CPE Study Guide

The Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) Exam offered by the American Electrology Association (AEA) certifies successful candidates as a Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE). The practice of Electrology is the only method to remove hair permanently, and the only marketable method approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

To be able to take the CPE an applicant must submit a photocopy of a state electrology license or if an applicant lives in an unlicensed state they should provide a photocopy of a certificate showing they completed a 320 minimum hours of training in an electrology school. A signed affidavit from an instructor can also be used in lieu of a certificate.

The CPE can be taken at one time each year, directly before the AEA annual convention. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. Candidates can take the exam at a Thomson Prometric testing center nearest them. Candidates are allotted two and a half hours to complete the 100 multiple choice questions.

Candidates can expect to encounter questions centered on the following topics during the course of the exam:
* Anatomy and Physiology of Skin and Hair
* Infection Control
* Clinical Observations
* Electrical Operations
* Equipment and Supplies
* Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues

At the time of the application, candidates must supply the correct fee in order to be considered for the CPE Exam. AEA members pay $275, while non-members pay $325 to sit for the exam. After applying and being accepted, the candidate receives a piece of mail prior to testing. The correspondence includes a registration ID number to enter on the Prometric website. From there, the candidate can review the scheduled exam date and time.