January 2026 | Cosmetology safety &
sanitation exam PreP – state Board
infeCtion Control, Hygiene & WorkPlaCe
safety | ComPlete PraCtiCe Questions WitH
Verified ansWers | uPdated 2025–2026
edition | HigH-yield study guide for
Cosmetology liCensing, state Board
ComPlianCe & safety exam suCCess
,Question 1
What is the primary purpose of using disinfectants in a salon environment?
A) To enhance the smell of the salon
B) To kill microorganisms on surfaces
C) To prevent hair from tangling
D) To accelerate drying time
Correct Option: B) To kill microorganisms on surfaces
Rationale: Disinfectants are specifically formulated to eliminate bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and other pathogens from non-porous surfaces, ensuring a safe environment for
both clients and employees. Proper disinfection is crucial to prevent the spread of
infections in a salon.
Question 2
Which of the following is a critical component of sanitation in a cosmetology
setting?
A) Regular vacuuming of the floor
B) Proper storage of tools in a drawer
C) Handwashing with soap and water
D) Using paper towels instead of cloth towels
Correct Option: C) Handwashing with soap and water
Rationale: Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens
among clients and service providers. It is essential for maintaining personal hygiene and
reducing the likelihood of transmitting infections in the salon.
Question 3
When should tools and equipment be sanitized in a salon?
A) At the end of each day
B) Before each use on a new client
C) Only when visibly dirty
D) Once a week
Correct Option: B) Before each use on a new client
Rationale: Tools and equipment must be sanitized before each use on a new client to
prevent cross-contamination and ensure safety. This practice is essential for upholding
sanitation standards and protecting clients from infections.
, Question 4
Which of the following is considered a biohazard in a salon?
A) Used paper towels
B) Hair clippings
C) Blood-stained materials
D) Empty product containers
Correct Option: C) Blood-stained materials
Rationale: Blood and other potentially infectious materials are classified as biohazards
and require special handling and disposal procedures. Proper training in dealing with
biohazards is essential to protect both clients and salon staff from health risks.
Question 5
What is the best method for storing clean tools and implements?
A) Open baskets on shelves
B) Sealed containers with proper labeling
C) Under the sink in the back room
D) In a drawer marked 'clean'
Correct Option: B) Sealed containers with proper labeling
Rationale: Storing clean tools and implements in sealed containers prevents
contamination and ensures the tools remain sterile until they are needed. Proper
labeling also helps in organizing the tools effectively and preventing mix-ups between
clean and dirty items.
Question 6
What ingredient in a disinfectant is most effective against bacteria?
A) Alcohol
B) Hydrogen Peroxide
C) Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
D) Bleach
Correct Option: C) Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Rationale: Quatsenium compounds are widely used in salons due to their effectiveness
against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They also maintain activity in
the presence of organic matter, which is crucial for salon environments.
Question 7
How should sharp implements like razors or scissors be disposed of?
sanitation exam PreP – state Board
infeCtion Control, Hygiene & WorkPlaCe
safety | ComPlete PraCtiCe Questions WitH
Verified ansWers | uPdated 2025–2026
edition | HigH-yield study guide for
Cosmetology liCensing, state Board
ComPlianCe & safety exam suCCess
,Question 1
What is the primary purpose of using disinfectants in a salon environment?
A) To enhance the smell of the salon
B) To kill microorganisms on surfaces
C) To prevent hair from tangling
D) To accelerate drying time
Correct Option: B) To kill microorganisms on surfaces
Rationale: Disinfectants are specifically formulated to eliminate bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and other pathogens from non-porous surfaces, ensuring a safe environment for
both clients and employees. Proper disinfection is crucial to prevent the spread of
infections in a salon.
Question 2
Which of the following is a critical component of sanitation in a cosmetology
setting?
A) Regular vacuuming of the floor
B) Proper storage of tools in a drawer
C) Handwashing with soap and water
D) Using paper towels instead of cloth towels
Correct Option: C) Handwashing with soap and water
Rationale: Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens
among clients and service providers. It is essential for maintaining personal hygiene and
reducing the likelihood of transmitting infections in the salon.
Question 3
When should tools and equipment be sanitized in a salon?
A) At the end of each day
B) Before each use on a new client
C) Only when visibly dirty
D) Once a week
Correct Option: B) Before each use on a new client
Rationale: Tools and equipment must be sanitized before each use on a new client to
prevent cross-contamination and ensure safety. This practice is essential for upholding
sanitation standards and protecting clients from infections.
, Question 4
Which of the following is considered a biohazard in a salon?
A) Used paper towels
B) Hair clippings
C) Blood-stained materials
D) Empty product containers
Correct Option: C) Blood-stained materials
Rationale: Blood and other potentially infectious materials are classified as biohazards
and require special handling and disposal procedures. Proper training in dealing with
biohazards is essential to protect both clients and salon staff from health risks.
Question 5
What is the best method for storing clean tools and implements?
A) Open baskets on shelves
B) Sealed containers with proper labeling
C) Under the sink in the back room
D) In a drawer marked 'clean'
Correct Option: B) Sealed containers with proper labeling
Rationale: Storing clean tools and implements in sealed containers prevents
contamination and ensures the tools remain sterile until they are needed. Proper
labeling also helps in organizing the tools effectively and preventing mix-ups between
clean and dirty items.
Question 6
What ingredient in a disinfectant is most effective against bacteria?
A) Alcohol
B) Hydrogen Peroxide
C) Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
D) Bleach
Correct Option: C) Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Rationale: Quatsenium compounds are widely used in salons due to their effectiveness
against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They also maintain activity in
the presence of organic matter, which is crucial for salon environments.
Question 7
How should sharp implements like razors or scissors be disposed of?
