NAIL TECHNICIAN
PRACTICE TEST
2025-2026 | Updated
Questions & Answers |
State Board Exam Prep |
Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
art I: Multiple Choice (Q1‑80)
P
Q1 (Infection Control): Which of the following is an acceptable method to disinfect a reusable
metal pusher after use on an intact nail?
A. Spray with isopropyl alcohol and wipe dry.
B. Wash with soap and water, then immerse in an EPA‑registered hospital‑level disinfectant for
the full contact time.
C. Soak in a bleach solution (1:10) for 2 minutes.
D. Wipe with a quaternary ammonium wipe and air dry for 15 seconds.
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: Proper disinfection requires cleaning (soap/water) followed by immersion in an
EPA‑registered disinfectant labeled for hospital use (e.g., tuberculocidal) for the manufacturer’s
contact time (often 10 minutes). Alcohol (A) is not a disinfectant for implements. Bleach (C) can
corrode metal and requires longer contact (10 min). Wipes (D) often have insufficient contact
time and may not be EPA‑rated for immersion. Test tip: Always check the label for
"hospital‑grade" and "kills HBV/HIV."
Q2 (Infection Control): A client accidentally cuts their finger during a manicure. Blood is visible
on the table surface. What is the FIRST step the nail technician must take?
A. Apply antiseptic to the client's wound.
B. Put on disposable gloves before touching any blood or contaminated items.
, . Spray the blood with disinfectant and wipe immediately.
C
D. Continue the service while avoiding the bloody area.
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: Per OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the first step in any blood exposure is
donning appropriate PPE (gloves) to protect against HBV, HCV, and HIV transmission . The
technician must protect themselves before treating the client or cleaning the area. Option A is
important but secondary to personal protection. Option C violates OSHA because disinfectant
requires precleaning and proper contact time. Option D is a violation of Standard Precautions.
Q3 (Infection Control): Which level of disinfectant is required for implements that come into
contact with non‑intact skin or blood?
A. Low‑level (sanitizer)
B. Intermediate‑level (tuberculocidal)
C. High‑level (sterilant)
D. Hospital‑level, tuberculocidal, virucidal, fungicidal, and bactericidal
[CORRECT] D
Rationale: Implements contacting blood or non‑intact skin require hospital‑level disinfection with
claims against HBV/HIV (virucidal), TB (tuberculocidal), fungi, and bacteria. Intermediate‑level
(B) is insufficient for bloodborne pathogens. Low‑level (A) is for environmental surfaces only.
High‑level sterilants (C) are overkill for non‑critical implements and are used for critical items
like surgical instruments.
Q4 (Infection Control): What is the minimum contact time for most EPA‑registered hospital‑level
disinfectants used on nail implements?
A. 30 seconds
B. 2 minutes
C. 10 minutes
D. 24 hours
[CORRECT] C
Rationale: Most hospital‑level disinfectants require 10 minutes of contact time at room
temperature to achieve their labeled kill claims. Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions—never guess. Shorter times (A, B) are typical for surface wipes or sanitizers, not
implement immersion. Option D describes sterilization storage, not disinfection contact time.
Q5 (Infection Control): Which of the following is a single‑use item that must be discarded after
each client?
A. Glass nail file
B. Metal cuticle pusher
C. Wooden orangewood stick
D. Stainless steel scissors
[CORRECT] C
Rationale: Wooden orangewood sticks are porous and cannot be properly disinfected or
sterilized; they must be discarded after each client per state board regulations. Glass files (A),
metal pushers (B), and stainless steel scissors (D) are non‑porous and can be
disinfected/sterilized for reuse if properly processed.
Q6 (Infection Control): The term "autoclave" refers to which type of infection control process?
A. Disinfection using liquid chemicals
, . Sterilization using steam under pressure
B
C. Sanitization with soap and water
D. Decontamination with UV light
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: An autoclave uses saturated steam under pressure (typically 15 psi at 250°F/121°C)
to achieve sterilization—the destruction of all microbial life including spores. Disinfection (A)
reduces pathogens but does not eliminate spores. Sanitization (C) only reduces bacterial
counts. UV light (D) is unreliable for sterilization due to shadowing and inconsistent intensity.
Q7 (Infection Control): Which of the following statements about ultraviolet (UV) light cabinets is
CORRECT?
A. They sterilize implements in 10 minutes.
B. They are acceptable for disinfecting metal tools between clients.
C. They are storage cabinets only and do not disinfect or sterilize.
D. They kill bloodborne pathogens on porous files.
[CORRECT] C
Rationale: UV cabinets are storage devices, not sterilizers or disinfectants. UV light cannot
penetrate shadows, organic debris, or wrapped items, and it does not achieve the kill claims
required for implements. State boards explicitly prohibit relying on UV cabinets for infection
control. Options A, B, and D represent dangerous misconceptions that lead to
cross‑contamination.
Q8 (Infection Control): According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what must an
employer provide to employees at risk of occupational exposure?
A. Only a handbook on salon safety
B. Training, Hepatitis B vaccination, and appropriate PPE at no cost
C. A first‑aid kit with bandages
D. Liability insurance for the salon
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires employers to provide training, offer Hepatitis B
vaccination at no cost, and supply appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) to
employees with occupational exposure risk . A handbook alone (A) is insufficient. First‑aid kits
(C) and insurance (D) are good practices but not the specific requirements of the bloodborne
pathogens standard.
Q9 (Infection Control): What is the proper dilution ratio for household bleach (5.25‑8.25%
sodium hypochlorite) when used as a disinfectant for environmental surfaces in a salon?
A. 1:10 (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
B. 1:100 (1 part bleach to 100 parts water)
C. 1:1 (equal parts bleach and water)
D. Use full‑strength bleach only
[CORRECT] A
Rationale: CDC guidelines recommend a 1:10 dilution of household bleach for disinfecting
surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids. This concentration achieves the necessary
ppm of available chlorine. A 1:100 dilution (B) is used for general sanitization, not blood spills.
Full‑strength bleach (D) is corrosive and unnecessary. The solution must be made fresh daily.
PRACTICE TEST
2025-2026 | Updated
Questions & Answers |
State Board Exam Prep |
Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
art I: Multiple Choice (Q1‑80)
P
Q1 (Infection Control): Which of the following is an acceptable method to disinfect a reusable
metal pusher after use on an intact nail?
A. Spray with isopropyl alcohol and wipe dry.
B. Wash with soap and water, then immerse in an EPA‑registered hospital‑level disinfectant for
the full contact time.
C. Soak in a bleach solution (1:10) for 2 minutes.
D. Wipe with a quaternary ammonium wipe and air dry for 15 seconds.
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: Proper disinfection requires cleaning (soap/water) followed by immersion in an
EPA‑registered disinfectant labeled for hospital use (e.g., tuberculocidal) for the manufacturer’s
contact time (often 10 minutes). Alcohol (A) is not a disinfectant for implements. Bleach (C) can
corrode metal and requires longer contact (10 min). Wipes (D) often have insufficient contact
time and may not be EPA‑rated for immersion. Test tip: Always check the label for
"hospital‑grade" and "kills HBV/HIV."
Q2 (Infection Control): A client accidentally cuts their finger during a manicure. Blood is visible
on the table surface. What is the FIRST step the nail technician must take?
A. Apply antiseptic to the client's wound.
B. Put on disposable gloves before touching any blood or contaminated items.
, . Spray the blood with disinfectant and wipe immediately.
C
D. Continue the service while avoiding the bloody area.
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: Per OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the first step in any blood exposure is
donning appropriate PPE (gloves) to protect against HBV, HCV, and HIV transmission . The
technician must protect themselves before treating the client or cleaning the area. Option A is
important but secondary to personal protection. Option C violates OSHA because disinfectant
requires precleaning and proper contact time. Option D is a violation of Standard Precautions.
Q3 (Infection Control): Which level of disinfectant is required for implements that come into
contact with non‑intact skin or blood?
A. Low‑level (sanitizer)
B. Intermediate‑level (tuberculocidal)
C. High‑level (sterilant)
D. Hospital‑level, tuberculocidal, virucidal, fungicidal, and bactericidal
[CORRECT] D
Rationale: Implements contacting blood or non‑intact skin require hospital‑level disinfection with
claims against HBV/HIV (virucidal), TB (tuberculocidal), fungi, and bacteria. Intermediate‑level
(B) is insufficient for bloodborne pathogens. Low‑level (A) is for environmental surfaces only.
High‑level sterilants (C) are overkill for non‑critical implements and are used for critical items
like surgical instruments.
Q4 (Infection Control): What is the minimum contact time for most EPA‑registered hospital‑level
disinfectants used on nail implements?
A. 30 seconds
B. 2 minutes
C. 10 minutes
D. 24 hours
[CORRECT] C
Rationale: Most hospital‑level disinfectants require 10 minutes of contact time at room
temperature to achieve their labeled kill claims. Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions—never guess. Shorter times (A, B) are typical for surface wipes or sanitizers, not
implement immersion. Option D describes sterilization storage, not disinfection contact time.
Q5 (Infection Control): Which of the following is a single‑use item that must be discarded after
each client?
A. Glass nail file
B. Metal cuticle pusher
C. Wooden orangewood stick
D. Stainless steel scissors
[CORRECT] C
Rationale: Wooden orangewood sticks are porous and cannot be properly disinfected or
sterilized; they must be discarded after each client per state board regulations. Glass files (A),
metal pushers (B), and stainless steel scissors (D) are non‑porous and can be
disinfected/sterilized for reuse if properly processed.
Q6 (Infection Control): The term "autoclave" refers to which type of infection control process?
A. Disinfection using liquid chemicals
, . Sterilization using steam under pressure
B
C. Sanitization with soap and water
D. Decontamination with UV light
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: An autoclave uses saturated steam under pressure (typically 15 psi at 250°F/121°C)
to achieve sterilization—the destruction of all microbial life including spores. Disinfection (A)
reduces pathogens but does not eliminate spores. Sanitization (C) only reduces bacterial
counts. UV light (D) is unreliable for sterilization due to shadowing and inconsistent intensity.
Q7 (Infection Control): Which of the following statements about ultraviolet (UV) light cabinets is
CORRECT?
A. They sterilize implements in 10 minutes.
B. They are acceptable for disinfecting metal tools between clients.
C. They are storage cabinets only and do not disinfect or sterilize.
D. They kill bloodborne pathogens on porous files.
[CORRECT] C
Rationale: UV cabinets are storage devices, not sterilizers or disinfectants. UV light cannot
penetrate shadows, organic debris, or wrapped items, and it does not achieve the kill claims
required for implements. State boards explicitly prohibit relying on UV cabinets for infection
control. Options A, B, and D represent dangerous misconceptions that lead to
cross‑contamination.
Q8 (Infection Control): According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what must an
employer provide to employees at risk of occupational exposure?
A. Only a handbook on salon safety
B. Training, Hepatitis B vaccination, and appropriate PPE at no cost
C. A first‑aid kit with bandages
D. Liability insurance for the salon
[CORRECT] B
Rationale: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires employers to provide training, offer Hepatitis B
vaccination at no cost, and supply appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) to
employees with occupational exposure risk . A handbook alone (A) is insufficient. First‑aid kits
(C) and insurance (D) are good practices but not the specific requirements of the bloodborne
pathogens standard.
Q9 (Infection Control): What is the proper dilution ratio for household bleach (5.25‑8.25%
sodium hypochlorite) when used as a disinfectant for environmental surfaces in a salon?
A. 1:10 (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
B. 1:100 (1 part bleach to 100 parts water)
C. 1:1 (equal parts bleach and water)
D. Use full‑strength bleach only
[CORRECT] A
Rationale: CDC guidelines recommend a 1:10 dilution of household bleach for disinfecting
surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids. This concentration achieves the necessary
ppm of available chlorine. A 1:100 dilution (B) is used for general sanitization, not blood spills.
Full‑strength bleach (D) is corrosive and unnecessary. The solution must be made fresh daily.
