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EXAM INFORMATION
- Provider: PSI Services LLC
- Exam Type: Manicurist / Nail Technician Licensing Examination
- Format: Computer-adaptive testing (CAT), multiple-choice
- Total Questions on Actual Exam: 60 scored items (50 general, 10 state) + 10
experimental items[reference:0]
- Time Limit: 90 Minutes[reference:1]
- Passing Score: 75% Correct[reference:2]
- Languages Available: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese[reference:3]
- Content Areas (based on PSI Content Outline):
I. Rules, Regulations and Safety (30%)
A. Safety (draping, sanitation, procedures, accident prevention, SDS)
B. Sanitation, Disinfection and Sterilization
C. Client Contact (ethics, communication, record keeping)
D. License Requirements
II. Trichology (4%) - Hair structure, type, growth phases, diseases
III. Shampoo / Scalp Analysis (4%) - Products, scalp massage, disorders
IV. Styling (8%) - Hair design, thermal styling, artificial hair[reference:4]
V. Haircutting (10%) - Shaping, cutting techniques, tools
VI. Haircolor & Lightening (14%) - Color theory, products, application
VII. Permanent Waving & Chemical Relaxing (8%) - Chemistry, procedures
VIII. Skin Care (6%) - Anatomy, products, facial procedures
IX. Nail Care (10%) - Manicuring, pedicuring, nail anatomy, disorders
X. Nail Enhancements (6%) - Acrylics, gels, wraps, chemistry
XI. Salon Business (3%) - Ethics, laws, salon management
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SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL, SANITATION & SAFETY (Questions 1-40)
1. Which federal agency was created as part of the U.S. Department of Labor to
protect employees in the workplace?
A) EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
B) FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
C) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
D) CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Answer: C) OSHA
Rationale: OSHA was created by the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure safe and
healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards. For
manicurists, OSHA covers bloodborne pathogens, chemical safety, and workplace
hazards.[reference:5]
2. Which agency registers many different types of disinfectants that are sold
and used in the United States?
A) OSHA
B) EPA
C) FDA
D) TDLR
Answer: B) EPA
Rationale: The EPA registers disinfectants and ensures they are effective for
their intended use. For a product to be labeled "disinfectant," it must have an
,EPA registration number.[reference:6]
3. What is the lowest level of decontamination?
A) Sterilization
B) Disinfection
C) Sanitizing (cleaning)
D) Pasteurization
Answer: C) Sanitizing (cleaning)
Rationale: Sanitizing (cleaning) removes visible debris and is the lowest level
of decontamination. Disinfection kills most pathogens but not bacterial spores.
Sterilization kills all microorganisms including spores.[reference:7][reference:8]
4. Which of the following is the most effective method for eliminating
bacterial spores on reusable nail instruments?
A) Cleaning with soap and water
B) Disinfection with an EPA-registered disinfectant
C) Sterilization in an autoclave
D) Wiping with 70% alcohol solution
Answer: C) Sterilization in an autoclave
Rationale: Autoclave sterilization uses high-pressure steam at 121°C for at
least 15 minutes to destroy bacterial spores. Cleaning, disinfection, and
alcohol do not guarantee spore kill.[reference:9]
5. In the context of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, "universal
precautions" requires a manicurist to:
A) Test every client for hepatitis before service
, B) Treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious
C) Wear gloves only when a client has an open wound
D) Use only disposable tools for every client
Answer: B) Treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious
Rationale: Universal precautions assume that all blood and certain body fluids
are potentially infectious. Manicurists must use appropriate barriers (gloves,
proper disinfection) for every client, regardless of perceived risk.[reference:10]
6. What is the BEST way to avoid accidental exposure to bodily fluids and
bloodborne pathogens on the skin?
A) Washing hands frequently
B) Wearing gloves
C) Using hand sanitizer
D) Avoiding contact with clients
Answer: B) Wearing gloves
Rationale: Gloves provide a physical barrier against bloodborne pathogens,
following OSHA's universal precautions. Proper glove use is the most effective
personal protective equipment (PPE) for exposure prevention.[reference:11][reference:12]
7. All of the following are important actions to prevent the spread of
infection EXCEPT:
A) Wearing gloves
B) Using EPA-registered disinfectants
C) Using bar soaps
D) Cleaning implements after each use