Minnesota Cosmetology Laws and Rules Exam
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | Minnesota Board
Cosmetologist Examiners | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: SANITATION, INFECTION CONTROL & SAFETY PROTOCOLS (15 Questions)
Q1: A cosmetologist in Minnesota finishes a haircut and places the used shears in a drawer with clean
tools. Which Minnesota Board rule has been violated?
A. Tools must be stored in individual sealed bags after each use
B. Used implements must be cleaned and disinfected before storage or reuse [CORRECT]
C. Shears must be sterilized in an autoclave after every haircut
D. Tools should be soaked in bleach for 24 hours between clients
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota Rules require that all implements used on clients be cleaned and disinfected with
an EPA-registered disinfectant before storage or reuse to prevent cross-contamination and disease
transmission. Placing used tools with clean tools violates basic infection control. Shears do not require
autoclave sterilization after every use (disinfection is sufficient for non-porous metal implements).
Bleach soaking for 24 hours is excessive and may damage tools; EPA-registered disinfectants have
specific contact times (typically 10 minutes).
Q2: A nail technician in Minnesota is preparing a whirlpool foot spa for a pedicure. According to
Minnesota Board rules, how often must the foot spa be cleaned and disinfected?
A. Only at the end of each day
B. After each client use and at the end of each day [CORRECT]
C. Once per week with a thorough cleaning
D. Only when visibly dirty
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Minnesota Rules require whirlpool foot spas to be cleaned and disinfected after each client
use and given a thorough end-of-day cleaning and disinfection. Between-client cleaning prevents biofilm
formation and pathogen transmission (including Mycobacterium fortuitum). Weekly cleaning is
insufficient. Cleaning only when visibly dirty violates infection control standards. Proper foot spa
maintenance includes draining, scrubbing, disinfecting with an EPA-registered hospital-grade
disinfectant, rinsing, and air drying.
Q3: A salon owner in Minnesota is reviewing disinfectant products. Which requirement must the
disinfectant meet to be compliant with Minnesota Board rules?
A. It must be labeled as "natural" or "organic"
B. It must be EPA-registered as a hospital-grade disinfectant effective against HIV, HBV, and
tuberculocidal agents [CORRECT]
C. It must be homemade using vinegar and essential oils
D. It must be fragrance-free to avoid client allergies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota Rules require use of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants that are effective
against HIV, HBV, and are tuberculocidal (or have equivalent broad-spectrum efficacy). This ensures
adequate destruction of bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents. "Natural" or "organic"
labels do not guarantee efficacy. Homemade disinfectants are not EPA-registered and do not meet
Board standards. Fragrance-free is not a regulatory requirement for disinfectants.
Q4: A cosmetologist in Minnesota has a client with a small cut on the scalp that begins bleeding during a
haircut. Which action is most compliant with Minnesota Board rules and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
Standard?
A. Continue the service and wipe the blood with a dry towel
B. Stop the service, apply first aid using gloves, clean and disinfect the area and tools, and dispose of
contaminated materials in a biohazard container [CORRECT]
C. Apply pressure with bare hands and continue the service
D. Tell the client to wash the cut themselves and reschedule the appointment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exposure to blood requires immediate cessation of the service, application of standard
precautions (gloves), first aid, thorough cleaning and disinfection of contaminated surfaces and
implements with an EPA-registered disinfectant, and proper disposal of contaminated materials in a
biohazard container per OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Continuing service or using bare hands
, risks pathogen transmission. Having the client self-treat violates the duty of care and infection control
responsibilities.
Q5: A salon in Minnesota stores clean towels in a closed cabinet and used towels in an open hamper in
the shampoo area. Which Minnesota Board rule is being followed correctly?
A. Both towel storage methods are compliant
B. Only the clean towel storage is compliant; used towels must be in a covered, labeled container
[CORRECT]
C. Only the used towel storage is compliant; clean towels must be in open air to prevent mold
D. Neither storage method is compliant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota Rules require clean linens to be stored in a clean, closed container or cabinet to
prevent contamination. Used linens must be stored in a covered, labeled container to prevent cross-
contamination and contain soiled materials. An open hamper for used towels allows airborne
contamination and violates infection control standards. Clean towels in a closed cabinet is correct. The
used towel storage must be corrected to a covered container.
Q6: A cosmetologist in Minnesota is performing a facial and needs to extract a comedone. Which
implement handling is most compliant?
A. Use a metal comedone extractor, clean it with soap and water, and reuse on the next client
B. Use a comedone extractor, disinfect it with an EPA-registered disinfectant after use, and store it
properly before reuse [CORRECT]
C. Use a wooden orangewood stick for extraction and discard it after use
D. Use bare fingers to extract the comedone and wash hands afterward
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metal implements such as comedone extractors must be cleaned and disinfected with an
EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant after each client use before storage or reuse. Soap and water
alone is insufficient for disinfection. While single-use wooden sticks are acceptable, they are not
required if metal implements are properly disinfected. Using bare fingers violates infection control
standards and can introduce bacteria into the skin.
Q7: A salon owner in Minnesota is setting up a new workstation. Which requirement must be met
regarding lighting?
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | Minnesota Board
Cosmetologist Examiners | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: SANITATION, INFECTION CONTROL & SAFETY PROTOCOLS (15 Questions)
Q1: A cosmetologist in Minnesota finishes a haircut and places the used shears in a drawer with clean
tools. Which Minnesota Board rule has been violated?
A. Tools must be stored in individual sealed bags after each use
B. Used implements must be cleaned and disinfected before storage or reuse [CORRECT]
C. Shears must be sterilized in an autoclave after every haircut
D. Tools should be soaked in bleach for 24 hours between clients
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota Rules require that all implements used on clients be cleaned and disinfected with
an EPA-registered disinfectant before storage or reuse to prevent cross-contamination and disease
transmission. Placing used tools with clean tools violates basic infection control. Shears do not require
autoclave sterilization after every use (disinfection is sufficient for non-porous metal implements).
Bleach soaking for 24 hours is excessive and may damage tools; EPA-registered disinfectants have
specific contact times (typically 10 minutes).
Q2: A nail technician in Minnesota is preparing a whirlpool foot spa for a pedicure. According to
Minnesota Board rules, how often must the foot spa be cleaned and disinfected?
A. Only at the end of each day
B. After each client use and at the end of each day [CORRECT]
C. Once per week with a thorough cleaning
D. Only when visibly dirty
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Minnesota Rules require whirlpool foot spas to be cleaned and disinfected after each client
use and given a thorough end-of-day cleaning and disinfection. Between-client cleaning prevents biofilm
formation and pathogen transmission (including Mycobacterium fortuitum). Weekly cleaning is
insufficient. Cleaning only when visibly dirty violates infection control standards. Proper foot spa
maintenance includes draining, scrubbing, disinfecting with an EPA-registered hospital-grade
disinfectant, rinsing, and air drying.
Q3: A salon owner in Minnesota is reviewing disinfectant products. Which requirement must the
disinfectant meet to be compliant with Minnesota Board rules?
A. It must be labeled as "natural" or "organic"
B. It must be EPA-registered as a hospital-grade disinfectant effective against HIV, HBV, and
tuberculocidal agents [CORRECT]
C. It must be homemade using vinegar and essential oils
D. It must be fragrance-free to avoid client allergies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota Rules require use of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants that are effective
against HIV, HBV, and are tuberculocidal (or have equivalent broad-spectrum efficacy). This ensures
adequate destruction of bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents. "Natural" or "organic"
labels do not guarantee efficacy. Homemade disinfectants are not EPA-registered and do not meet
Board standards. Fragrance-free is not a regulatory requirement for disinfectants.
Q4: A cosmetologist in Minnesota has a client with a small cut on the scalp that begins bleeding during a
haircut. Which action is most compliant with Minnesota Board rules and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
Standard?
A. Continue the service and wipe the blood with a dry towel
B. Stop the service, apply first aid using gloves, clean and disinfect the area and tools, and dispose of
contaminated materials in a biohazard container [CORRECT]
C. Apply pressure with bare hands and continue the service
D. Tell the client to wash the cut themselves and reschedule the appointment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exposure to blood requires immediate cessation of the service, application of standard
precautions (gloves), first aid, thorough cleaning and disinfection of contaminated surfaces and
implements with an EPA-registered disinfectant, and proper disposal of contaminated materials in a
biohazard container per OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Continuing service or using bare hands
, risks pathogen transmission. Having the client self-treat violates the duty of care and infection control
responsibilities.
Q5: A salon in Minnesota stores clean towels in a closed cabinet and used towels in an open hamper in
the shampoo area. Which Minnesota Board rule is being followed correctly?
A. Both towel storage methods are compliant
B. Only the clean towel storage is compliant; used towels must be in a covered, labeled container
[CORRECT]
C. Only the used towel storage is compliant; clean towels must be in open air to prevent mold
D. Neither storage method is compliant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota Rules require clean linens to be stored in a clean, closed container or cabinet to
prevent contamination. Used linens must be stored in a covered, labeled container to prevent cross-
contamination and contain soiled materials. An open hamper for used towels allows airborne
contamination and violates infection control standards. Clean towels in a closed cabinet is correct. The
used towel storage must be corrected to a covered container.
Q6: A cosmetologist in Minnesota is performing a facial and needs to extract a comedone. Which
implement handling is most compliant?
A. Use a metal comedone extractor, clean it with soap and water, and reuse on the next client
B. Use a comedone extractor, disinfect it with an EPA-registered disinfectant after use, and store it
properly before reuse [CORRECT]
C. Use a wooden orangewood stick for extraction and discard it after use
D. Use bare fingers to extract the comedone and wash hands afterward
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metal implements such as comedone extractors must be cleaned and disinfected with an
EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant after each client use before storage or reuse. Soap and water
alone is insufficient for disinfection. While single-use wooden sticks are acceptable, they are not
required if metal implements are properly disinfected. Using bare fingers violates infection control
standards and can introduce bacteria into the skin.
Q7: A salon owner in Minnesota is setting up a new workstation. Which requirement must be met
regarding lighting?
