NAIL TECHNICIAN PRACTICE TEST 2025/26
UPDATED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!!
Introduction
This practice test simulates the 2025–2026 Nail Technician state-board licensing
examination. It covers every major domain—nail structure and common disorders,
infection-control science, manicuring/pedicuring protocols, artificial enhancements,
product chemistry, client consultation, and current state regulatory standards. All
questions are original, board-style, and aligned with the most recent sanitation rules
and NIC testing outlines to help candidates reach entry-level licensure competency.
Question 1
The natural nail is primarily composed of which protein?
A. Keratin
B. Collagen
C. Melanin
D. Elastin
Answer: A. Keratin
Solution: Keratin is the fibrous, sulfur-rich protein that forms the hardened nail plate.
Collagen (B) is found in the dermis, melanin (C) provides pigment, and elastin (D) gives
skin elasticity—not present in the nail plate.
Question 2
A client presents with whitish, flaky patches that scrape away easily from the nail plate.
The condition is most likely:
A. Onychomycosis
B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
C. Onychophagy
D. Leukonychia
Answer: A. Onychomycosis
Solution: Superficial white onychomycosis presents as powdery white islands that can
be scraped off. Pseudomonas (B) shows green discoloration; onychophagy (C) is nail-
biting damage; leukonychia (D) is white spots within the plate that do not flake away.
pg. 1
, Question 3
Which implement must be discarded after a single use on one client?
A. Metal cuticle pusher
B. 180-grit nail file block
C. Stainless-steel nippers
D. Reusable orangewood stick
Answer: B. 180-grit nail file block
Solution: Abrasive files and buffers made of paper/foam cannot be disinfected and are
single-use items in most state rules. Metal tools (A, C) and hardwood sticks (D) can be
properly cleaned and disinfected.
Question 4
An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant must remain on a pre-cleaned, non-porous
surface for:
A. The contact time listed on the label
B. Exactly 5 minutes
C. At least 30 seconds
D. Until it appears dry
Answer: A. The contact time listed on the label
Solution: Federal law requires following the exact label contact time (often 2–10 min).
Arbitrary times (B, C, D) may not achieve the claimed log-reduction of pathogens.
Question 5
While disinfecting pedicure basins with whirlpool action, the technician should:
A. Run the disinfectant with jets on for the full contact time
B. Add 50 % alcohol to speed disinfection
C. Rinse with plain water immediately after adding disinfectant
D. Use only barbicide at room temperature regardless of label
Answer: A. Run the disinfectant with jets on for the full contact time
Solution: Whirlpool plumbing harbors biofilm; jets must circulate the solution for the
entire contact time to reach hidden surfaces. Alcohol (B) dilutes and can inactivate
quats; premature rinse (C) shortens exposure; temperature and concentration must
match label (D).
Question 6
A client reports tingling in two fingers immediately after gel-cure under LED lamp. The
nail tech notices product on the proximal skin. The most appropriate action is:
pg. 2
UPDATED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!!
Introduction
This practice test simulates the 2025–2026 Nail Technician state-board licensing
examination. It covers every major domain—nail structure and common disorders,
infection-control science, manicuring/pedicuring protocols, artificial enhancements,
product chemistry, client consultation, and current state regulatory standards. All
questions are original, board-style, and aligned with the most recent sanitation rules
and NIC testing outlines to help candidates reach entry-level licensure competency.
Question 1
The natural nail is primarily composed of which protein?
A. Keratin
B. Collagen
C. Melanin
D. Elastin
Answer: A. Keratin
Solution: Keratin is the fibrous, sulfur-rich protein that forms the hardened nail plate.
Collagen (B) is found in the dermis, melanin (C) provides pigment, and elastin (D) gives
skin elasticity—not present in the nail plate.
Question 2
A client presents with whitish, flaky patches that scrape away easily from the nail plate.
The condition is most likely:
A. Onychomycosis
B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
C. Onychophagy
D. Leukonychia
Answer: A. Onychomycosis
Solution: Superficial white onychomycosis presents as powdery white islands that can
be scraped off. Pseudomonas (B) shows green discoloration; onychophagy (C) is nail-
biting damage; leukonychia (D) is white spots within the plate that do not flake away.
pg. 1
, Question 3
Which implement must be discarded after a single use on one client?
A. Metal cuticle pusher
B. 180-grit nail file block
C. Stainless-steel nippers
D. Reusable orangewood stick
Answer: B. 180-grit nail file block
Solution: Abrasive files and buffers made of paper/foam cannot be disinfected and are
single-use items in most state rules. Metal tools (A, C) and hardwood sticks (D) can be
properly cleaned and disinfected.
Question 4
An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant must remain on a pre-cleaned, non-porous
surface for:
A. The contact time listed on the label
B. Exactly 5 minutes
C. At least 30 seconds
D. Until it appears dry
Answer: A. The contact time listed on the label
Solution: Federal law requires following the exact label contact time (often 2–10 min).
Arbitrary times (B, C, D) may not achieve the claimed log-reduction of pathogens.
Question 5
While disinfecting pedicure basins with whirlpool action, the technician should:
A. Run the disinfectant with jets on for the full contact time
B. Add 50 % alcohol to speed disinfection
C. Rinse with plain water immediately after adding disinfectant
D. Use only barbicide at room temperature regardless of label
Answer: A. Run the disinfectant with jets on for the full contact time
Solution: Whirlpool plumbing harbors biofilm; jets must circulate the solution for the
entire contact time to reach hidden surfaces. Alcohol (B) dilutes and can inactivate
quats; premature rinse (C) shortens exposure; temperature and concentration must
match label (D).
Question 6
A client reports tingling in two fingers immediately after gel-cure under LED lamp. The
nail tech notices product on the proximal skin. The most appropriate action is:
pg. 2
