Practical Examination Information

 

During the practical examination, you will be asked to demonstrate competence in the use of both Short Wave and Galvanic methods. Please review the following guidelines in order to be prepared for the examination:

 

Each applicant should have his or her own epilating machine to use.  The machine used must be capable of being set for both the Short Wave and the Galvanic modalities.  The machine must have a gauge, light or other form of indicator that clearly shows which modality is in use.  Machines that have only one modality plus the “Blend” cannot be used.   If you are renting equipment, plan to get it far enough in advance to familiarize yourself with its operation and to make sure it is in good working order.  Because of space and time limitations, no more than two (2) people will be permitted to share machines, so that one can use galvanic while the other uses short wave.  You must use manual timing for Galvanic treatment.

 

Occasionally there is an electrical outlet "shortage".  Bringing a 3-wire extension cord with a triple end or 3-wire cube tab is a good idea.

 

Bring an adjustable stool, working lamp (standing floor model), small portable table for equipment, sterilizing solutions, towels and soap.  There is a sink available.  You may use magnifying glasses or a magnifying lens with a light for examination purposes.  Alcohol (70%), witch-hazel, etc., must be in original containers.  

 

Select a dependable person as a model.  This model may be male or female.  It is a good idea to have an alternate model just in case your planned model becomes ill or is unable to attend.

 

Please ensure that your model has adequate coarse hair on the face (chin, lower cheeks).  The model should have sufficient coarse facial hair for up to two hours of testing.  If the hair on your model is of insufficient texture, length, or amount, he or she will be dismissed, as the examiners will be unable to rate your performance.  For examination purposes, hair must be treated and removed one at a time.  

 

You will be assigned an identification number for your use in the examination.  For the practical examination, there will be a workstation with a corresponding number.  Please go to that station with your equipment when you arrive for the practical examination.

 

The first portion of the examination is a seven-question written pre-test based on the current American Electrology Association (AEA) Infection Control Standards for the Practice of Electrology.  You may download a free copy of these standards at:https://professionals.electrology.com/be-an-electrologist/infection-prevention-standards.html.

 

Candidates are required to provide brief responses to each of the seven questions related to sterilization and infection control in the practice of electrology with a focus on the methods and products an electrologist should use to sterilize their equipment and how to sanitize a client’s skin prior to treatment.  A candidate who does not successfully complete the infection control portion of the examination will not be allowed to continue to the practical portion.

 

You may lose points on the examination for reasons that include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

Unfamiliarity with how your equipment operates;

 

Failure to test equipment prior to the examination to ensure that all is in good working order;

 

Current not turned on or obviously not flowing through the circuits;

 

Model does not have adequate coarse facial hair for up to two hours of treatment to allow for you to demonstrate proficiency;

 

Failure to have a back-up model in case one gets sick or cannot come to the examination;

 

Hiding the treatment area so that the examiner cannot easily view your work;

 

Failure to judge the proper angle for inserting the needle probe into the hair follicle, resulting in dimpling of the skin or going through the follicle wall ("transfixing");

 

Too deep or too shallow insertions;

 

Failure to use appropriate time/current intensity, especially on the Galvanic mode.   Current too high or too low;

 

Failure to discharge the current at the appropriate depth to destroy the follicle resulting in the hair being plucked;

 

Using the "Blend" current circuits instead of pure galvanic current for that portion of the examination (when multipurpose epilators are used);

 

Causing bleeding in the treatment area;

 

Evident discomfort of the model with each current discharge above what is usually encountered during treatment;

 

Sizzling or popping sounds with current discharge ("fried follicles");

 

Working in too small an area causing skin blanching or swelling;

 

Poor sanitation and hygiene techniques:  Failure to wash hands, clean under fingernails or prepare model's skin before treatment;

 

No after treatment medications;

 

Handling or touching the needle probe and tweeze tips with fingers;

 

Using household bleach is unacceptable for disinfecting/sterilizing instruments.