COLORADO NAIL TECH THEORY
STATE BOARD EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
The process of disinfecting eliminates ALL microorganisms on nonporous surfaces -
ANS FALSE
Pathogenic bacteria - ANS Bacteria that can cause disease
Non-pathogenic bacteria - ANS Harmless (good) bacteria that does NOT cause disease
acquired immunity - ANS immunity that the body develops after it overcomes a disease, or
through vaccines
Is it okay to use disinfectant as hand sanitizer? - ANS No — it will cause irritation
Disinfectants must be registered with the EPA - ANS TRUE
Compared to hospitals, salons pose a higher infection risk - ANS FALSE
Protoplasm - ANS The substance that makes up the living parts of cells
Neurons - ANS nerve cells
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 1 OF 16
,The three parts of a muscle - ANS Origin, belly, insertion
The keratin in natural nails is softer than the keratin in hair - ANS FALSE
The water content of a healthy nail is between 5-10% - ANS False — 10%
Why are toenails thicker than fingernails? - ANS The toenail matrix is longer than the
fingernail matrix
How long does it take for a toenail to fully regrow? - ANS 18 months
What is agnail another term for? - ANS Hangnail
Leukonychia spots - ANS White spots on the nails, usually caused by injury to the matrix area
What is the term used to describe pigment cells? - ANS Melanocytes
Excessive use of cuticle remover can cause what? - ANS Onychorrhexis
Onychomadesis - ANS The separation and falling off of a nail plate from the nail bed
How long is a standard manicure table? - ANS 36-48 inches
Eponychium - ANS cuticles
Hyponichium - ANS Slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and free
edge of the natural nail plate
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 2 OF 16
, Reusing implements without properly cleaning and disinfecting them is against the law in every
state - ANS TRUE
What temperature should paraffin wax be heated to? - ANS Between 125-130 degrees
What is a paddle used for in a pedicure? - ANS To remove calluses and dead skin from the
feet during a pedicure
Clients with scaly feet should be sent to a podiatrist to define whether the scaly condition is
caused by a _____. - ANS Fungus
Always work from left to right during any pedicure or nail service - ANS True
Acrylic nail enhancements are what kind of service - ANS Lucrative
lucrative - ANS bringing in money; profitable
What kind of nail primer should be used for nail enhancement? - ANS acid-free
What size acrylic brush should be used by beginners for acrylic application? - ANS Between 8-
12
Useful product disposal guidelines and medical first aid info can be found where? -
ANS MSDS Sheet
State regulatory agencies - ANS licensing agencies, boards of cosmetology, health
departments
bacteria - ANS single-celled organisms with plant and animal characteristics
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 3 OF 16
STATE BOARD EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
The process of disinfecting eliminates ALL microorganisms on nonporous surfaces -
ANS FALSE
Pathogenic bacteria - ANS Bacteria that can cause disease
Non-pathogenic bacteria - ANS Harmless (good) bacteria that does NOT cause disease
acquired immunity - ANS immunity that the body develops after it overcomes a disease, or
through vaccines
Is it okay to use disinfectant as hand sanitizer? - ANS No — it will cause irritation
Disinfectants must be registered with the EPA - ANS TRUE
Compared to hospitals, salons pose a higher infection risk - ANS FALSE
Protoplasm - ANS The substance that makes up the living parts of cells
Neurons - ANS nerve cells
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 1 OF 16
,The three parts of a muscle - ANS Origin, belly, insertion
The keratin in natural nails is softer than the keratin in hair - ANS FALSE
The water content of a healthy nail is between 5-10% - ANS False — 10%
Why are toenails thicker than fingernails? - ANS The toenail matrix is longer than the
fingernail matrix
How long does it take for a toenail to fully regrow? - ANS 18 months
What is agnail another term for? - ANS Hangnail
Leukonychia spots - ANS White spots on the nails, usually caused by injury to the matrix area
What is the term used to describe pigment cells? - ANS Melanocytes
Excessive use of cuticle remover can cause what? - ANS Onychorrhexis
Onychomadesis - ANS The separation and falling off of a nail plate from the nail bed
How long is a standard manicure table? - ANS 36-48 inches
Eponychium - ANS cuticles
Hyponichium - ANS Slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and free
edge of the natural nail plate
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 2 OF 16
, Reusing implements without properly cleaning and disinfecting them is against the law in every
state - ANS TRUE
What temperature should paraffin wax be heated to? - ANS Between 125-130 degrees
What is a paddle used for in a pedicure? - ANS To remove calluses and dead skin from the
feet during a pedicure
Clients with scaly feet should be sent to a podiatrist to define whether the scaly condition is
caused by a _____. - ANS Fungus
Always work from left to right during any pedicure or nail service - ANS True
Acrylic nail enhancements are what kind of service - ANS Lucrative
lucrative - ANS bringing in money; profitable
What kind of nail primer should be used for nail enhancement? - ANS acid-free
What size acrylic brush should be used by beginners for acrylic application? - ANS Between 8-
12
Useful product disposal guidelines and medical first aid info can be found where? -
ANS MSDS Sheet
State regulatory agencies - ANS licensing agencies, boards of cosmetology, health
departments
bacteria - ANS single-celled organisms with plant and animal characteristics
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 3 OF 16
