The following tests and grading procedures are used to assess student learning and mastery of course content in the 1500-hour course:
- Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on each assigned theory exam. Depending on the length of the distance education module, theory exams will occur weekly or bi-monthly. The theory exams will evaluate the student’s academic performance for each subject of the distance education curriculum.
- Core written and practical skills evaluation: Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on each written exam and each practical skill exam in order to complete the Core program. The exams are an overview of instruction taught during the Core schedule. All Core written and practical skill exams must be passed with a 70% in order to transition to the Clinic Classroom. If students are unable to pass each exam after two attempts, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program and re-enroll in the next available Core class start date. The Core practical skills evaluation must be completed within the school facility and cannot be taken through distance education.
- Final exam 1: This test covers an overview of all related cosmetology subjects (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.). Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on all final exams. Final Exam 1 must be completed within the school facility and cannot be taken through distance education.
- Final exam 2: The written exam covers an overview of all theory instruction, Tennessee state law, and other items covered on the state cosmetology exam. Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on all final exams. Final Exam 2 must be completed within the school facility and cannot be taken through distance education.
- Clinic Practical Skill Assessments: Future Professionals progress in practical skill assessments and theory hours will be digitally monitored on a weekly basis by the Future Professional Advisor using the Course Key app. All assigned practical skill assessments must be completed in order to complete the program.
- Distance education assessments: Students must complete a distance education written assessment and practical skill assessment. These are based on performance and must be completed on-campus each month. The distance education assessment will focus on the distance education subjects covered during that time period. Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on each distance education written assessment and each practical skill assessment. Only students enrolled in the distance education program are required to complete these assessments.
Grading Scale: A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% Below 70% = Failing