Texas Manicurist State Board Test
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | New
Version | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Infection Control, Safety, & Sanitation (35 Questions)
Q1: After performing a service on a client, you have used a porous nail file. According to Texas TDLR
rules, what must you do with that file before using it on the next client?
A. Wipe it thoroughly with an EPA-registered disinfectant wipe
B. Spray it with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry
C. Discard it in a proper waste container [CORRECT]
D. Soak it in barbicide for 10 minutes
Rationale: Porous items like nail files and buffers cannot be properly disinfected because bacteria can
remain in microscopic pores; therefore, they must be single-use and discarded after each client. Choices
A, B, and D are incorrect because wiping, spraying, or soaking porous files does not achieve complete
disinfection under TDLR standards. Key takeaway: If it's porous and touched the client, throw it away.
Q2: What is the minimum concentration of isopropyl alcohol required for effective disinfection of non-
porous implements according to TDLR standards?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 70% [CORRECT]
D. 90%
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and TDLR recognize 70% isopropyl
alcohol as the optimal concentration for disinfection because it penetrates cell walls more effectively
than higher concentrations, which evaporate too quickly. While 90% alcohol seems stronger, it actually
coagulates proteins too rapidly, preventing complete penetration. Concentrations below 70% are
insufficient for killing pathogens.
,Q3: How often must disinfectant solution in a closed container be changed according to Texas TDLR
regulations?
A. Daily
B. When it becomes visibly dirty
C. According to manufacturer's instructions or when visibly contaminated, whichever comes first
[CORRECT]
D. Weekly
Rationale: TDLR requires that all disinfectants be used according to EPA-registered label instructions,
which typically specify changing schedules. Most hospital-grade disinfectants require daily or more
frequent changes. Waiting until visible contamination (choice B) is dangerous because contamination
isn't always visible. Weekly changes (D) are insufficient for busy salons.
Q4: A client presents with green discoloration under an artificial nail. What is the appropriate action?
A. Remove the artificial nail and treat with antifungal medication
B. Remove the artificial nail, clean the area, and refer to a physician [CORRECT]
C. File down the discoloration and reapply product
D. Apply tea tree oil and continue with the service
Rationale: Green discoloration (Pseudomonas infection) indicates bacterial growth requiring medical
evaluation. Nail technicians cannot diagnose or treat infections—scope of practice violation. Removing
the artificial nail allows the area to breathe and prevents further bacterial trapping. Choices A, C, and D
constitute practicing medicine without a license or worsening the condition.
Q5: What is the difference between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization in order of effectiveness
from least to most?
A. Sterilization, disinfection, sanitation
B. Sanitation, disinfection, sterilization [CORRECT]
C. Disinfection, sanitation, sterilization
D. Sterilization, sanitation, disinfection
Rationale: Sanitation removes visible debris and reduces bacteria count (least effective). Disinfection
kills most pathogenic organisms on non-porous surfaces. Sterilization destroys all microbial life including
spores (most effective). Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for TDLR compliance and client safety.
Many students confuse the order, leading to improper implement handling.
,Q6: Which of the following implements MUST be sterilized rather than just disinfected when used in
Texas nail salons?
A. Metal pushers
B. Cuticle nippers that draw blood [CORRECT]
C. Glass files
D. Metal nail clippers
Rationale: TDLR and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require sterilization (autoclave or dry heat)
for any implement that contacts blood or bodily fluids. Cuticle nippers that cause bleeding create
exposure risk for bloodborne pathogens. Standard disinfection is insufficient for these items. Metal
pushers, glass files, and clippers used without blood exposure require only disinfection.
Q7: Where must Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be kept in a Texas nail salon?
A. In the owner's home for safekeeping
B. In a binder in the break room only
C. Readily accessible to all employees in the work area [CORRECT]
D. In the salon's storage closet
Rationale: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and TDLR require SDS to be immediately accessible
during all work hours, not locked away or off-site. Employees must be able to reference chemical
hazards, first aid measures, and spill procedures instantly in case of emergency. "Readily accessible"
means no locked doors or distant locations.
Q8: What is the proper procedure for cleaning and disinfecting metal implements after use?
A. Rinse, disinfect, wash, dry, store
B. Wash with soap and water, rinse, dry, disinfect, dry, store [CORRECT]
C. Disinfect first, then wash with soap and water
D. Wipe with alcohol and store in a sealed bag
Rationale: Proper sequence: Remove debris (wash), rinse, dry (water dilutes disinfectant), then disinfect
(contact time per label), dry again, then store in clean covered container. Disinfecting before cleaning
(C) is ineffective because organic matter shields pathogens. Skipping steps or using alcohol alone (D)
doesn't meet hospital-grade disinfection standards.
Q9: How long must client service records be maintained in a Texas nail salon?
, A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years [CORRECT]
D. 5 years
Rationale: TDLR Rule 83.102 requires service records be kept for two years to track potential infections,
document services performed, and verify compliance during inspections. This timeframe allows for
identification of infection patterns and supports liability protection. Shorter periods (A, B) violate state
law; longer retention (D) exceeds requirements but is acceptable.
Q10: A nail technician notices a small cut on their finger before starting a client's service. What should
they do?
A. Cover with a bandage and continue working
B. Cover with a waterproof bandage and wear a glove over that finger [CORRECT]
C. Ignore it if it's not bleeding
D. Cancel all appointments for the day
Rationale: TDLR and OSHA require double protection—waterproof barrier plus glove—when any open
wound exists, regardless of bleeding. Single coverage (A) is insufficient. Ignoring cuts (C) risks
bloodborne pathogen transmission to clients and technician. Canceling all appointments (D) is
unnecessary overreaction for minor injuries.
Q11: What type of waste container is required for disposing of single-use items contaminated with
blood?
A. Regular trash with a lid
B. Biohazard bag in a labeled container [CORRECT]
C. Any sealed plastic bag
D. The client's take-home bag
Rationale: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates biohazard-labeled containers with red bags
or clearly marked containers for any blood-contaminated waste. Regular trash (A) risks exposure to
cleaning staff. Proper biohazard disposal protects everyone in the waste stream and complies with Texas
health regulations.
Q12: At what temperature should an autoclave operate for proper sterilization?
A. 212°F (100°C)
B. 250°F (121°C) [CORRECT]
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | New
Version | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Infection Control, Safety, & Sanitation (35 Questions)
Q1: After performing a service on a client, you have used a porous nail file. According to Texas TDLR
rules, what must you do with that file before using it on the next client?
A. Wipe it thoroughly with an EPA-registered disinfectant wipe
B. Spray it with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry
C. Discard it in a proper waste container [CORRECT]
D. Soak it in barbicide for 10 minutes
Rationale: Porous items like nail files and buffers cannot be properly disinfected because bacteria can
remain in microscopic pores; therefore, they must be single-use and discarded after each client. Choices
A, B, and D are incorrect because wiping, spraying, or soaking porous files does not achieve complete
disinfection under TDLR standards. Key takeaway: If it's porous and touched the client, throw it away.
Q2: What is the minimum concentration of isopropyl alcohol required for effective disinfection of non-
porous implements according to TDLR standards?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 70% [CORRECT]
D. 90%
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and TDLR recognize 70% isopropyl
alcohol as the optimal concentration for disinfection because it penetrates cell walls more effectively
than higher concentrations, which evaporate too quickly. While 90% alcohol seems stronger, it actually
coagulates proteins too rapidly, preventing complete penetration. Concentrations below 70% are
insufficient for killing pathogens.
,Q3: How often must disinfectant solution in a closed container be changed according to Texas TDLR
regulations?
A. Daily
B. When it becomes visibly dirty
C. According to manufacturer's instructions or when visibly contaminated, whichever comes first
[CORRECT]
D. Weekly
Rationale: TDLR requires that all disinfectants be used according to EPA-registered label instructions,
which typically specify changing schedules. Most hospital-grade disinfectants require daily or more
frequent changes. Waiting until visible contamination (choice B) is dangerous because contamination
isn't always visible. Weekly changes (D) are insufficient for busy salons.
Q4: A client presents with green discoloration under an artificial nail. What is the appropriate action?
A. Remove the artificial nail and treat with antifungal medication
B. Remove the artificial nail, clean the area, and refer to a physician [CORRECT]
C. File down the discoloration and reapply product
D. Apply tea tree oil and continue with the service
Rationale: Green discoloration (Pseudomonas infection) indicates bacterial growth requiring medical
evaluation. Nail technicians cannot diagnose or treat infections—scope of practice violation. Removing
the artificial nail allows the area to breathe and prevents further bacterial trapping. Choices A, C, and D
constitute practicing medicine without a license or worsening the condition.
Q5: What is the difference between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization in order of effectiveness
from least to most?
A. Sterilization, disinfection, sanitation
B. Sanitation, disinfection, sterilization [CORRECT]
C. Disinfection, sanitation, sterilization
D. Sterilization, sanitation, disinfection
Rationale: Sanitation removes visible debris and reduces bacteria count (least effective). Disinfection
kills most pathogenic organisms on non-porous surfaces. Sterilization destroys all microbial life including
spores (most effective). Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for TDLR compliance and client safety.
Many students confuse the order, leading to improper implement handling.
,Q6: Which of the following implements MUST be sterilized rather than just disinfected when used in
Texas nail salons?
A. Metal pushers
B. Cuticle nippers that draw blood [CORRECT]
C. Glass files
D. Metal nail clippers
Rationale: TDLR and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require sterilization (autoclave or dry heat)
for any implement that contacts blood or bodily fluids. Cuticle nippers that cause bleeding create
exposure risk for bloodborne pathogens. Standard disinfection is insufficient for these items. Metal
pushers, glass files, and clippers used without blood exposure require only disinfection.
Q7: Where must Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be kept in a Texas nail salon?
A. In the owner's home for safekeeping
B. In a binder in the break room only
C. Readily accessible to all employees in the work area [CORRECT]
D. In the salon's storage closet
Rationale: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and TDLR require SDS to be immediately accessible
during all work hours, not locked away or off-site. Employees must be able to reference chemical
hazards, first aid measures, and spill procedures instantly in case of emergency. "Readily accessible"
means no locked doors or distant locations.
Q8: What is the proper procedure for cleaning and disinfecting metal implements after use?
A. Rinse, disinfect, wash, dry, store
B. Wash with soap and water, rinse, dry, disinfect, dry, store [CORRECT]
C. Disinfect first, then wash with soap and water
D. Wipe with alcohol and store in a sealed bag
Rationale: Proper sequence: Remove debris (wash), rinse, dry (water dilutes disinfectant), then disinfect
(contact time per label), dry again, then store in clean covered container. Disinfecting before cleaning
(C) is ineffective because organic matter shields pathogens. Skipping steps or using alcohol alone (D)
doesn't meet hospital-grade disinfection standards.
Q9: How long must client service records be maintained in a Texas nail salon?
, A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years [CORRECT]
D. 5 years
Rationale: TDLR Rule 83.102 requires service records be kept for two years to track potential infections,
document services performed, and verify compliance during inspections. This timeframe allows for
identification of infection patterns and supports liability protection. Shorter periods (A, B) violate state
law; longer retention (D) exceeds requirements but is acceptable.
Q10: A nail technician notices a small cut on their finger before starting a client's service. What should
they do?
A. Cover with a bandage and continue working
B. Cover with a waterproof bandage and wear a glove over that finger [CORRECT]
C. Ignore it if it's not bleeding
D. Cancel all appointments for the day
Rationale: TDLR and OSHA require double protection—waterproof barrier plus glove—when any open
wound exists, regardless of bleeding. Single coverage (A) is insufficient. Ignoring cuts (C) risks
bloodborne pathogen transmission to clients and technician. Canceling all appointments (D) is
unnecessary overreaction for minor injuries.
Q11: What type of waste container is required for disposing of single-use items contaminated with
blood?
A. Regular trash with a lid
B. Biohazard bag in a labeled container [CORRECT]
C. Any sealed plastic bag
D. The client's take-home bag
Rationale: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates biohazard-labeled containers with red bags
or clearly marked containers for any blood-contaminated waste. Regular trash (A) risks exposure to
cleaning staff. Proper biohazard disposal protects everyone in the waste stream and complies with Texas
health regulations.
Q12: At what temperature should an autoclave operate for proper sterilization?
A. 212°F (100°C)
B. 250°F (121°C) [CORRECT]
