UTAH STATE BOARD NAIL TECHNICIAN EXAM
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, LATEST
2025/2026.
1. The most important step in infection control is:
Answer: Hand washing
Rationale: Hand washing removes most transient microorganisms and
is required by Utah infection-control standards before and after every
service.
2. Items that can be cleaned, disinfected, and reused are:
Answer: Nonporous implements
Rationale: Metal and some plastics are nonporous and can be
disinfected. Porous items (buffers, wooden sticks) must be discarded
after one client.
3. EPA-registered salon disinfectants must be:
Answer: Bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal
Rationale: The EPA approves disinfectants capable of killing bacteria,
viruses, and fungi—minimum requirement for salon use.
4. Tools that may puncture skin must be disinfected using:
Answer: EPA-registered hospital disinfectant
Rationale: Hospital-grade products kill bloodborne pathogens like HIV
and Hepatitis B & C.
, 5. The living skin under the nail plate is the:
Answer: Eponychium
Rationale: The eponychium is living tissue; the cuticle is nonliving tissue
on the nail plate.
6. The nail portion extending beyond the fingertip:
Answer: Free edge
Rationale: The free edge protects fingertips and is shaped during
manicures.
7. The natural nail is primarily made of:
Answer: Keratin
Rationale: Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein found in nails, skin, and
hair.
8. The part of the nail responsible for growth:
Answer: Matrix
Rationale: The matrix produces nail cells; damage can permanently
alter nail growth.
9. A contagious fungal infection of the nail:
Answer: Onychomycosis
Rationale: Causes thick, discolored, brittle nails; requires medical
referral.
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, LATEST
2025/2026.
1. The most important step in infection control is:
Answer: Hand washing
Rationale: Hand washing removes most transient microorganisms and
is required by Utah infection-control standards before and after every
service.
2. Items that can be cleaned, disinfected, and reused are:
Answer: Nonporous implements
Rationale: Metal and some plastics are nonporous and can be
disinfected. Porous items (buffers, wooden sticks) must be discarded
after one client.
3. EPA-registered salon disinfectants must be:
Answer: Bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal
Rationale: The EPA approves disinfectants capable of killing bacteria,
viruses, and fungi—minimum requirement for salon use.
4. Tools that may puncture skin must be disinfected using:
Answer: EPA-registered hospital disinfectant
Rationale: Hospital-grade products kill bloodborne pathogens like HIV
and Hepatitis B & C.
, 5. The living skin under the nail plate is the:
Answer: Eponychium
Rationale: The eponychium is living tissue; the cuticle is nonliving tissue
on the nail plate.
6. The nail portion extending beyond the fingertip:
Answer: Free edge
Rationale: The free edge protects fingertips and is shaped during
manicures.
7. The natural nail is primarily made of:
Answer: Keratin
Rationale: Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein found in nails, skin, and
hair.
8. The part of the nail responsible for growth:
Answer: Matrix
Rationale: The matrix produces nail cells; damage can permanently
alter nail growth.
9. A contagious fungal infection of the nail:
Answer: Onychomycosis
Rationale: Causes thick, discolored, brittle nails; requires medical
referral.
