Milady Nail Technology Program Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of proper sanitation in a nail salon?
A. To improve product performance
B. To prevent the spread of infectious disease
C. To increase nail growth rate
D. To enhance nail polish durability
Proper sanitation is essential in preventing the transmission of
bacteria, fungi, and viruses between clients and technicians.
2. Which level of decontamination kills all living organisms including
spores?
A. Sanitation
B. Disinfection
C. Sterilization
D. Antiseptic cleaning
, Sterilization eliminates all microbial life, including resistant spores,
making it the highest level of decontamination.
3. What is the correct first step before disinfecting metal implements?
A. Soaking in acetone
B. Cleaning with soap and water
C. UV exposure
D. Applying alcohol spray
Cleaning removes visible debris and oils, allowing disinfectants to
work effectively.
4. Which structure is responsible for nail growth?
A. Nail plate
B. Cuticle
C. Matrix
D. Lunula
The matrix produces new nail cells that push forward to form the nail
plate.
5. What is the visible portion of the natural nail called?
A. Nail bed
B. Nail root
C. Nail plate
D. Eponychium
The nail plate is the hard, visible keratin structure commonly referred
to as the nail.
,6. Which condition is characterized by fungal infection of the nail?
A. Onychocryptosis
B. Paronychia
C. Onychomycosis
D. Leukonychia
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that causes thickened,
discolored, and brittle nails.
7. What is the function of the cuticle?
A. Produces nail cells
B. Anchors nail plate to bone
C. Seals the space between nail plate and skin
D. Provides nail color
The cuticle protects the matrix by sealing the area between the nail
plate and surrounding skin.
8. Which tool is used to shape artificial nails?
A. Buffer block
B. Nail brush
C. File
D. Cuticle oil brush
Files are used to shape and refine both natural and artificial nails.
9. What is the correct pH range of healthy skin?
A. 10–12
B. 1–3
, C. 4.5–5.5
D. 7–8
Healthy skin is slightly acidic, helping protect against microbial
growth.
10. What does PPE stand for?
A. Professional Product Equipment
B. Public Protection Evaluation
C. Personal Protective Equipment
D. Personal Procedure Essentials
PPE refers to items such as gloves and masks used to protect
technicians and clients from exposure.
11. Which disease is caused by a virus affecting the skin around the
nail?
A. Tinea pedis
B. Onychomycosis
C. Herpes simplex
D. Impetigo
Herpes simplex is a viral infection that can affect skin and nail areas
causing painful lesions.
12. What is the function of the nail bed?
A. Produces cuticle oil
B. Supports the nail plate and supplies nutrients
C. Hardens the nail surface
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of proper sanitation in a nail salon?
A. To improve product performance
B. To prevent the spread of infectious disease
C. To increase nail growth rate
D. To enhance nail polish durability
Proper sanitation is essential in preventing the transmission of
bacteria, fungi, and viruses between clients and technicians.
2. Which level of decontamination kills all living organisms including
spores?
A. Sanitation
B. Disinfection
C. Sterilization
D. Antiseptic cleaning
, Sterilization eliminates all microbial life, including resistant spores,
making it the highest level of decontamination.
3. What is the correct first step before disinfecting metal implements?
A. Soaking in acetone
B. Cleaning with soap and water
C. UV exposure
D. Applying alcohol spray
Cleaning removes visible debris and oils, allowing disinfectants to
work effectively.
4. Which structure is responsible for nail growth?
A. Nail plate
B. Cuticle
C. Matrix
D. Lunula
The matrix produces new nail cells that push forward to form the nail
plate.
5. What is the visible portion of the natural nail called?
A. Nail bed
B. Nail root
C. Nail plate
D. Eponychium
The nail plate is the hard, visible keratin structure commonly referred
to as the nail.
,6. Which condition is characterized by fungal infection of the nail?
A. Onychocryptosis
B. Paronychia
C. Onychomycosis
D. Leukonychia
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that causes thickened,
discolored, and brittle nails.
7. What is the function of the cuticle?
A. Produces nail cells
B. Anchors nail plate to bone
C. Seals the space between nail plate and skin
D. Provides nail color
The cuticle protects the matrix by sealing the area between the nail
plate and surrounding skin.
8. Which tool is used to shape artificial nails?
A. Buffer block
B. Nail brush
C. File
D. Cuticle oil brush
Files are used to shape and refine both natural and artificial nails.
9. What is the correct pH range of healthy skin?
A. 10–12
B. 1–3
, C. 4.5–5.5
D. 7–8
Healthy skin is slightly acidic, helping protect against microbial
growth.
10. What does PPE stand for?
A. Professional Product Equipment
B. Public Protection Evaluation
C. Personal Protective Equipment
D. Personal Procedure Essentials
PPE refers to items such as gloves and masks used to protect
technicians and clients from exposure.
11. Which disease is caused by a virus affecting the skin around the
nail?
A. Tinea pedis
B. Onychomycosis
C. Herpes simplex
D. Impetigo
Herpes simplex is a viral infection that can affect skin and nail areas
causing painful lesions.
12. What is the function of the nail bed?
A. Produces cuticle oil
B. Supports the nail plate and supplies nutrients
C. Hardens the nail surface
