Texas Manicurist State Board Written Exam 2025–
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a base coat in nail care?
A) To enhance the nail's color
B) To protect the natural nail
C) To provide a shiny finish
D) To strengthen the nail
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A base coat serves to protect the natural nail from staining, provides a strong
foundation for nail polish, and can also enhance the polish's longevity.
Question 2:
Which of the following is a common symptom of a nail infection?
A) Redness and swelling
B) Increased shine
C) Lengthening of the nail
D) Softening of the nail
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Redness and swelling are common signs of infection, indicating
inflammation and potential underlying issues related to nail care.
Question 3:
What should a manicurist do if they accidentally cut a client's cuticle?
A) Ignore it
B) Apply antiseptic and a bandage
C) Tell the client it will heal by itself
D) Pour alcohol on it
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: It is important to apply antiseptic and cover the cut with a bandage to
prevent infection and promote healing.
,Texas Manicurist State Board Written Exam 2025–
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
Question 4:
Which of the following instruments is used to push back the cuticles?
A) Nail clipper
B) Nail file
C) Cuticle pusher
D) Buffer
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A cuticle pusher is specifically designed to gently push back the cuticles and
prepare the nail for polish or further manicuring.
Question 5:
In Texas, how often must a manicurist renew their license?
A) Every year
B) Every two years
C) Every three years
D) Every four years
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: In Texas, manicurists are required to renew their licenses every two years,
ensuring they stay updated on the latest practices and regulations.
Question 6:
What is the main ingredient in most nail polish removers?
A) Acetone
B) Ethanol
C) Acetate
D) Propylene glycol
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Acetate is the primary ingredient in many nail polish removers, allowing for
effective removal of nail polish without excessive dryness.
Question 7:
,Texas Manicurist State Board Written Exam 2025–
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
Which of the following techniques is recommended for filing nails?
A) Back and forth motion
B) One direction only
C) Random angles
D) Circular motion
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Filing nails in one direction helps prevent splitting and damage to the nail.
Question 8:
How should disposable implements be handled after a manicure?
A) Discarded immediately
B) Cleaned and reused
C) Stored for future use
D) Wrapped and sterilized
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Disposable implements must be discarded immediately to prevent cross-
contamination and ensure client safety.
Question 9:
Which vitamin is essential for healthy nail growth?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Biotin
D) Vitamin D
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Biotin is known to promote strong and healthy nail growth.
Question 10:
What is a common cause of nail discoloration?
, Texas Manicurist State Board Written Exam 2025–
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
A) Excessive filing
B) Nail polish staining
C) Lack of moisture
D) Improper cuticle care
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Prolonged use of certain nail polishes, especially dark colors, can lead to
discoloration of the nails.
Question 11:
What type of manicure does NOT use water?
A) Spa manicure
B) Regular manicure
C) Dry manicure
D) French manicure
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A dry manicure involves performing the service without soaking the hands in
water, maintaining moisture balance.
Question 12:
What is the correct way to sanitize reusable tools?
A) Rinse with water
B) Wipe with a cloth
C) Use a disinfectant solution
D) Store them in a drawer
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Reusable tools must be sanitized using a proper disinfectant solution to
eliminate pathogens.
Question 13:
Which skin condition should a manicurist avoid treating?
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a base coat in nail care?
A) To enhance the nail's color
B) To protect the natural nail
C) To provide a shiny finish
D) To strengthen the nail
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A base coat serves to protect the natural nail from staining, provides a strong
foundation for nail polish, and can also enhance the polish's longevity.
Question 2:
Which of the following is a common symptom of a nail infection?
A) Redness and swelling
B) Increased shine
C) Lengthening of the nail
D) Softening of the nail
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Redness and swelling are common signs of infection, indicating
inflammation and potential underlying issues related to nail care.
Question 3:
What should a manicurist do if they accidentally cut a client's cuticle?
A) Ignore it
B) Apply antiseptic and a bandage
C) Tell the client it will heal by itself
D) Pour alcohol on it
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: It is important to apply antiseptic and cover the cut with a bandage to
prevent infection and promote healing.
,Texas Manicurist State Board Written Exam 2025–
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
Question 4:
Which of the following instruments is used to push back the cuticles?
A) Nail clipper
B) Nail file
C) Cuticle pusher
D) Buffer
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A cuticle pusher is specifically designed to gently push back the cuticles and
prepare the nail for polish or further manicuring.
Question 5:
In Texas, how often must a manicurist renew their license?
A) Every year
B) Every two years
C) Every three years
D) Every four years
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: In Texas, manicurists are required to renew their licenses every two years,
ensuring they stay updated on the latest practices and regulations.
Question 6:
What is the main ingredient in most nail polish removers?
A) Acetone
B) Ethanol
C) Acetate
D) Propylene glycol
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Acetate is the primary ingredient in many nail polish removers, allowing for
effective removal of nail polish without excessive dryness.
Question 7:
,Texas Manicurist State Board Written Exam 2025–
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
Which of the following techniques is recommended for filing nails?
A) Back and forth motion
B) One direction only
C) Random angles
D) Circular motion
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Filing nails in one direction helps prevent splitting and damage to the nail.
Question 8:
How should disposable implements be handled after a manicure?
A) Discarded immediately
B) Cleaned and reused
C) Stored for future use
D) Wrapped and sterilized
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Disposable implements must be discarded immediately to prevent cross-
contamination and ensure client safety.
Question 9:
Which vitamin is essential for healthy nail growth?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Biotin
D) Vitamin D
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Biotin is known to promote strong and healthy nail growth.
Question 10:
What is a common cause of nail discoloration?
, Texas Manicurist State Board Written Exam 2025–
2026 | 155 Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Explanations | TDLR & PSI Licensing Test
Preparation Covering Sanitation, Infection Control,
Nail Services, Safety Standards, Client Protection &
Texas Regulations
A) Excessive filing
B) Nail polish staining
C) Lack of moisture
D) Improper cuticle care
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Prolonged use of certain nail polishes, especially dark colors, can lead to
discoloration of the nails.
Question 11:
What type of manicure does NOT use water?
A) Spa manicure
B) Regular manicure
C) Dry manicure
D) French manicure
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A dry manicure involves performing the service without soaking the hands in
water, maintaining moisture balance.
Question 12:
What is the correct way to sanitize reusable tools?
A) Rinse with water
B) Wipe with a cloth
C) Use a disinfectant solution
D) Store them in a drawer
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Reusable tools must be sanitized using a proper disinfectant solution to
eliminate pathogens.
Question 13:
Which skin condition should a manicurist avoid treating?
