Texas Manicurist Written State Board
Exam 2026/2027: Practice Questions,
Answers & Rationales
What must a licensee know about pathogenic bacteria?
Pathogenic bacteria are harmful and may cause disease. Pathogenic
bacteria are disease-producing microorganisms that can infect clients or
licensees if proper sanitation and disinfection protocols are not followed.
What is the correct way to maintain monomer liquid and polymer
powder nail enhancements?
File the nail and apply a new layer of product. Regular maintenance
involves filing the surface and applying fresh product to fill the regrowth
area and maintain the enhancement's structural integrity.
According to TDLR, a licensed cosmetologist or manicurist is
prohibited from removing calluses using which of the following?
A credo blade. TDLR strictly prohibits the use of credo blades or any razor-
type implements for callus removal as they can cause injury and infection.
According to TDLR, how can ultraviolet electrical sanitizers be used?
As a dry storage container for clean implements. UV sanitizers are approved
for storing disinfected implements, not for the actual disinfection process
itself.
,According to TDLR, what agency bans or deems products as poisonous
or unsafe?
FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The FDA regulates cosmetic products
and can ban or restrict ingredients deemed unsafe for consumer use.
Before applying nail polish, what should be used to eliminate all traces
of oil and lotion?
Polish remover. Nail polish remover effectively removes surface oils and
residues, allowing polish to adhere properly to the nail plate.
What step should be completed immediately before applying
monomer liquid and polymer powder enhancements?
Apply Primer. Primer creates a chemical bond between the natural nail and
the acrylic enhancement, preventing lifting.
According to TDLR, when must multi-use equipment be cleaned and
disinfected?
Prior to each client. Multi-use implements must be cleaned and disinfected
before every use to prevent cross-contamination between clients.
A nail is composed primarily of what substance?
Keratin. Keratin is a hard protein that makes up the nail plate, hair, and skin.
The nail plate is composed of approximately 100 layers of keratinized cells.
What should a licensee do when an asymmetrical mole, containing
many colors is visible on a client's arm?
Refer the client to a physician. Asymmetrical, multicolored moles may
indicate malignant melanoma and should be evaluated by a medical
professional.
What is the purpose of a nail tip position stop?
To guide where to place the nail tip. The position stop creates a shelf or
, guide that ensures consistent and proper placement of nail tips across all
fingers.
How long should gel products be cured in a UV lamp?
Per manufacturer's direction. Curing times vary by product brand and lamp
type; always follow the specific manufacturer's instructions for proper
curing.
A licensee may NOT perform manicuring services for clients with what
condition?
Nail fungus. Fungal infections are contagious and contraindicate nail
services; the client should be referred to a physician.
What should a licensee use to clean a wound during a blood exposure
incident?
Antiseptic. Antiseptic should be applied to clean minor wounds during a
blood exposure incident to prevent infection.
What should be worn when mixing disinfectants?
Safety glasses and gloves. Personal protective equipment must be worn
when handling chemical disinfectants to protect against splashes and skin
contact.
According to TDLR, when does a license expire after being issued?
On the second anniversary of the issue date. Texas manicurist licenses
expire two years from the date of issuance and must be renewed
accordingly.
What should be applied to treat minor cuts?
Antiseptic. Antiseptic is used to clean and treat minor cuts to prevent
infection.
Exam 2026/2027: Practice Questions,
Answers & Rationales
What must a licensee know about pathogenic bacteria?
Pathogenic bacteria are harmful and may cause disease. Pathogenic
bacteria are disease-producing microorganisms that can infect clients or
licensees if proper sanitation and disinfection protocols are not followed.
What is the correct way to maintain monomer liquid and polymer
powder nail enhancements?
File the nail and apply a new layer of product. Regular maintenance
involves filing the surface and applying fresh product to fill the regrowth
area and maintain the enhancement's structural integrity.
According to TDLR, a licensed cosmetologist or manicurist is
prohibited from removing calluses using which of the following?
A credo blade. TDLR strictly prohibits the use of credo blades or any razor-
type implements for callus removal as they can cause injury and infection.
According to TDLR, how can ultraviolet electrical sanitizers be used?
As a dry storage container for clean implements. UV sanitizers are approved
for storing disinfected implements, not for the actual disinfection process
itself.
,According to TDLR, what agency bans or deems products as poisonous
or unsafe?
FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The FDA regulates cosmetic products
and can ban or restrict ingredients deemed unsafe for consumer use.
Before applying nail polish, what should be used to eliminate all traces
of oil and lotion?
Polish remover. Nail polish remover effectively removes surface oils and
residues, allowing polish to adhere properly to the nail plate.
What step should be completed immediately before applying
monomer liquid and polymer powder enhancements?
Apply Primer. Primer creates a chemical bond between the natural nail and
the acrylic enhancement, preventing lifting.
According to TDLR, when must multi-use equipment be cleaned and
disinfected?
Prior to each client. Multi-use implements must be cleaned and disinfected
before every use to prevent cross-contamination between clients.
A nail is composed primarily of what substance?
Keratin. Keratin is a hard protein that makes up the nail plate, hair, and skin.
The nail plate is composed of approximately 100 layers of keratinized cells.
What should a licensee do when an asymmetrical mole, containing
many colors is visible on a client's arm?
Refer the client to a physician. Asymmetrical, multicolored moles may
indicate malignant melanoma and should be evaluated by a medical
professional.
What is the purpose of a nail tip position stop?
To guide where to place the nail tip. The position stop creates a shelf or
, guide that ensures consistent and proper placement of nail tips across all
fingers.
How long should gel products be cured in a UV lamp?
Per manufacturer's direction. Curing times vary by product brand and lamp
type; always follow the specific manufacturer's instructions for proper
curing.
A licensee may NOT perform manicuring services for clients with what
condition?
Nail fungus. Fungal infections are contagious and contraindicate nail
services; the client should be referred to a physician.
What should a licensee use to clean a wound during a blood exposure
incident?
Antiseptic. Antiseptic should be applied to clean minor wounds during a
blood exposure incident to prevent infection.
What should be worn when mixing disinfectants?
Safety glasses and gloves. Personal protective equipment must be worn
when handling chemical disinfectants to protect against splashes and skin
contact.
According to TDLR, when does a license expire after being issued?
On the second anniversary of the issue date. Texas manicurist licenses
expire two years from the date of issuance and must be renewed
accordingly.
What should be applied to treat minor cuts?
Antiseptic. Antiseptic is used to clean and treat minor cuts to prevent
infection.
