PENNSYLVANIA STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY & BARBER EXAM
Practice Questions and Answers with Rationales
1. What is the primary purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
A. To display client appointment information
B. To instruct on pricing services
C. To provide information about the safe use of products
D. To list all licensed employees
Rationale: MSDS (now known as SDS) provides safety information about
products, including handling, storage, and first aid, to ensure safe use in salons.
2. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Papilla
Rationale: The dermis is the inner layer of skin that contains blood vessels,
nerves, glands, and hair follicles.
3. Before disinfecting tools, what must you do first?
A. Throw them away
,B. Boil them
C. Wash them with soap and water
D. Spray with perfume
Rationale: Cleaning (removing debris and residue) is required before disinfection
to ensure disinfectants can effectively destroy pathogens.
4. What is the minimum fine for practicing cosmetology without a license in
Pennsylvania?
A. $25
B. $50
C. $300
D. $1,000
Rationale: Under Pennsylvania law, practicing without a license may result in
fines starting at $300 and/or imprisonment.
5. What does the term “sanitation” refer to in the salon?
A. Complete sterilization
B. Reducing the number of pathogens on a surface
C. Making tools sterile
D. Eliminating spores and viruses
Rationale: Sanitation is the first level of decontamination, focusing on reducing
microbes to safe levels.
, 6. How often should towels and linens be laundered in a salon?
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. After every client
D. Twice a day
Rationale: State regulations require all towels and linens to be laundered after
each use to prevent cross-contamination.
7. Which of the following is a contagious skin disease?
A. Psoriasis
B. Ringworm
C. Vitiligo
D. Eczema
Rationale: Ringworm (tinea) is a fungal infection that spreads through skin-to-skin
contact or contact with contaminated tools.
8. What is the correct way to remove creams from a jar in a salon?
A. Use your finger
B. Use a spatula
C. Pour it out
D. Blow into the jar
Rationale: Always use a disposable spatula to avoid contaminating product
containers and maintain client safety.
Practice Questions and Answers with Rationales
1. What is the primary purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
A. To display client appointment information
B. To instruct on pricing services
C. To provide information about the safe use of products
D. To list all licensed employees
Rationale: MSDS (now known as SDS) provides safety information about
products, including handling, storage, and first aid, to ensure safe use in salons.
2. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Papilla
Rationale: The dermis is the inner layer of skin that contains blood vessels,
nerves, glands, and hair follicles.
3. Before disinfecting tools, what must you do first?
A. Throw them away
,B. Boil them
C. Wash them with soap and water
D. Spray with perfume
Rationale: Cleaning (removing debris and residue) is required before disinfection
to ensure disinfectants can effectively destroy pathogens.
4. What is the minimum fine for practicing cosmetology without a license in
Pennsylvania?
A. $25
B. $50
C. $300
D. $1,000
Rationale: Under Pennsylvania law, practicing without a license may result in
fines starting at $300 and/or imprisonment.
5. What does the term “sanitation” refer to in the salon?
A. Complete sterilization
B. Reducing the number of pathogens on a surface
C. Making tools sterile
D. Eliminating spores and viruses
Rationale: Sanitation is the first level of decontamination, focusing on reducing
microbes to safe levels.
, 6. How often should towels and linens be laundered in a salon?
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. After every client
D. Twice a day
Rationale: State regulations require all towels and linens to be laundered after
each use to prevent cross-contamination.
7. Which of the following is a contagious skin disease?
A. Psoriasis
B. Ringworm
C. Vitiligo
D. Eczema
Rationale: Ringworm (tinea) is a fungal infection that spreads through skin-to-skin
contact or contact with contaminated tools.
8. What is the correct way to remove creams from a jar in a salon?
A. Use your finger
B. Use a spatula
C. Pour it out
D. Blow into the jar
Rationale: Always use a disposable spatula to avoid contaminating product
containers and maintain client safety.
