NIC NAIL TECHNOLOGY
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PREP
2026 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS. JUST RELEASED.
1. Which part of the nail unit contains the nerves, lymph, and blood vessels that nourish the
nail?
A. Matrix
B. Nail plate
C. Free edge
D. Hyponychium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The matrix is the area where the nail plate cells are formed; it
contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels to nourish the nail.
2. What is the specialized ligament that attaches the nail bed and matrix bed to the
underlying bone?
A. Perionychium
,B. Nail ligament
C. Bed epithelium
D. Eponychium
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nail ligaments are specialized ligaments that attach the nail bed
and matrix bed to the underlying bone.
3. Which bacterial infection is characterized by a red, swollen, and tender inflammation of
the nail fold?
A. Tinea pedis
B. Paronychia
C. Onychophagy
D. Melanonychia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Paronychia is a bacterial inflammation of the tissues
surrounding the nail, causing pus, swelling, and redness.
4. What is the chemical reaction that occurs when a monomer and polymer are combined to
create a nail enhancement?
A. Polymerization
B. Evaporation
, C. Sublimation
D. Oxidation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Polymerization, also known as curing or hardening, is the
chemical reaction that creates polymers.
5. Which of the following describes the technical term for ‘claw nails’ or an enlargement of
the nails?
A. Onycholysis
B. Onychomadesis
C. Onychocryptosis
D. Onychogryphosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Onychogryphosis is an enlargement of the fingernails or toenails
accompanied by increased thickening and curvature.
6. According to OSHA, which document must be available for every chemical product used in
the salon?
A. Consumer Protection Act
B. EPA Label
C. State Board Rules
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PREP
2026 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS. JUST RELEASED.
1. Which part of the nail unit contains the nerves, lymph, and blood vessels that nourish the
nail?
A. Matrix
B. Nail plate
C. Free edge
D. Hyponychium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The matrix is the area where the nail plate cells are formed; it
contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels to nourish the nail.
2. What is the specialized ligament that attaches the nail bed and matrix bed to the
underlying bone?
A. Perionychium
,B. Nail ligament
C. Bed epithelium
D. Eponychium
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nail ligaments are specialized ligaments that attach the nail bed
and matrix bed to the underlying bone.
3. Which bacterial infection is characterized by a red, swollen, and tender inflammation of
the nail fold?
A. Tinea pedis
B. Paronychia
C. Onychophagy
D. Melanonychia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Paronychia is a bacterial inflammation of the tissues
surrounding the nail, causing pus, swelling, and redness.
4. What is the chemical reaction that occurs when a monomer and polymer are combined to
create a nail enhancement?
A. Polymerization
B. Evaporation
, C. Sublimation
D. Oxidation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Polymerization, also known as curing or hardening, is the
chemical reaction that creates polymers.
5. Which of the following describes the technical term for ‘claw nails’ or an enlargement of
the nails?
A. Onycholysis
B. Onychomadesis
C. Onychocryptosis
D. Onychogryphosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Onychogryphosis is an enlargement of the fingernails or toenails
accompanied by increased thickening and curvature.
6. According to OSHA, which document must be available for every chemical product used in
the salon?
A. Consumer Protection Act
B. EPA Label
C. State Board Rules
