NJ State Board Prometric Written Exam
2024/2025: 100 Cosmetology Questions with
Verified Answers and Rationales
Sample Questions (1–100)
Sanitation and Safety (1–20)
1. Question: What is the primary purpose of Universal Precautions in a salon?
A) To enhance client comfort
B) To prevent the spread of infectious diseases
C) To improve salon aesthetics
D) To comply with tax laws
Answer: B) To prevent the spread of infectious diseases
Rationale: Universal Precautions are designed to prevent transmission of bloodborne
pathogens and infectious diseases in the salon.
2. Question: What is the minimum contact time for an EPA-registered disinfectant to be
effective?
A) 30 seconds
B) 1 minute
C) 5 minutes
D) 10 minutes
Answer: D) 10 minutes
Rationale: EPA-registered disinfectants require a 10-minute contact time to kill bacteria
and viruses, per NIC standards.
3. Question: How should single-use items like emery boards be handled after a client
service?
A) Clean and store for reuse
B) Disinfect with bleach
C) Discard after use
D) Sterilize in an autoclave
Answer: C) Discard after use
Rationale: Single-use items must be discarded after each client to prevent cross-
contamination.
4. Question: What is the correct procedure for a blood spill in a salon?
A) Wipe with a dry cloth
B) Clean with a 10% bleach solution
C) Cover with a bandage
D) Mop with water
Answer: B) Clean with a 10% bleach solution
, Rationale: A 10% bleach solution (1:10 dilution) is required for blood spill cleanup per
NIC standards.
5. Question: Which type of bacteria is most commonly found on healthy skin?
A) Pathogenic
B) Nonpathogenic
C) Parasitic
D) Fungal
Answer: B) Nonpathogenic
Rationale: Nonpathogenic bacteria are naturally present on the skin and typically
harmless.
6. Multiple-Response Question: Which practices ensure proper salon sanitation? (Select
all that apply.)
A) Disinfect tools after each client
B) Reuse single-use items
C) Store clean tools in a covered container
D) Clean work surfaces daily
Answers: A, C, D
Rationale: Disinfecting tools, storing them in covered containers, and cleaning surfaces
daily prevent infection. Single-use items must be discarded.
7. Question: What is the purpose of an autoclave in a salon?
A) To dry hair
B) To sterilize reusable tools
C) To mix hair color
D) To clean floors
Answer: B) To sterilize reusable tools
Rationale: An autoclave uses steam and pressure to sterilize reusable tools, ensuring they
are free of pathogens.
8. Question: Which precaution is required when handling a client with an open wound?
A) Wear gloves
B) Use a face mask
C) Apply a tourniquet
D) Use an apron
Answer: A) Wear gloves
Rationale: Gloves prevent contact with bloodborne pathogens during client care.
9. Question: What is the correct storage method for soiled linens?
A) In an open basket
B) In a sealed container
C) With clean linens
D) On the salon floor
Answer: B) In a sealed container
Rationale: Soiled linens must be stored in a sealed container to prevent contamination.
10. Multiple-Response Question: Which items must be disinfected between clients? (Select
all that apply.)
A) Combs
B) Disposable razors
C) Hairbrushes
2024/2025: 100 Cosmetology Questions with
Verified Answers and Rationales
Sample Questions (1–100)
Sanitation and Safety (1–20)
1. Question: What is the primary purpose of Universal Precautions in a salon?
A) To enhance client comfort
B) To prevent the spread of infectious diseases
C) To improve salon aesthetics
D) To comply with tax laws
Answer: B) To prevent the spread of infectious diseases
Rationale: Universal Precautions are designed to prevent transmission of bloodborne
pathogens and infectious diseases in the salon.
2. Question: What is the minimum contact time for an EPA-registered disinfectant to be
effective?
A) 30 seconds
B) 1 minute
C) 5 minutes
D) 10 minutes
Answer: D) 10 minutes
Rationale: EPA-registered disinfectants require a 10-minute contact time to kill bacteria
and viruses, per NIC standards.
3. Question: How should single-use items like emery boards be handled after a client
service?
A) Clean and store for reuse
B) Disinfect with bleach
C) Discard after use
D) Sterilize in an autoclave
Answer: C) Discard after use
Rationale: Single-use items must be discarded after each client to prevent cross-
contamination.
4. Question: What is the correct procedure for a blood spill in a salon?
A) Wipe with a dry cloth
B) Clean with a 10% bleach solution
C) Cover with a bandage
D) Mop with water
Answer: B) Clean with a 10% bleach solution
, Rationale: A 10% bleach solution (1:10 dilution) is required for blood spill cleanup per
NIC standards.
5. Question: Which type of bacteria is most commonly found on healthy skin?
A) Pathogenic
B) Nonpathogenic
C) Parasitic
D) Fungal
Answer: B) Nonpathogenic
Rationale: Nonpathogenic bacteria are naturally present on the skin and typically
harmless.
6. Multiple-Response Question: Which practices ensure proper salon sanitation? (Select
all that apply.)
A) Disinfect tools after each client
B) Reuse single-use items
C) Store clean tools in a covered container
D) Clean work surfaces daily
Answers: A, C, D
Rationale: Disinfecting tools, storing them in covered containers, and cleaning surfaces
daily prevent infection. Single-use items must be discarded.
7. Question: What is the purpose of an autoclave in a salon?
A) To dry hair
B) To sterilize reusable tools
C) To mix hair color
D) To clean floors
Answer: B) To sterilize reusable tools
Rationale: An autoclave uses steam and pressure to sterilize reusable tools, ensuring they
are free of pathogens.
8. Question: Which precaution is required when handling a client with an open wound?
A) Wear gloves
B) Use a face mask
C) Apply a tourniquet
D) Use an apron
Answer: A) Wear gloves
Rationale: Gloves prevent contact with bloodborne pathogens during client care.
9. Question: What is the correct storage method for soiled linens?
A) In an open basket
B) In a sealed container
C) With clean linens
D) On the salon floor
Answer: B) In a sealed container
Rationale: Soiled linens must be stored in a sealed container to prevent contamination.
10. Multiple-Response Question: Which items must be disinfected between clients? (Select
all that apply.)
A) Combs
B) Disposable razors
C) Hairbrushes
