COSMETOLOGY HAWAII LICENSE EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS
HAWAII COSMETOLOGY LICENSE EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales
EXAM OVERVIEW
Category Information
Governing Agency Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) -
Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Licensing Statute Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 439
Administrative Rules Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 16, Chapter 78
Renewal Schedule Biennially (every 2 years), expires December 31 of odd-
numbered years
Training Hours 1,800 school hours OR 3,600 apprenticeship hours
Passing Score No less than 75%
Temporary Permit Duration 1 year (allows 3 consecutive exam attempts)
,SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL, SANITATION & SAFETY (Qs 1-30)
Q1. Removing dirt and debris to aid in preventing the growth of microbes is:
A) Disinfection
B) Sanitation
C) Sterilization
D) Antisepsis
Answer: B) Sanitation
Rationale: Sanitation is the process of removing dirt and debris to reduce
microbes, but it does not kill all pathogens like disinfection does. It is the first step
before disinfection .
Q2. To destroy or kill bacteria and a broad spectrum of viruses on nonporous
surfaces, such as implements, is referred to as:
A) Sanitation
B) Sterilization
C) Disinfection
,D) Antisepsis
Answer: C) Disinfection
Rationale: Disinfection destroys most harmful microorganisms on nonporous
surfaces using EPA-registered disinfectants. It does not destroy all bacterial spores
like sterilization does .
Q3. A product that can be applied to the skin to reduce microbes is called a(n):
A) Disinfectant
B) Sterilant
C) Antiseptic
D) Sanitizer
Answer: C) Antiseptic
Rationale: Antiseptics are safe for use on living skin to reduce microbial count.
Disinfectants are too harsh for skin and are used only on surfaces .
, Q4. Virucides are disinfectants used to kill:
A) Bacteria
B) Fungi
C) Viruses
D) Parasites
Answer: C) Viruses
Rationale: Virucidal disinfectants are specifically formulated and EPA-approved to
kill viruses in addition to bacteria .
Q5. The regulating agency under the Department of Labor that enforces safety
and health standards in the workplace is:
A) FDA
B) EPA
C) OSHA
D) DCCA
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS
HAWAII COSMETOLOGY LICENSE EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales
EXAM OVERVIEW
Category Information
Governing Agency Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) -
Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Licensing Statute Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 439
Administrative Rules Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 16, Chapter 78
Renewal Schedule Biennially (every 2 years), expires December 31 of odd-
numbered years
Training Hours 1,800 school hours OR 3,600 apprenticeship hours
Passing Score No less than 75%
Temporary Permit Duration 1 year (allows 3 consecutive exam attempts)
,SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL, SANITATION & SAFETY (Qs 1-30)
Q1. Removing dirt and debris to aid in preventing the growth of microbes is:
A) Disinfection
B) Sanitation
C) Sterilization
D) Antisepsis
Answer: B) Sanitation
Rationale: Sanitation is the process of removing dirt and debris to reduce
microbes, but it does not kill all pathogens like disinfection does. It is the first step
before disinfection .
Q2. To destroy or kill bacteria and a broad spectrum of viruses on nonporous
surfaces, such as implements, is referred to as:
A) Sanitation
B) Sterilization
C) Disinfection
,D) Antisepsis
Answer: C) Disinfection
Rationale: Disinfection destroys most harmful microorganisms on nonporous
surfaces using EPA-registered disinfectants. It does not destroy all bacterial spores
like sterilization does .
Q3. A product that can be applied to the skin to reduce microbes is called a(n):
A) Disinfectant
B) Sterilant
C) Antiseptic
D) Sanitizer
Answer: C) Antiseptic
Rationale: Antiseptics are safe for use on living skin to reduce microbial count.
Disinfectants are too harsh for skin and are used only on surfaces .
, Q4. Virucides are disinfectants used to kill:
A) Bacteria
B) Fungi
C) Viruses
D) Parasites
Answer: C) Viruses
Rationale: Virucidal disinfectants are specifically formulated and EPA-approved to
kill viruses in addition to bacteria .
Q5. The regulating agency under the Department of Labor that enforces safety
and health standards in the workplace is:
A) FDA
B) EPA
C) OSHA
D) DCCA
