2025/2026 ELECTROLYSIS &
LASER STATE BOARD/IBEC
PRACTICE EXAM – COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
PART 1: CORE DOMAINS SUMMARY –
ELECTROLYSIS & LASER
Domain A: Microbiology, Infection Control & Safety (2025/26
Focus)
Medical Asepsis (clean technique) reduces pathogen spread (hand hygiene,
disinfection). Surgical Asepsis (sterile technique) eliminates all microorganisms
(autoclaving). Key pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA),
Herpes simplex, and Hepatitis B/C. 2025 CDC Guidelines emphasize hand
hygiene, environmental cleaning, and safe injection practices in outpatient
settings. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
requires an Exposure Control Plan, PPE (gloves, eye protection), safe sharps
handling (no recapping, puncture-proof containers), and post-exposure
protocols. Disinfection vs. Sterilization: Non-critical surfaces (e.g., chairs)
require EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants; critical items (e.g., probes,
needles) must be sterilized via autoclave (121°C, 15 psi, 15–30 mins), with
weekly spore testing. 2025/26 Update: MDROs (e.g., MRSA) require dedicated
equipment or enhanced disinfection protocols to prevent transmission.
Domain B: Dermatology & Hair Biology
Know skin layers: epidermis (stratum corneum to basal layer), dermis
(collagen, hair follicles, glands), subcutaneous (fat). Master the Fitzpatrick
Skin Scale I–VI: I (always burns, never tans) to VI (never burns, deeply
pigmented). Hair anatomy: follicle (sac), bulb (base with matrix cells), papilla
(blood/nerves), sheath (inner/outer). Hair growth cycle: Anagen (active
growth; only responsive to treatment), Catagen (transition), Telogen
(resting/shedding). Contraindications: Active herpes, psoriasis, eczema, keloid
scarring, suspicious nevi/melanoma, recent isotretinoin (within 6–12 months).
Domain C: Principles of Electrology
,Galvanic: Direct current (DC) creates lye (NaOH) to chemically destroy the
follicle (slow, effective for coarse hair). Thermolysis: High-frequency AC current
generates heat to coagulate tissue (fast, less effective for coarse hair). Blend:
Combines both for synergistic effect. Proper technique: needle parallel to hair
shaft, inserted to bulge/bulb depth. Common reactions: transient erythema,
edema, perifollicular swelling. Client assessment includes hair texture, density,
growth cycle, and skin type. Documentation must include modality, settings,
area treated, and client response.
Domain D: Principles of Laser & Light-Based Hair Removal
(2025/26 Laser Standards)
Selective Photothermolysis: Matching laser wavelength to target (melanin in
hair), with pulse duration ≤ thermal relaxation time of follicle. Key parameters:
Wavelength (Alexandrite 755nm for I–III; Diode 800–810nm for I–IV; Nd:YAG
1064nm for IV–VI), Fluence (energy density), Pulse Duration (longer for
darker skin), Spot Size (larger = deeper penetration). Cooling: Protects
epidermis (contact, cryogen, air). 2025/26 Safety for Fitzpatrick IV–VI: Use
Nd:YAG, lower fluence, longer pulse duration, aggressive cooling to minimize
PIH. Test patches are mandatory. IPL (broad-spectrum light) is not a laser but
follows similar principles, though less effective for dark skin.
Domain E: State Laws, Regulations & Professional Ethics
Scope of Practice: Electrology = permanent hair removal via electrolysis; Laser
= hair removal under state-defined supervision (e.g., MD/RN direct/indirect).
Licensure: Requires accredited training hours, written/practical exams,
background checks. Sanitation: Daily disinfection of surfaces, sterilization of
probes/needles, single-use items (gloves, probes). Records: Must be kept 3–7
years (state-dependent), including health history, consent, treatment logs.
Ethics: Confidentiality (HIPAA), informed consent (risks/benefits), truthful
advertising (no “permanent” for laser), professional boundaries. Laser
Regulations: Operator must be certified; facility may require registration with
state laser safety officer (LSO).
Domain F: Client Care, Consultation & Contraindications
Health History: Screen for medications (e.g., antibiotics, Accutane,
anticoagulants), medical conditions (diabetes, PCOS, autoimmune), recent sun
exposure, tanning, waxing/plucking. Absolute Contraindications: Active
infection in area, history of keloids, isotretinoin within 6–12 months, pregnancy
(for laser due to lack of safety data). Relative Contraindications: Epilepsy (for
bright light), tattoos in area, history of PIH. Informed Consent: Must detail
risks: electrolysis (scarring, pitting, hyperpigmentation), laser (burns, blistering,
PIH, hypopigmentation, paradoxical hypertrichosis). Pre/Post Care: Pre: avoid
, sun, no waxing/plucking 2–6 weeks. Post: sun protection, no picking, gentle
cleansing.
PART 2: COMPREHENSIVE 100-QUESTION
PRACTICE EXAM
1. According to OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what is the correct
procedure for handling a used electrolysis probe?
A) Place it in a regular trash can after wiping it clean.
B) Recap the needle and place it in a sharps container.
C) Place it directly into a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container without
recapping.
D) Soak it in disinfectant before sterilization.
Answer: C
*OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii) explicitly prohibits recapping needles. Used
sharps must be immediately discarded into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof,
labeled container to prevent needlestick injuries. Disinfection (D) is not a
substitute for sterilization for critical items.*
2. A client presents with a small, flat, brown lesion with irregular borders on
their cheek. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A) Treat around the lesion with electrolysis.
B) Do not treat and advise the client to see a dermatologist for evaluation.
C) Proceed with laser treatment using a low setting.
D) Document the lesion and treat as normal.
Answer: B
*Irregular borders are a warning sign for melanoma (ABCDE rule). Treating a
suspicious nevus could delay diagnosis or cause harm. The ethical and legal
standard is to refer for medical evaluation before any cosmetic procedure. (IBEC
Domain II: Contraindications)*
3. Which laser wavelength is SAFEST for a client with Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI?
A) Alexandrite (755 nm)
B) Diode (810 nm)
C) Nd:YAG (1064 nm)
D) Ruby (694 nm)
Answer: C
*The Nd:YAG laser has the longest wavelength (1064 nm), which is less
absorbed by epidermal melanin and penetrates deeper to target the follicle,
making it the safest choice for darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) to minimize
the risk of PIH. (Fitzpatrick Scale & Laser Physics)*
4. A used electrolysis needle is considered a:
A) Non-critical item
B) Semi-critical item
C) Critical item
D) Single-use item only
Answer: C
LASER STATE BOARD/IBEC
PRACTICE EXAM – COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
PART 1: CORE DOMAINS SUMMARY –
ELECTROLYSIS & LASER
Domain A: Microbiology, Infection Control & Safety (2025/26
Focus)
Medical Asepsis (clean technique) reduces pathogen spread (hand hygiene,
disinfection). Surgical Asepsis (sterile technique) eliminates all microorganisms
(autoclaving). Key pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA),
Herpes simplex, and Hepatitis B/C. 2025 CDC Guidelines emphasize hand
hygiene, environmental cleaning, and safe injection practices in outpatient
settings. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
requires an Exposure Control Plan, PPE (gloves, eye protection), safe sharps
handling (no recapping, puncture-proof containers), and post-exposure
protocols. Disinfection vs. Sterilization: Non-critical surfaces (e.g., chairs)
require EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants; critical items (e.g., probes,
needles) must be sterilized via autoclave (121°C, 15 psi, 15–30 mins), with
weekly spore testing. 2025/26 Update: MDROs (e.g., MRSA) require dedicated
equipment or enhanced disinfection protocols to prevent transmission.
Domain B: Dermatology & Hair Biology
Know skin layers: epidermis (stratum corneum to basal layer), dermis
(collagen, hair follicles, glands), subcutaneous (fat). Master the Fitzpatrick
Skin Scale I–VI: I (always burns, never tans) to VI (never burns, deeply
pigmented). Hair anatomy: follicle (sac), bulb (base with matrix cells), papilla
(blood/nerves), sheath (inner/outer). Hair growth cycle: Anagen (active
growth; only responsive to treatment), Catagen (transition), Telogen
(resting/shedding). Contraindications: Active herpes, psoriasis, eczema, keloid
scarring, suspicious nevi/melanoma, recent isotretinoin (within 6–12 months).
Domain C: Principles of Electrology
,Galvanic: Direct current (DC) creates lye (NaOH) to chemically destroy the
follicle (slow, effective for coarse hair). Thermolysis: High-frequency AC current
generates heat to coagulate tissue (fast, less effective for coarse hair). Blend:
Combines both for synergistic effect. Proper technique: needle parallel to hair
shaft, inserted to bulge/bulb depth. Common reactions: transient erythema,
edema, perifollicular swelling. Client assessment includes hair texture, density,
growth cycle, and skin type. Documentation must include modality, settings,
area treated, and client response.
Domain D: Principles of Laser & Light-Based Hair Removal
(2025/26 Laser Standards)
Selective Photothermolysis: Matching laser wavelength to target (melanin in
hair), with pulse duration ≤ thermal relaxation time of follicle. Key parameters:
Wavelength (Alexandrite 755nm for I–III; Diode 800–810nm for I–IV; Nd:YAG
1064nm for IV–VI), Fluence (energy density), Pulse Duration (longer for
darker skin), Spot Size (larger = deeper penetration). Cooling: Protects
epidermis (contact, cryogen, air). 2025/26 Safety for Fitzpatrick IV–VI: Use
Nd:YAG, lower fluence, longer pulse duration, aggressive cooling to minimize
PIH. Test patches are mandatory. IPL (broad-spectrum light) is not a laser but
follows similar principles, though less effective for dark skin.
Domain E: State Laws, Regulations & Professional Ethics
Scope of Practice: Electrology = permanent hair removal via electrolysis; Laser
= hair removal under state-defined supervision (e.g., MD/RN direct/indirect).
Licensure: Requires accredited training hours, written/practical exams,
background checks. Sanitation: Daily disinfection of surfaces, sterilization of
probes/needles, single-use items (gloves, probes). Records: Must be kept 3–7
years (state-dependent), including health history, consent, treatment logs.
Ethics: Confidentiality (HIPAA), informed consent (risks/benefits), truthful
advertising (no “permanent” for laser), professional boundaries. Laser
Regulations: Operator must be certified; facility may require registration with
state laser safety officer (LSO).
Domain F: Client Care, Consultation & Contraindications
Health History: Screen for medications (e.g., antibiotics, Accutane,
anticoagulants), medical conditions (diabetes, PCOS, autoimmune), recent sun
exposure, tanning, waxing/plucking. Absolute Contraindications: Active
infection in area, history of keloids, isotretinoin within 6–12 months, pregnancy
(for laser due to lack of safety data). Relative Contraindications: Epilepsy (for
bright light), tattoos in area, history of PIH. Informed Consent: Must detail
risks: electrolysis (scarring, pitting, hyperpigmentation), laser (burns, blistering,
PIH, hypopigmentation, paradoxical hypertrichosis). Pre/Post Care: Pre: avoid
, sun, no waxing/plucking 2–6 weeks. Post: sun protection, no picking, gentle
cleansing.
PART 2: COMPREHENSIVE 100-QUESTION
PRACTICE EXAM
1. According to OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what is the correct
procedure for handling a used electrolysis probe?
A) Place it in a regular trash can after wiping it clean.
B) Recap the needle and place it in a sharps container.
C) Place it directly into a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container without
recapping.
D) Soak it in disinfectant before sterilization.
Answer: C
*OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii) explicitly prohibits recapping needles. Used
sharps must be immediately discarded into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof,
labeled container to prevent needlestick injuries. Disinfection (D) is not a
substitute for sterilization for critical items.*
2. A client presents with a small, flat, brown lesion with irregular borders on
their cheek. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A) Treat around the lesion with electrolysis.
B) Do not treat and advise the client to see a dermatologist for evaluation.
C) Proceed with laser treatment using a low setting.
D) Document the lesion and treat as normal.
Answer: B
*Irregular borders are a warning sign for melanoma (ABCDE rule). Treating a
suspicious nevus could delay diagnosis or cause harm. The ethical and legal
standard is to refer for medical evaluation before any cosmetic procedure. (IBEC
Domain II: Contraindications)*
3. Which laser wavelength is SAFEST for a client with Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI?
A) Alexandrite (755 nm)
B) Diode (810 nm)
C) Nd:YAG (1064 nm)
D) Ruby (694 nm)
Answer: C
*The Nd:YAG laser has the longest wavelength (1064 nm), which is less
absorbed by epidermal melanin and penetrates deeper to target the follicle,
making it the safest choice for darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) to minimize
the risk of PIH. (Fitzpatrick Scale & Laser Physics)*
4. A used electrolysis needle is considered a:
A) Non-critical item
B) Semi-critical item
C) Critical item
D) Single-use item only
Answer: C
