The big shift: every state is now on the 2022 CIB
The NIC updated its Candidate Information Bulletin in 2022 — the document that defines what the exam tests and how questions are weighted. States had until August 2024 to transition from the older 2017 CIB to the 2022 version. As of 2026, every NIC state is running the 2022 exam. There is no "old version" anymore.
If you're using study materials published before mid-2024, they may still reference the 2017 CIB structure. The domain names and percentages look similar, but the content emphasis has shifted.
What changed in the 2022 CIB
Infection control is more specific about cross-contamination. The 2022 version goes deeper on how cross-contamination actually occurs in practice — single-use versus multi-use items, the specific circumstances where cross-contamination happens during a service, and the distinction between porous versus non-porous materials.
Blood exposure procedures are tested more explicitly. You should know the exact steps — stop the service, put on gloves, treat the wound, clean the area, disinfect tools, document the incident — and the order matters.
Hair texture diversity is now an explicit competency. Questions may test whether you understand how techniques, chemical processing, and tool selection differ across straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair textures.
Chemical safety now references current SDS standards. The 2022 CIB reflects the OSHA transition from MSDS to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with a standardized 16-section format.
Client consultation and documentation has more weight. Greater emphasis on contraindications, preliminary tests, and when to refer a client to a physician. These questions test judgment, not just recall.
The domain structure (cosmetology)
The cosmetology written exam has two main domains. Scientific Concepts (35%) covers infection control, human anatomy and physiology, and basic chemistry. Hair Care and Services (45%) covers consultation, tools, hair care procedures, hair design, hair coloring, and chemical texture services. Skin Care (10%) and Nail Care (10%) round out the exam. The weighting is roughly the same as the 2017 version, but the content within each domain has shifted.
The Written Practical is expanding
Several states are moving away from the live-model practical exam and toward a "Written Practical" — a computer-based test where you're given a service scenario and must sequence the steps correctly. This format rewards precise procedural knowledge over muscle memory.
California eliminated the practical exam
As of January 2022, California no longer requires a practical exam for cosmetology licensure (SB-803). Candidates only need to pass the written exam. California uses PSI, not NIC directly. Check your specific state's requirements on our state licensing guides.
What this means for your prep
Use 2022-CIB-aligned materials. If your practice questions were written from the 2017 CIB, the emphasis is wrong.
Don't skip infection control. It's part of Scientific Concepts (35% of the exam) and the 2022 CIB tests it with more scenario-based questions.
Know the SDS, not the MSDS. The exam uses current terminology.
Practice the "what would you do" questions. The 2022 CIB leans more heavily into clinical judgment — contraindications, when to modify a service, when to refer a client.
Study your weakest domain, not your strongest. After your first practice test, your domain breakdown will show you exactly where you're losing points.
Practice with 2022-CIB-aligned questions
NICPrep's 1,100 practice questions per modality are written from the current NIC CIB. Every question has a full rationale, and the AI study tutor can break down any concept you're stuck on.
Try 10 free questions →Where to find the official CIB
The CIB for each exam type is published by NIC at nictesting.org. Read it at least once before you start studying so you understand the scope of what you're preparing for. We link to every state board in our state licensing guide.