Texas Manicurist State Board Exam (TDLR Nail)
| Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Exam,
Exam Questions & Answers, Exam Prep Test
Bank, Nail Technician Licensing, Manicuring &
Pedicuring, Nail Anatomy, Infection Control,
Sanitation & Disinfection, TDLR Laws & Rules,
Professional Ethics, Safety Standards, Detailed
Rationales, State Board Licensing Success
Question 1: According to TDLR regulations, what is the correct procedure for
cleaning a non-electrical metal nail file between clients?
A. Wash with soap and water, then spray with an EPA-registered disinfectant, and rinse.
B. Immerse in 70% alcohol for 5 minutes and air dry.
C. Wipe with a dry paper towel and store in a closed container.
D. Spray with bleach and immediately wipe off.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Wash with soap and water, then spray with an EPA-
registered disinfectant, and rinse.
Rationale:The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires that
implements be cleaned with soap and water to remove all debris before being
disinfected with an EPA-registered product according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Rinsing after disinfection removes chemical residue, ensuring client safety .
Question 2: What is the minimum required concentration of sodium
hypochlorite (bleach) solution for disinfecting non-porous surfaces in a Texas
nail salon?
A. 1 part bleach to 100 parts water
B. 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
C. 1 part bleach to 9 parts water
D. 1 part bleach to 50 parts water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
Rationale:TDLR rules specify a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (5.25–6.25% sodium
hypochlorite) for environmental disinfection. This concentration is effective against
pathogens while being safe for surfaces when used correctly .
Question 3: A client presents with redness, swelling, and yellow crusting
around the proximal nail fold. What should the technician do?
A. Proceed with a full manicure but avoid the cuticle area.
B. Apply a topical antibiotic and continue the service.
C. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
D. Wear gloves and perform a dry manicure only.
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
Rationale:These signs indicate a possible bacterial infection such as paronychia. TDLR
regulations prohibit performing services on infected or inflamed skin to prevent cross-
contamination and further harm. The client must be referred to a physician for
treatment .
Question 4: Under TDLR rules, how often must a foot spa be cleaned and
disinfected?
A. After each client
B. Once daily at closing time
C. Every 3 clients
D. Once weekly with a bleach soak
CORRECT ANSWER: A. After each client
Rationale:Texas administrative code requires the disinfection of foot spa basins and all
non-porous surfaces after each client. This includes the use of a low-level disinfectant or
an EPA-registered tuberculocidal agent to prevent the spread of infection .
Question 5: Which of the following implements is considered single-use only
and cannot be reused under any circumstances?
A. Stainless steel cuticle pusher
B. Nail file with paper backing
C. Glass nail buffer
D. Metal hoof stick
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Nail file with paper backing
Rationale:Paper-backed nail files, buffers with foam or paper layers, and wooden sticks
are porous materials that cannot be adequately disinfected. TDLR classifies these items
as single-use and they must be discarded after each client to prevent cross-
contamination .
Question 6: When performing a basic manicure, what is the correct direction
for filing natural nails?
A. Back and forth sawing motion
B. From side to center in one direction
C. In small circular motions starting at the free edge
D. From cuticle to free edge only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. From side to center in one direction
Rationale:Filing from the side to the center in one direction prevents splitting, peeling,
and trauma to the nail plate. A sawing motion generates heat, which can weaken the nail
layers and cause damage .
,Question 7: What is the minimum contact time for a tuberculocidal
disinfectant on non-porous surfaces in a TDLR-licensed nail salon?
A. 30 seconds
B. 2 minutes
C. 10 minutes
D. As stated on the EPA label
CORRECT ANSWER: D. As stated on the EPA label
Rationale:Texas law requires strict adherence to the manufacturer's EPA-registered
label instructions for disinfectants, including the specific contact time required to kill
pathogens. While common times range from 5-10 minutes, the legal requirement is to
follow the product label .
Question 8: A client has greenish-black discoloration under a nail plate. The
most likely cause is:
A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection
B. Onychomycosis
C. Trauma-induced hematoma
D. Allergic reaction to polish
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection
Rationale:Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly known as green nail syndrome,
produces a distinctive green-black pigmentation on the nail plate. It is a bacterial
infection, not fungal, and requires a physician's diagnosis before any nail service can be
performed .
Question 9: According to TDLR rules, how should used metal implements be
stored before cleaning?
A. Store dry in a closed container labeled "contaminated"
B. Soak immediately in 70% alcohol
C. Place in a clean dry drawer
D. Keep in an open basket with no lid
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Store dry in a closed container labeled "contaminated"
Rationale:Used implements must be stored in a closed, labeled container separate from
clean tools to prevent accidental exposure and cross-contamination. This protocol
ensures safety until the implements can be properly cleaned and disinfected .
Question 10: How often must a nail technician renew their TDLR manicurist
license in Texas?
A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Every two years
Rationale:Texas manicurist licenses expire biennially (every two years) on the last day
of the licensee's birth month. Renewal requires completing any mandated continuing
education and paying the appropriate fee .
Question 11: When using a UV/LED gel polish system, what is the most critical
safety step before curing?
A. Apply cuticle oil to the nail plate.
B. Remove all tacky inhibition layer.
C. Ensure no product touches the skin to prevent allergic reaction.
D. Shake the base coat vigorously.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure no product touches the skin to prevent allergic
reaction.
Rationale:Uncured gel on the skin increases the risk of contact dermatitis and
photoallergic reactions. TDLR requires proper application of gel products to the nail
plate only, ensuring the skin is kept free of uncured chemicals .
Question 12: Disinfectants used in a Texas nail salon must be registered with
which federal agency?
A. FDA
B. OSHA
C. EPA
D. CDC
CORRECT ANSWER: C. EPA
Rationale:All disinfectants used in salons must be registered with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA registration ensures the product has been tested and
proven effective against specific pathogens when used according to label instructions .
Question 13: According to TDLR, a licensed cosmetologist or manicurist is
prohibited from removing calluses using which of the following?
A. Foot file
B. Pumice stone
C. Credo blade
D. Callus shaver
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Credo blade
Rationale:TDLR regulations prohibit the use of credo blades or any sharp instrument
for removing calluses. These tools can cause injury and are outside the scope of practice
for manicurists and cosmetologists in Texas .
Question 14: According to TDLR, what agency has the authority to ban or
deem products as poisonous or unsafe for use in salons?
| Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Exam,
Exam Questions & Answers, Exam Prep Test
Bank, Nail Technician Licensing, Manicuring &
Pedicuring, Nail Anatomy, Infection Control,
Sanitation & Disinfection, TDLR Laws & Rules,
Professional Ethics, Safety Standards, Detailed
Rationales, State Board Licensing Success
Question 1: According to TDLR regulations, what is the correct procedure for
cleaning a non-electrical metal nail file between clients?
A. Wash with soap and water, then spray with an EPA-registered disinfectant, and rinse.
B. Immerse in 70% alcohol for 5 minutes and air dry.
C. Wipe with a dry paper towel and store in a closed container.
D. Spray with bleach and immediately wipe off.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Wash with soap and water, then spray with an EPA-
registered disinfectant, and rinse.
Rationale:The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires that
implements be cleaned with soap and water to remove all debris before being
disinfected with an EPA-registered product according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Rinsing after disinfection removes chemical residue, ensuring client safety .
Question 2: What is the minimum required concentration of sodium
hypochlorite (bleach) solution for disinfecting non-porous surfaces in a Texas
nail salon?
A. 1 part bleach to 100 parts water
B. 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
C. 1 part bleach to 9 parts water
D. 1 part bleach to 50 parts water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
Rationale:TDLR rules specify a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (5.25–6.25% sodium
hypochlorite) for environmental disinfection. This concentration is effective against
pathogens while being safe for surfaces when used correctly .
Question 3: A client presents with redness, swelling, and yellow crusting
around the proximal nail fold. What should the technician do?
A. Proceed with a full manicure but avoid the cuticle area.
B. Apply a topical antibiotic and continue the service.
C. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
D. Wear gloves and perform a dry manicure only.
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
Rationale:These signs indicate a possible bacterial infection such as paronychia. TDLR
regulations prohibit performing services on infected or inflamed skin to prevent cross-
contamination and further harm. The client must be referred to a physician for
treatment .
Question 4: Under TDLR rules, how often must a foot spa be cleaned and
disinfected?
A. After each client
B. Once daily at closing time
C. Every 3 clients
D. Once weekly with a bleach soak
CORRECT ANSWER: A. After each client
Rationale:Texas administrative code requires the disinfection of foot spa basins and all
non-porous surfaces after each client. This includes the use of a low-level disinfectant or
an EPA-registered tuberculocidal agent to prevent the spread of infection .
Question 5: Which of the following implements is considered single-use only
and cannot be reused under any circumstances?
A. Stainless steel cuticle pusher
B. Nail file with paper backing
C. Glass nail buffer
D. Metal hoof stick
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Nail file with paper backing
Rationale:Paper-backed nail files, buffers with foam or paper layers, and wooden sticks
are porous materials that cannot be adequately disinfected. TDLR classifies these items
as single-use and they must be discarded after each client to prevent cross-
contamination .
Question 6: When performing a basic manicure, what is the correct direction
for filing natural nails?
A. Back and forth sawing motion
B. From side to center in one direction
C. In small circular motions starting at the free edge
D. From cuticle to free edge only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. From side to center in one direction
Rationale:Filing from the side to the center in one direction prevents splitting, peeling,
and trauma to the nail plate. A sawing motion generates heat, which can weaken the nail
layers and cause damage .
,Question 7: What is the minimum contact time for a tuberculocidal
disinfectant on non-porous surfaces in a TDLR-licensed nail salon?
A. 30 seconds
B. 2 minutes
C. 10 minutes
D. As stated on the EPA label
CORRECT ANSWER: D. As stated on the EPA label
Rationale:Texas law requires strict adherence to the manufacturer's EPA-registered
label instructions for disinfectants, including the specific contact time required to kill
pathogens. While common times range from 5-10 minutes, the legal requirement is to
follow the product label .
Question 8: A client has greenish-black discoloration under a nail plate. The
most likely cause is:
A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection
B. Onychomycosis
C. Trauma-induced hematoma
D. Allergic reaction to polish
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection
Rationale:Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly known as green nail syndrome,
produces a distinctive green-black pigmentation on the nail plate. It is a bacterial
infection, not fungal, and requires a physician's diagnosis before any nail service can be
performed .
Question 9: According to TDLR rules, how should used metal implements be
stored before cleaning?
A. Store dry in a closed container labeled "contaminated"
B. Soak immediately in 70% alcohol
C. Place in a clean dry drawer
D. Keep in an open basket with no lid
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Store dry in a closed container labeled "contaminated"
Rationale:Used implements must be stored in a closed, labeled container separate from
clean tools to prevent accidental exposure and cross-contamination. This protocol
ensures safety until the implements can be properly cleaned and disinfected .
Question 10: How often must a nail technician renew their TDLR manicurist
license in Texas?
A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Every two years
Rationale:Texas manicurist licenses expire biennially (every two years) on the last day
of the licensee's birth month. Renewal requires completing any mandated continuing
education and paying the appropriate fee .
Question 11: When using a UV/LED gel polish system, what is the most critical
safety step before curing?
A. Apply cuticle oil to the nail plate.
B. Remove all tacky inhibition layer.
C. Ensure no product touches the skin to prevent allergic reaction.
D. Shake the base coat vigorously.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure no product touches the skin to prevent allergic
reaction.
Rationale:Uncured gel on the skin increases the risk of contact dermatitis and
photoallergic reactions. TDLR requires proper application of gel products to the nail
plate only, ensuring the skin is kept free of uncured chemicals .
Question 12: Disinfectants used in a Texas nail salon must be registered with
which federal agency?
A. FDA
B. OSHA
C. EPA
D. CDC
CORRECT ANSWER: C. EPA
Rationale:All disinfectants used in salons must be registered with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA registration ensures the product has been tested and
proven effective against specific pathogens when used according to label instructions .
Question 13: According to TDLR, a licensed cosmetologist or manicurist is
prohibited from removing calluses using which of the following?
A. Foot file
B. Pumice stone
C. Credo blade
D. Callus shaver
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Credo blade
Rationale:TDLR regulations prohibit the use of credo blades or any sharp instrument
for removing calluses. These tools can cause injury and are outside the scope of practice
for manicurists and cosmetologists in Texas .
Question 14: According to TDLR, what agency has the authority to ban or
deem products as poisonous or unsafe for use in salons?
