Fall Semester 2026–2027 Texas Manicurist State Board Exam (TDLR Nail) Updated
2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Texas Nail Technician Licensing Exam Prep,
Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Test, Test Bank, Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Review, Manicuring, Pedicuring, Nail Anatomy, Nail
Enhancements, Infection Control, Sanitation and Disinfection, State Laws and Rules,
Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: According to TDLR, what shall be used on floors and counters that have
been contaminated by a blood spill?
A. A mild soap solution
B. A tuberculocidal disinfectant
C. A vinegar and water mixture
D. Dry paper towels only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A tuberculocidal disinfectant
Rationale: TDLR requires the use of a tuberculocidal disinfectant on any surface (floors,
counters) contaminated by visible blood or body fluids, as this effectively kills
bloodborne pathogens including HBV, HCV, and HIV .
Question 2: According to TDLR, tools and equipment that come in contact with
blood should be completely immersed in what solution?
A. 70% isopropyl alcohol
B. 5% bleach solution
C. 10% bleach solution
D. Quaternary ammonium solution
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10% bleach solution
Rationale: TDLR mandates that any tool or equipment that contacts blood must be fully
immersed in a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to ensure complete
disinfection and destruction of bloodborne pathogens .
Question 3: What is the correct way to maintain monomer liquid and polymer
powder nail enhancements?
A. File the nail and apply a new layer of product
B. Soak off completely and reapply
C. Apply polish over the existing enhancement
D. Remove with cuticle oil only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. File the nail and apply a new layer of product
Rationale: Proper maintenance of acrylic enhancements involves filing the surface and
applying a new layer of product to fill the regrowth area. Complete removal is not
needed for regular maintenance fills .
Question 4: According to TDLR, what must a booth rental licensee acting as an
independent contractor have?
,A. A separate entrance
B. Current laws and rules book
C. A business license from the city
D. A cosmetology instructor license
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Current laws and rules book
Rationale: Booth rental licensees acting as independent contractors must have a
current copy of Texas cosmetology laws and rules available for reference to ensure
compliance with TDLR regulations .
Question 5: According to TDLR, what is the proper way to launder towels?
A. Using cold water and fabric softener
B. Using hot water and chlorine bleach
C. Using warm water and no detergent
D. Dry cleaning only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Using hot water and chlorine bleach
Rationale: TDLR requires that linens and towels be laundered using hot water and
chlorine bleach to properly disinfect and kill pathogens between clients .
Question 6: Which parasite burrows under the skin causing blisters and pustules?
A. Pediculosis (lice)
B. Scabies (mites)
C. Ringworm
D. Tinea pedis
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Scabies (mites)
Rationale: Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin, causing
intense itching, blisters, and pustules. This is highly contagious and service must be
refused .
Question 7: What disease is contagious and must result in refusing the service?
A. Onychorrhexis
B. Impetigo
C. Leukonychia
D. Pterygium
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Impetigo
Rationale: Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by
honey-colored crusts. Service must be refused and the client referred to a physician .
Question 8: Tinea is characterized by itching, scales, and sometimes painful
circular lesions. It is caused by:
,A. Bacteria
B. Viral organisms
C. Fungal organisms
D. Parasites
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fungal organisms
Rationale: Tinea (ringworm) is a fungal infection of the skin or nails. It appears as
circular, scaly, itchy lesions. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) requires medical treatment
and service must be refused .
Question 9: What condition can be transmitted by contact with contaminated hats,
combs, and brushes?
A. Scabies
B. Head lice (pediculosis)
C. Tinea pedis
D. Impetigo
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Head lice (pediculosis)
Rationale: Head lice are transmitted through direct contact with contaminated items
such as hats, combs, brushes, and towels. Service must be refused until treated .
Question 10: According to TDLR, what may be used to stop minor bleeding?
A. Alum sticks
B. Styptic powder or liquid bandage
C. Hydrogen peroxide
D. Rubbing alcohol
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Styptic powder or liquid bandage
Rationale: TDLR permits the use of styptic powder or liquid bandage to stop minor
bleeding. Alum sticks are prohibited for this purpose .
Question 11: Which level of decontamination is characterized by destroying all
microbes including spores?
A. Sanitation
B. Disinfection
C. Sterilization
D. Antisepsis
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Sterilization
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
Disinfection kills most pathogens but not necessarily spores. Sanitation is the lowest
level of decontamination .
, Question 12: According to TDLR, how frequently shall disinfectants used for
implement immersion be prepared?
A. Weekly
B. Every other day
C. Daily or more often
D. Monthly
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Daily or more often
Rationale: TDLR requires that disinfectant solutions for implement immersion be
prepared daily or more frequently. Solutions can become contaminated or lose
effectiveness over time .
Question 13: What is the appearance of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)?
A. Dry, scaly patches
B. Blisters (eruptive, blister-like clusters)
C. Thickened yellow nails
D. Red, inflamed cuticles
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blisters (eruptive, blister-like clusters)
Rationale: Herpes simplex virus 1 is characterized by eruptive, blister-like clusters
around the mouth or fingers (herpetic whitlow). It is contagious and service must be
refused until resolved .
Question 14: According to TDLR, when is an EPA-registered solution ineffective?
A. When used on non-porous surfaces
B. When visible debris is present
C. When used for less than 10 minutes
D. When diluted with cold water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. When visible debris is present
Rationale: EPA-registered disinfectants are ineffective if visible debris is present.
Implements and surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before disinfection to remove
organic matter .
Question 15: What is the first step in the infection control process?
A. Disinfection
B. Sterilization
C. Cleaning (sanitation)
D. Drying
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cleaning (sanitation)
Rationale: Cleaning (sanitation) is always the first step in infection control. It removes
visible debris and organic matter before disinfection or sterilization can be effective .
2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Texas Nail Technician Licensing Exam Prep,
Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Test, Test Bank, Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Review, Manicuring, Pedicuring, Nail Anatomy, Nail
Enhancements, Infection Control, Sanitation and Disinfection, State Laws and Rules,
Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: According to TDLR, what shall be used on floors and counters that have
been contaminated by a blood spill?
A. A mild soap solution
B. A tuberculocidal disinfectant
C. A vinegar and water mixture
D. Dry paper towels only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A tuberculocidal disinfectant
Rationale: TDLR requires the use of a tuberculocidal disinfectant on any surface (floors,
counters) contaminated by visible blood or body fluids, as this effectively kills
bloodborne pathogens including HBV, HCV, and HIV .
Question 2: According to TDLR, tools and equipment that come in contact with
blood should be completely immersed in what solution?
A. 70% isopropyl alcohol
B. 5% bleach solution
C. 10% bleach solution
D. Quaternary ammonium solution
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10% bleach solution
Rationale: TDLR mandates that any tool or equipment that contacts blood must be fully
immersed in a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to ensure complete
disinfection and destruction of bloodborne pathogens .
Question 3: What is the correct way to maintain monomer liquid and polymer
powder nail enhancements?
A. File the nail and apply a new layer of product
B. Soak off completely and reapply
C. Apply polish over the existing enhancement
D. Remove with cuticle oil only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. File the nail and apply a new layer of product
Rationale: Proper maintenance of acrylic enhancements involves filing the surface and
applying a new layer of product to fill the regrowth area. Complete removal is not
needed for regular maintenance fills .
Question 4: According to TDLR, what must a booth rental licensee acting as an
independent contractor have?
,A. A separate entrance
B. Current laws and rules book
C. A business license from the city
D. A cosmetology instructor license
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Current laws and rules book
Rationale: Booth rental licensees acting as independent contractors must have a
current copy of Texas cosmetology laws and rules available for reference to ensure
compliance with TDLR regulations .
Question 5: According to TDLR, what is the proper way to launder towels?
A. Using cold water and fabric softener
B. Using hot water and chlorine bleach
C. Using warm water and no detergent
D. Dry cleaning only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Using hot water and chlorine bleach
Rationale: TDLR requires that linens and towels be laundered using hot water and
chlorine bleach to properly disinfect and kill pathogens between clients .
Question 6: Which parasite burrows under the skin causing blisters and pustules?
A. Pediculosis (lice)
B. Scabies (mites)
C. Ringworm
D. Tinea pedis
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Scabies (mites)
Rationale: Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin, causing
intense itching, blisters, and pustules. This is highly contagious and service must be
refused .
Question 7: What disease is contagious and must result in refusing the service?
A. Onychorrhexis
B. Impetigo
C. Leukonychia
D. Pterygium
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Impetigo
Rationale: Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by
honey-colored crusts. Service must be refused and the client referred to a physician .
Question 8: Tinea is characterized by itching, scales, and sometimes painful
circular lesions. It is caused by:
,A. Bacteria
B. Viral organisms
C. Fungal organisms
D. Parasites
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fungal organisms
Rationale: Tinea (ringworm) is a fungal infection of the skin or nails. It appears as
circular, scaly, itchy lesions. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) requires medical treatment
and service must be refused .
Question 9: What condition can be transmitted by contact with contaminated hats,
combs, and brushes?
A. Scabies
B. Head lice (pediculosis)
C. Tinea pedis
D. Impetigo
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Head lice (pediculosis)
Rationale: Head lice are transmitted through direct contact with contaminated items
such as hats, combs, brushes, and towels. Service must be refused until treated .
Question 10: According to TDLR, what may be used to stop minor bleeding?
A. Alum sticks
B. Styptic powder or liquid bandage
C. Hydrogen peroxide
D. Rubbing alcohol
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Styptic powder or liquid bandage
Rationale: TDLR permits the use of styptic powder or liquid bandage to stop minor
bleeding. Alum sticks are prohibited for this purpose .
Question 11: Which level of decontamination is characterized by destroying all
microbes including spores?
A. Sanitation
B. Disinfection
C. Sterilization
D. Antisepsis
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Sterilization
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
Disinfection kills most pathogens but not necessarily spores. Sanitation is the lowest
level of decontamination .
, Question 12: According to TDLR, how frequently shall disinfectants used for
implement immersion be prepared?
A. Weekly
B. Every other day
C. Daily or more often
D. Monthly
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Daily or more often
Rationale: TDLR requires that disinfectant solutions for implement immersion be
prepared daily or more frequently. Solutions can become contaminated or lose
effectiveness over time .
Question 13: What is the appearance of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)?
A. Dry, scaly patches
B. Blisters (eruptive, blister-like clusters)
C. Thickened yellow nails
D. Red, inflamed cuticles
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blisters (eruptive, blister-like clusters)
Rationale: Herpes simplex virus 1 is characterized by eruptive, blister-like clusters
around the mouth or fingers (herpetic whitlow). It is contagious and service must be
refused until resolved .
Question 14: According to TDLR, when is an EPA-registered solution ineffective?
A. When used on non-porous surfaces
B. When visible debris is present
C. When used for less than 10 minutes
D. When diluted with cold water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. When visible debris is present
Rationale: EPA-registered disinfectants are ineffective if visible debris is present.
Implements and surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before disinfection to remove
organic matter .
Question 15: What is the first step in the infection control process?
A. Disinfection
B. Sterilization
C. Cleaning (sanitation)
D. Drying
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cleaning (sanitation)
Rationale: Cleaning (sanitation) is always the first step in infection control. It removes
visible debris and organic matter before disinfection or sterilization can be effective .
