MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY
GUARANTEED
MarylandPASS.
Cosmetology
State Boards Exam
168 Practice Questions with Rationales
EXAM FOCUS:
Cosmetology Licensing Exam
— Complete Content Review
Edition 1 · August 2026
Prepare · Practice · Pass
Excellence in Cosmetology Education
EXAM DETAILED HIGH YIELD CONFIDENCE
Maryland Cosmetology State Boards Page 1
,MARYLAND COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARDS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 3
2. Nails & Nail Products (Q1-21) 3
3. Hair & Hair Products (Q22-50) 4
4. Skin & Facials (Q51-72) 6
5. Anatomy & Physiology (Q73-98) 7
6. Sanitation, Safety & Laws (Q99-134) 8
7. Waxing & Hair Removal (Q135-150) 9
8. Additional Concepts (Q151-168) 10
Maryland Cosmetology State Boards Page 2
,MARYLAND COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARDS INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains 168 questions covering the Maryland Cosmetology State
Boards exam content.
Nails & Nail Products (Questions 1-21)
1 What is another name for light cured gel nails?
A UV or LED gel
B Acrylic nails
C Dip powder nails
D Silk wrap nails
Why A is correct: Light cured gel nails are also known as UV or LED gel nails. They harden
when exposed to UV or LED light.
B — Acrylic nails are a different type of enhancement.
C — Dip powder is a different type of enhancement.
D — Silk wraps are a different type of enhancement.
, 2 What material are nail tips composed of?
A Plastic, pre-molded nail shaped from a tough polymer from ABS plastic
B Acrylic powder and liquid monomer
C Gel resin
D Silk fabric
Why A is correct: Nail tips are composed of plastic, pre-molded nail shaped from a tough
polymer from ABS plastic.
B — This describes acrylic nails.
C — This describes gel nails.
D — This describes silk wraps.
3 What types of nails are considered temporary and are the weakest?
A Nail tip without an overlay
B Acrylic nails
C Gel nails
D Silk wraps
Why A is correct: Nail tips without an overlay are considered temporary and are the
weakest type of nail enhancement.
B — Acrylic nails are stronger and more permanent.
C — Gel nails are stronger and more permanent.
D — Silk wraps are a type of overlay.
GUARANTEED
MarylandPASS.
Cosmetology
State Boards Exam
168 Practice Questions with Rationales
EXAM FOCUS:
Cosmetology Licensing Exam
— Complete Content Review
Edition 1 · August 2026
Prepare · Practice · Pass
Excellence in Cosmetology Education
EXAM DETAILED HIGH YIELD CONFIDENCE
Maryland Cosmetology State Boards Page 1
,MARYLAND COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARDS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 3
2. Nails & Nail Products (Q1-21) 3
3. Hair & Hair Products (Q22-50) 4
4. Skin & Facials (Q51-72) 6
5. Anatomy & Physiology (Q73-98) 7
6. Sanitation, Safety & Laws (Q99-134) 8
7. Waxing & Hair Removal (Q135-150) 9
8. Additional Concepts (Q151-168) 10
Maryland Cosmetology State Boards Page 2
,MARYLAND COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARDS INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains 168 questions covering the Maryland Cosmetology State
Boards exam content.
Nails & Nail Products (Questions 1-21)
1 What is another name for light cured gel nails?
A UV or LED gel
B Acrylic nails
C Dip powder nails
D Silk wrap nails
Why A is correct: Light cured gel nails are also known as UV or LED gel nails. They harden
when exposed to UV or LED light.
B — Acrylic nails are a different type of enhancement.
C — Dip powder is a different type of enhancement.
D — Silk wraps are a different type of enhancement.
, 2 What material are nail tips composed of?
A Plastic, pre-molded nail shaped from a tough polymer from ABS plastic
B Acrylic powder and liquid monomer
C Gel resin
D Silk fabric
Why A is correct: Nail tips are composed of plastic, pre-molded nail shaped from a tough
polymer from ABS plastic.
B — This describes acrylic nails.
C — This describes gel nails.
D — This describes silk wraps.
3 What types of nails are considered temporary and are the weakest?
A Nail tip without an overlay
B Acrylic nails
C Gel nails
D Silk wraps
Why A is correct: Nail tips without an overlay are considered temporary and are the
weakest type of nail enhancement.
B — Acrylic nails are stronger and more permanent.
C — Gel nails are stronger and more permanent.
D — Silk wraps are a type of overlay.
