Texas Cosmetology State Board Exam Practice Exam Complete Study
Guide Updated 2026 | Verified Questions & Answers with Detailed
Rationales | Comprehensive Review of Haircutting, Hair Coloring,
Chemical Texture Services, Skin & Nail Care, Sanitation & Disinfection,
Texas TDLR Laws & Rules, Infection Control, Client Consultation, Chemical
Safety & State Licensing Requirements
Question 1: According to Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83, what is the
minimum concentration and exposure time required for a low-level chlorine bleach
disinfection solution?
A. 500 ppm for 5 minutes
B. 100-200 ppm for 10 minutes minimum
C. 1,000 ppm for 20 minutes minimum
D. 5,000 ppm for 5 minutes minimum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-200 ppm for 10 minutes minimum
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(1)(A) specifies that low-level
disinfection using chlorine bleach requires adding two teaspoons of household (5.25%)
bleach to one gallon of water, achieving 100-200 ppm concentration, with a minimum
soak time of 10 minutes for effective disinfection of implements and non-porous
surfaces.
Question 2: Which of the following actions is PROHIBITED under Texas
cosmetology health and safety rules when performing nail services?
A. Using an EPA-registered bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal disinfectant on metal
tools
B. Storing clean implements in a closed, dry drawer separate from soiled items
C. Reusing wax that has been in contact with a client's skin
D. Washing hands with soap and water before beginning a service
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reusing wax that has been in contact with a client's skin
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.105(d) explicitly states that wax may not be
reused under any circumstances, and no applicators shall be left standing in the wax at
any time. This prevents cross-contamination and transmission of pathogens between
clients.
Question 3: How many hours of approved cosmetology education does the Texas
Department of Licensing and Regulation require for initial licensure as a
cosmetology operator?
A. 750 hours
B. 1,000 hours
C. 1,200 hours
D. 1,500 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1,000 hours
,RATIONALE: The Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1602 and TDLR regulations mandate
a minimum of 1,000 hours of education at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school as a
prerequisite for eligibility to take the cosmetology operator licensing examination.
Question 4: When disinfecting a whirlpool foot spa after each client, which step
must be performed FIRST according to Texas rules?
A. Disinfect the basin with an EPA-registered disinfectant
B. Drain all water and remove all debris from the spa basin
C. Wipe the basin dry with a clean towel
D. Clean the basin with soap or detergent and water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Drain all water and remove all debris from the spa basin
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.108(b) outlines the sequential cleaning
procedure for whirlpool foot spas: (1) drain water and remove debris, (2) clean with
soap/detergent and water, (3) disinfect with EPA-registered disinfectant, (4) wipe dry.
Proper sequence ensures effective pathogen elimination.
Question 5: Which of the following implements is classified as a "single-use item"
under Texas cosmetology regulations and must be discarded after use on one
client?
A. Metal cuticle nipper
B. Stainless steel comb
C. Orangewood stick
D. Electric drill bit
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Orangewood stick
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(8) defines single-use items as porous
items made of cloth, wood, or other absorbent materials with rough surfaces, including
orangewood sticks, cotton balls, and tissues. These cannot be effectively disinfected
and must be discarded after single-client use to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 6: What is the required concentration of isopropyl alcohol to be used as a
low-level disinfectant in Texas cosmetology establishments?
A. At least 50%
B. At least 70%
C. At least 90%
D. At least 95%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 70%
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(4)(C) and §83.101(c)(1) specify that
isopropyl alcohol must be used at a concentration of at least 70% to function as an
approved low-level disinfectant for implements and non-porous surfaces in
cosmetology settings.
,Question 7: Under Texas law, when must a licensee refuse to perform cosmetology
services on a client?
A. When the client requests a service outside the licensee's scope of practice
B. When the licensee has reason to believe the client has a contagious condition such
as head lice, ringworm, or inflamed/infected skin in the service area
C. When the client has not pre-paid for services
D. When the establishment is running low on supplies
CORRECT ANSWER: B. When the licensee has reason to believe the client has a
contagious condition such as head lice, ringworm, or inflamed/infected skin in the
service area
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.102(b) prohibits licensees from performing
services on clients with contagious conditions or inflamed, infected, broken, raised, or
swollen skin/nail tissue in the area to be serviced, to protect public health and prevent
disease transmission.
Question 8: How often must chlorine bleach disinfectant solutions be prepared
fresh in a Texas cosmetology establishment?
A. Every 4 hours
B. At least once per day
C. Only when the solution appears cloudy
D. Weekly
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least once per day
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(1) and §83.101(b)(2) require that
chlorine bleach solutions be mixed fresh at least once per day because the active
ingredient (sodium hypochlorite) degrades over time, reducing disinfection efficacy.
Question 9: Which of the following is an acceptable method for storing clean,
disinfected implements in a Texas cosmetology salon when not in use?
A. Leaving them on an open countertop near the sink
B. Storing them in a closed, dry drawer separate from soiled implements
C. Placing them in an open container next to chemical products
D. Hanging them on a hook in the restroom
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Storing them in a closed, dry drawer separate from soiled
implements
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.102(f) mandates that all clean and
disinfected implements must be stored in a clean, dry, debris-free environment (such
as drawers, cases, or tool belts) and kept separate from soiled items to maintain
sanitation and prevent recontamination.
Question 10: What is the minimum contact time required when using a high-level
chlorine bleach solution (1,000 ppm) to disinfect implements in Texas?
, A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 20 minutes minimum
D. 30 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 20 minutes minimum
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(1)(B) specifies that high-level
disinfection using chlorine bleach (one-third cup household bleach per gallon of water,
yielding 1,000 ppm) requires a minimum immersion time of 20 minutes to effectively
destroy pathogens on implements.
Question 11: According to Texas regulations, which of the following products is
expressly PROHIBITED for use in cosmetology services?
A. Ethyl alcohol at 90% concentration
B. Methyl methacrylate liquid monomer (MMA)
C. EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
D. Isopropyl alcohol at 70% concentration
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Methyl methacrylate liquid monomer (MMA)
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.112(a)(1) and §83.113(c) prohibit the use,
sale, or application of methyl methacrylate (MMA) liquid monomer in cosmetology
services due to its association with severe nail damage, allergic reactions, and difficulty
in removal, as determined by the FDA and state regulators.
Question 12: When a non-porous implement contacts blood or body fluid in a Texas
cosmetology establishment, what is the required disinfection procedure?
A. Wipe with a dry cloth and return to service
B. Immerse in a 10% bleach solution (5,000 ppm) for 5 minutes or use an EPA-registered
hospital-grade disinfectant per manufacturer instructions
C. Spray with isopropyl alcohol and air dry
D. Place in an ultraviolet sanitizer for 10 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Immerse in a 10% bleach solution (5,000 ppm) for 5 minutes
or use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant per manufacturer instructions
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.111(c) requires that any non-porous
instrument contacting blood or body fluid must be immediately cleaned and disinfected
using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant, tuberculocidal disinfectant, or total
immersion in a 10% bleach solution (1¾ cups household bleach per gallon of water) for
5 minutes to ensure pathogen destruction.
Question 13: Which of the following statements about foot spa recordkeeping is
TRUE under Texas cosmetology rules?
A. Records of foot spa cleaning must be retained for at least 30 days
B. Records must indicate whether cleaning was daily or bi-weekly and be retained for at
Guide Updated 2026 | Verified Questions & Answers with Detailed
Rationales | Comprehensive Review of Haircutting, Hair Coloring,
Chemical Texture Services, Skin & Nail Care, Sanitation & Disinfection,
Texas TDLR Laws & Rules, Infection Control, Client Consultation, Chemical
Safety & State Licensing Requirements
Question 1: According to Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83, what is the
minimum concentration and exposure time required for a low-level chlorine bleach
disinfection solution?
A. 500 ppm for 5 minutes
B. 100-200 ppm for 10 minutes minimum
C. 1,000 ppm for 20 minutes minimum
D. 5,000 ppm for 5 minutes minimum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-200 ppm for 10 minutes minimum
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(1)(A) specifies that low-level
disinfection using chlorine bleach requires adding two teaspoons of household (5.25%)
bleach to one gallon of water, achieving 100-200 ppm concentration, with a minimum
soak time of 10 minutes for effective disinfection of implements and non-porous
surfaces.
Question 2: Which of the following actions is PROHIBITED under Texas
cosmetology health and safety rules when performing nail services?
A. Using an EPA-registered bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal disinfectant on metal
tools
B. Storing clean implements in a closed, dry drawer separate from soiled items
C. Reusing wax that has been in contact with a client's skin
D. Washing hands with soap and water before beginning a service
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reusing wax that has been in contact with a client's skin
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.105(d) explicitly states that wax may not be
reused under any circumstances, and no applicators shall be left standing in the wax at
any time. This prevents cross-contamination and transmission of pathogens between
clients.
Question 3: How many hours of approved cosmetology education does the Texas
Department of Licensing and Regulation require for initial licensure as a
cosmetology operator?
A. 750 hours
B. 1,000 hours
C. 1,200 hours
D. 1,500 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1,000 hours
,RATIONALE: The Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1602 and TDLR regulations mandate
a minimum of 1,000 hours of education at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school as a
prerequisite for eligibility to take the cosmetology operator licensing examination.
Question 4: When disinfecting a whirlpool foot spa after each client, which step
must be performed FIRST according to Texas rules?
A. Disinfect the basin with an EPA-registered disinfectant
B. Drain all water and remove all debris from the spa basin
C. Wipe the basin dry with a clean towel
D. Clean the basin with soap or detergent and water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Drain all water and remove all debris from the spa basin
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.108(b) outlines the sequential cleaning
procedure for whirlpool foot spas: (1) drain water and remove debris, (2) clean with
soap/detergent and water, (3) disinfect with EPA-registered disinfectant, (4) wipe dry.
Proper sequence ensures effective pathogen elimination.
Question 5: Which of the following implements is classified as a "single-use item"
under Texas cosmetology regulations and must be discarded after use on one
client?
A. Metal cuticle nipper
B. Stainless steel comb
C. Orangewood stick
D. Electric drill bit
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Orangewood stick
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(8) defines single-use items as porous
items made of cloth, wood, or other absorbent materials with rough surfaces, including
orangewood sticks, cotton balls, and tissues. These cannot be effectively disinfected
and must be discarded after single-client use to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 6: What is the required concentration of isopropyl alcohol to be used as a
low-level disinfectant in Texas cosmetology establishments?
A. At least 50%
B. At least 70%
C. At least 90%
D. At least 95%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 70%
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(4)(C) and §83.101(c)(1) specify that
isopropyl alcohol must be used at a concentration of at least 70% to function as an
approved low-level disinfectant for implements and non-porous surfaces in
cosmetology settings.
,Question 7: Under Texas law, when must a licensee refuse to perform cosmetology
services on a client?
A. When the client requests a service outside the licensee's scope of practice
B. When the licensee has reason to believe the client has a contagious condition such
as head lice, ringworm, or inflamed/infected skin in the service area
C. When the client has not pre-paid for services
D. When the establishment is running low on supplies
CORRECT ANSWER: B. When the licensee has reason to believe the client has a
contagious condition such as head lice, ringworm, or inflamed/infected skin in the
service area
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.102(b) prohibits licensees from performing
services on clients with contagious conditions or inflamed, infected, broken, raised, or
swollen skin/nail tissue in the area to be serviced, to protect public health and prevent
disease transmission.
Question 8: How often must chlorine bleach disinfectant solutions be prepared
fresh in a Texas cosmetology establishment?
A. Every 4 hours
B. At least once per day
C. Only when the solution appears cloudy
D. Weekly
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least once per day
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(1) and §83.101(b)(2) require that
chlorine bleach solutions be mixed fresh at least once per day because the active
ingredient (sodium hypochlorite) degrades over time, reducing disinfection efficacy.
Question 9: Which of the following is an acceptable method for storing clean,
disinfected implements in a Texas cosmetology salon when not in use?
A. Leaving them on an open countertop near the sink
B. Storing them in a closed, dry drawer separate from soiled implements
C. Placing them in an open container next to chemical products
D. Hanging them on a hook in the restroom
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Storing them in a closed, dry drawer separate from soiled
implements
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.102(f) mandates that all clean and
disinfected implements must be stored in a clean, dry, debris-free environment (such
as drawers, cases, or tool belts) and kept separate from soiled items to maintain
sanitation and prevent recontamination.
Question 10: What is the minimum contact time required when using a high-level
chlorine bleach solution (1,000 ppm) to disinfect implements in Texas?
, A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 20 minutes minimum
D. 30 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 20 minutes minimum
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.100(1)(B) specifies that high-level
disinfection using chlorine bleach (one-third cup household bleach per gallon of water,
yielding 1,000 ppm) requires a minimum immersion time of 20 minutes to effectively
destroy pathogens on implements.
Question 11: According to Texas regulations, which of the following products is
expressly PROHIBITED for use in cosmetology services?
A. Ethyl alcohol at 90% concentration
B. Methyl methacrylate liquid monomer (MMA)
C. EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
D. Isopropyl alcohol at 70% concentration
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Methyl methacrylate liquid monomer (MMA)
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.112(a)(1) and §83.113(c) prohibit the use,
sale, or application of methyl methacrylate (MMA) liquid monomer in cosmetology
services due to its association with severe nail damage, allergic reactions, and difficulty
in removal, as determined by the FDA and state regulators.
Question 12: When a non-porous implement contacts blood or body fluid in a Texas
cosmetology establishment, what is the required disinfection procedure?
A. Wipe with a dry cloth and return to service
B. Immerse in a 10% bleach solution (5,000 ppm) for 5 minutes or use an EPA-registered
hospital-grade disinfectant per manufacturer instructions
C. Spray with isopropyl alcohol and air dry
D. Place in an ultraviolet sanitizer for 10 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Immerse in a 10% bleach solution (5,000 ppm) for 5 minutes
or use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant per manufacturer instructions
RATIONALE: Texas Administrative Code §83.111(c) requires that any non-porous
instrument contacting blood or body fluid must be immediately cleaned and disinfected
using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant, tuberculocidal disinfectant, or total
immersion in a 10% bleach solution (1¾ cups household bleach per gallon of water) for
5 minutes to ensure pathogen destruction.
Question 13: Which of the following statements about foot spa recordkeeping is
TRUE under Texas cosmetology rules?
A. Records of foot spa cleaning must be retained for at least 30 days
B. Records must indicate whether cleaning was daily or bi-weekly and be retained for at
