Page 1 of 162
Milady Cosmetology State Board Written
Exam Questions with Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Milady Cosmetology State Board Written Exam — Comprehensive Practice Question Bundle
Exam Coverage Summary (Point Form)
• Infection Control & Sanitation (~15%) : Bacteria types (cocci, bacilli, spirilla), viruses,
fungi, parasites, Standard Precautions, OSHA, EPA-registered disinfectants, sterilization
vs. disinfection vs. sanitation, bloodborne pathogens, PPE, infection cycles, cleaning
procedures
• Anatomy & Physiology (~12%) : Skeletal system (bones of the skull, face, neck),
muscular system (muscles of the scalp, face, neck, hands), nervous system (sensory,
motor, mixed nerves), circulatory system (arteries, veins, capillaries), skin structure &
functions, pH scale, hair structure
• Properties of the Hair & Scalp (~10%) : Hair growth cycles (anagen, catagen, telogen),
hair structure (cuticle, cortex, medulla), texture, density, porosity, elasticity, scalp
disorders, hair loss (alopecia), gray hair
• Chemistry & Chemical Services (~15%) : pH, acids, alkalis, oxidation-reduction, hair
color chemistry (permanent, semi-permanent, temporary), lighteners, permanent
waving (alkaline, acid, exothermic), neutralization, relaxers, thio vs. hydroxide
• Haircutting & Styling (~12%) : Haircutting tools, angles & elevations (0°, 45°, 90°, 180°),
cutting lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), razor cutting, clipper cutting, sectioning,
styling tools (blow-dryers, irons, rollers), thermal styling, setting patterns
• Haircolor & Lightening (~10%) : Color theory (primary, secondary, tertiary), levels &
tones, developers (10–40 volume), formulation, patch testing, strand testing, color
correction, lightening, toning
• Skin Care & Facial Services (~10%) : Skin types & conditions, facial treatments, masks,
exfoliation, extractions, massage manipulations (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement,
vibration, friction), electricity in esthetics (galvanic, high-frequency, microcurrent)
• Nail Care & Advanced Nails (~8%) : Nail structure, manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nails
(acrylic, gel, wraps), UV/LED curing, nail disorders & diseases, sanitation for implements
• Salon Business & Professionalism (~8%) : Client consultation, communication, ethics,
laws & regulations, state board requirements, recordkeeping, salon safety, professional
image, life skills
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SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL, SANITATION & SAFETY (Questions 1–50)
1. Bacteria that are round-shaped and appear singly or in groups are called:
• A. Bacilli
• B. Spirilla
• C. Cocci
• D. Flagella
Answer: C. Cocci are spherical-shaped bacteria that can appear singly, in pairs (diplococci), in
chains (streptococci), or in clusters (staphylococci). Bacilli are rod-shaped, and spirilla are spiral-
shaped.
2. Which type of bacteria causes tuberculosis and pneumonia?
• A. Cocci
• B. Bacilli
• C. Spirilla
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• D. Viruses
Answer: B. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria that cause diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia,
tetanus, and typhoid fever. They are larger than cocci and can produce spores under adverse
conditions.
3. The virus that causes AIDS is:
• A. Hepatitis B
• B. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• C. HPV
• D. Herpes simplex
Answer: B. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is transmitted through blood and other body fluids and is a
significant concern for salon professionals regarding Standard Precautions.
4. What is the correct definition of "sterilization"?
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• A. Reducing microorganisms to a safe level
• B. The process that destroys all microbial life, including spores
• C. Cleaning with soap and water
• D. Using an EPA-registered disinfectant
Answer: B. Sterilization is the highest level of infection control, destroying all microbial life
including bacterial spores. In salons, sterilization is typically achieved through an autoclave or
dry heat sterilizer. Disinfection only destroys most pathogens but not spores.
5. The process of completely destroying all microbial life, including spores, is called:
• A. Sanitation
• B. Disinfection
• C. Sterilization
• D. Antisepsis
Milady Cosmetology State Board Written
Exam Questions with Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Milady Cosmetology State Board Written Exam — Comprehensive Practice Question Bundle
Exam Coverage Summary (Point Form)
• Infection Control & Sanitation (~15%) : Bacteria types (cocci, bacilli, spirilla), viruses,
fungi, parasites, Standard Precautions, OSHA, EPA-registered disinfectants, sterilization
vs. disinfection vs. sanitation, bloodborne pathogens, PPE, infection cycles, cleaning
procedures
• Anatomy & Physiology (~12%) : Skeletal system (bones of the skull, face, neck),
muscular system (muscles of the scalp, face, neck, hands), nervous system (sensory,
motor, mixed nerves), circulatory system (arteries, veins, capillaries), skin structure &
functions, pH scale, hair structure
• Properties of the Hair & Scalp (~10%) : Hair growth cycles (anagen, catagen, telogen),
hair structure (cuticle, cortex, medulla), texture, density, porosity, elasticity, scalp
disorders, hair loss (alopecia), gray hair
• Chemistry & Chemical Services (~15%) : pH, acids, alkalis, oxidation-reduction, hair
color chemistry (permanent, semi-permanent, temporary), lighteners, permanent
waving (alkaline, acid, exothermic), neutralization, relaxers, thio vs. hydroxide
• Haircutting & Styling (~12%) : Haircutting tools, angles & elevations (0°, 45°, 90°, 180°),
cutting lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), razor cutting, clipper cutting, sectioning,
styling tools (blow-dryers, irons, rollers), thermal styling, setting patterns
• Haircolor & Lightening (~10%) : Color theory (primary, secondary, tertiary), levels &
tones, developers (10–40 volume), formulation, patch testing, strand testing, color
correction, lightening, toning
• Skin Care & Facial Services (~10%) : Skin types & conditions, facial treatments, masks,
exfoliation, extractions, massage manipulations (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement,
vibration, friction), electricity in esthetics (galvanic, high-frequency, microcurrent)
• Nail Care & Advanced Nails (~8%) : Nail structure, manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nails
(acrylic, gel, wraps), UV/LED curing, nail disorders & diseases, sanitation for implements
• Salon Business & Professionalism (~8%) : Client consultation, communication, ethics,
laws & regulations, state board requirements, recordkeeping, salon safety, professional
image, life skills
,Page 2 of 162
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL, SANITATION & SAFETY (Questions 1–50)
1. Bacteria that are round-shaped and appear singly or in groups are called:
• A. Bacilli
• B. Spirilla
• C. Cocci
• D. Flagella
Answer: C. Cocci are spherical-shaped bacteria that can appear singly, in pairs (diplococci), in
chains (streptococci), or in clusters (staphylococci). Bacilli are rod-shaped, and spirilla are spiral-
shaped.
2. Which type of bacteria causes tuberculosis and pneumonia?
• A. Cocci
• B. Bacilli
• C. Spirilla
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• D. Viruses
Answer: B. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria that cause diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia,
tetanus, and typhoid fever. They are larger than cocci and can produce spores under adverse
conditions.
3. The virus that causes AIDS is:
• A. Hepatitis B
• B. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• C. HPV
• D. Herpes simplex
Answer: B. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is transmitted through blood and other body fluids and is a
significant concern for salon professionals regarding Standard Precautions.
4. What is the correct definition of "sterilization"?
, Page 4 of 162
• A. Reducing microorganisms to a safe level
• B. The process that destroys all microbial life, including spores
• C. Cleaning with soap and water
• D. Using an EPA-registered disinfectant
Answer: B. Sterilization is the highest level of infection control, destroying all microbial life
including bacterial spores. In salons, sterilization is typically achieved through an autoclave or
dry heat sterilizer. Disinfection only destroys most pathogens but not spores.
5. The process of completely destroying all microbial life, including spores, is called:
• A. Sanitation
• B. Disinfection
• C. Sterilization
• D. Antisepsis
