Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Ultimate
Exam
**Question 1.** Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
stratum corneum?
A) Produces melanin
B) Provides a waterproof barrier
C) Generates new skin cells
D) Supplies blood to the epidermis
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis
composed of dead keratinized cells that create a waterproof barrier, preventing
transepidermal water loss.
**Question 2.** In the hair growth cycle, the anagen phase is primarily
responsible for:
A) Shedding hair
B) Resting period
C) Active hair growth
D) Hair follicle regression
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Anagen is the growth phase where cells in the hair bulb divide
rapidly, resulting in lengthening of the hair shaft.
**Question 3.** Which OSHA regulation requires cosmetology salons to maintain
a written exposure control plan for bloodborne pathogens?
A) 1910.1030
B) 1910.1200
, Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Ultimate
Exam
C) 1910.141
D) 1910.134
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (1910.1030) mandates
a written exposure control plan to protect employees from bloodborne hazards.
**Question 4.** The pH of a typical shampoo is most commonly:**
A) 2.5–3.5
B) 4.5–5.5
C) 7.0–8.0
D) 9.5–10.5
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Shampoos are formulated slightly acidic (pH 4.5–5.5) to
maintain the cuticle’s integrity and prevent scalp irritation.
**Question 5.** Which of the following chemicals is classified as a Class 2A
carcinogen and must be listed on an SDS?
A) Sodium hydroxide
B) Formaldehyde
C) Ammonium chloride
D) Sodium chloride
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (Class 2A) and must be
disclosed on Safety Data Sheets per OSHA requirements.
, Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Ultimate
Exam
**Question 6.** When performing a chemical relaxer application, the correct
order of steps is:
A) Apply neutralizer, then relaxer, then rinse
B) Apply relaxer, cover, process, rinse, then neutralize
C) Rinse, apply relaxer, then neutralize
D) Apply relaxer, rinse, then neutralizer
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** The relaxer is applied, processed under a heat source if needed,
then thoroughly rinsed before applying a neutralizing solution to halt the
chemical reaction.
**Question 7.** The “rule of thirds” in haircutting refers to:
A) Dividing the head into three equal vertical sections for layering
B) Using three different scissors sizes for texturizing
C) Cutting hair in three passes: dry, wet, and finish
D) Applying product in three equal amounts throughout the hair
**Answer:** A
**Explanation:** The rule of thirds divides the scalp into left, middle, and right
sections to ensure balanced layering and uniform weight distribution.
**Question 8.** Which of the following is NOT considered a contraindication for a
facial massage?
A) Rosacea flare-up
B) Recent facial surgery
, Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Ultimate
Exam
C) Mild acne
D) Open skin lesions
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Mild acne is not a contraindication; however, severe or cystic
acne, open lesions, rosacea flare-ups, and recent surgery are.
**Question 9.** In Idaho, the minimum age to obtain a cosmetology license is:
A) 14 years
B) 16 years
C) 18 years
D) 21 years
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Idaho law permits individuals 16 years of age to apply for a
cosmetology license after meeting education and apprenticeship requirements.
**Question 10.** Which type of electric current is used by most modern hair
dryers?
A) Direct current (DC)
B) Alternating current (AC)
C) Pulsed DC
D) Static electricity
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Hair dryers operate on alternating current (AC) from household
power sources, converting it to heat via a resistive element.
Exam
**Question 1.** Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
stratum corneum?
A) Produces melanin
B) Provides a waterproof barrier
C) Generates new skin cells
D) Supplies blood to the epidermis
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis
composed of dead keratinized cells that create a waterproof barrier, preventing
transepidermal water loss.
**Question 2.** In the hair growth cycle, the anagen phase is primarily
responsible for:
A) Shedding hair
B) Resting period
C) Active hair growth
D) Hair follicle regression
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Anagen is the growth phase where cells in the hair bulb divide
rapidly, resulting in lengthening of the hair shaft.
**Question 3.** Which OSHA regulation requires cosmetology salons to maintain
a written exposure control plan for bloodborne pathogens?
A) 1910.1030
B) 1910.1200
, Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Ultimate
Exam
C) 1910.141
D) 1910.134
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (1910.1030) mandates
a written exposure control plan to protect employees from bloodborne hazards.
**Question 4.** The pH of a typical shampoo is most commonly:**
A) 2.5–3.5
B) 4.5–5.5
C) 7.0–8.0
D) 9.5–10.5
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Shampoos are formulated slightly acidic (pH 4.5–5.5) to
maintain the cuticle’s integrity and prevent scalp irritation.
**Question 5.** Which of the following chemicals is classified as a Class 2A
carcinogen and must be listed on an SDS?
A) Sodium hydroxide
B) Formaldehyde
C) Ammonium chloride
D) Sodium chloride
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (Class 2A) and must be
disclosed on Safety Data Sheets per OSHA requirements.
, Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Ultimate
Exam
**Question 6.** When performing a chemical relaxer application, the correct
order of steps is:
A) Apply neutralizer, then relaxer, then rinse
B) Apply relaxer, cover, process, rinse, then neutralize
C) Rinse, apply relaxer, then neutralize
D) Apply relaxer, rinse, then neutralizer
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** The relaxer is applied, processed under a heat source if needed,
then thoroughly rinsed before applying a neutralizing solution to halt the
chemical reaction.
**Question 7.** The “rule of thirds” in haircutting refers to:
A) Dividing the head into three equal vertical sections for layering
B) Using three different scissors sizes for texturizing
C) Cutting hair in three passes: dry, wet, and finish
D) Applying product in three equal amounts throughout the hair
**Answer:** A
**Explanation:** The rule of thirds divides the scalp into left, middle, and right
sections to ensure balanced layering and uniform weight distribution.
**Question 8.** Which of the following is NOT considered a contraindication for a
facial massage?
A) Rosacea flare-up
B) Recent facial surgery
, Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Ultimate
Exam
C) Mild acne
D) Open skin lesions
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Mild acne is not a contraindication; however, severe or cystic
acne, open lesions, rosacea flare-ups, and recent surgery are.
**Question 9.** In Idaho, the minimum age to obtain a cosmetology license is:
A) 14 years
B) 16 years
C) 18 years
D) 21 years
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Idaho law permits individuals 16 years of age to apply for a
cosmetology license after meeting education and apprenticeship requirements.
**Question 10.** Which type of electric current is used by most modern hair
dryers?
A) Direct current (DC)
B) Alternating current (AC)
C) Pulsed DC
D) Static electricity
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Hair dryers operate on alternating current (AC) from household
power sources, converting it to heat via a resistive element.
