruefte nail designer (state-examined nail technician). The exam is recognized throughout Germany.
Since licensing is not required to become a nail tech, the exam is voluntary, but many German nail techs view it as a way to prove their skills and knowledge. “I have always admired the U.S. for their structure in the nail market,” says Terri Malon, CEO of BDND. “In Germany, customers do not know if their nail tech is trained. With this exam it becomes evident who renders quality service, even for an inexperienced customer.”
The first test was administered in the state of Baden Wutemberg. Other states are expected to follow this year.
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