Prepare for the Nail Technician license exam with these practice questions and answers. This guide covers nail anatomy, product chemistry, application techniques, and safety.
Q: A weekly reconditioning hot oil manicure will benefit client with:a. Dry cuticlesb. Gel nailsc. Paper wrapsd. Arthritis
Answer: Dry Cuticles
Q: The proper way to mix polish is to:a. mix with top coatb. Shake vigorously.c. Tap bottle on tabled. Roll bottle between palms
Answer: Roll bottle between palms
Q: Skin’s outer layer is called the:a. Dermisb. Epidermisc. Subcutaneous tissued. Stratum corneum
Answer: Epidermis
Q: The main part of the nail that is attached to the skin at the tip of the finger is the:a. Nail rootb. Nail bedc. Nail bodyd. Nail fold
Answer: Nail body
Q: Plastic gloves and safety glasses should always be worn when working with:a. Primersb. Gel nailsc. Air brushesd. Acrylic powders
Answer: Primers
Q: Sebum is secreted by:a. Sealsb. Oil glandsc. Arteriesd. Infected skin
Answer: Oil glands
Q: A catalyst is an ingredient which causes a process to:a. Explodeb. Slow downc. Speed upd Ramin static
Answer: Speed up
Q: An accounting service is often used to help salons keep:a. Making a profitb. Accurate financial recordsc. Making loan paymentsd. Tax losses large
Answer: Accurate financial records
Q: To add shine to the nail, use a chamois buffer with pumice power or:a. Waterb. Cuticle oilc. Dry polishd. Cuticle remover
Answer: Dry polish
Q: Chemical storage should be in cool areas and away from:a. Appliance/furnace with pilot lightb. Hair colorsc. Perm solutionsd. Garbage cans
Answer: Hair colors
Q: When applying acrylic over nail tips, you do not need to use a/an:a. Acrylic powderb. Sable brushc. Acrylic liquidd. Nail form
Answer: Nail form
Q: A liquid that kills or retards bacterial growth is a/an:a. Soapb. Solutionc. Antisepticd. Agent
Answer: Antiseptic
Q: Peak and slow months can be determined by reviewing your:a. Monthly recordsb. Tax withholdingc. Customer listd. Supply inventory
Answer: Monthly records
Q: Fabric wraps are not a good service choice for a client whose hands are frequently:a. In gloves.b. Heldc. Photographed.d. In water
Answer: In water
Q: An acquired superficial, round and thickened patch of epidermis due to pressure or friction on the hands or feet is called:a. Coccib. Eczemac. Ketatomad. Flagella
Answer: Ketatoma
Q: Seven years is the amount of time you should keep business records which were used to:a. Pay off loansb. complete tax returnsc. Pay employeesd. Order supplies
Answer: Complete tax returns
Q: Most clients are relaxed by:a. Effleurageb. Clear polish applicationsc. Thumb compressiond. Metatarsal Scissors
Answer: Effleurage
Q: Dry cuticles can cause:a. Nail bitingb. Buffing problemsc. Hangnailsd. Wraps to lift
Answer: Hangnails
Q: A long acrylic nail may be the best choice for a woman who is a:a. Guitar playerb. Pianistc. Gardenerd. Cosmetic salesperson
Answer: Cosmetic salesperson
Q: A primer applied to the natural nail in order for the acrylic product to:a. Dry properlyb. polish easilyc. Adhered. Prevent fungus
Answer: Adhere
Q: Natural nails can be lengthened by adding:a. Artificial tipsb. silk wrapsc. paper wrapsd. nail art
Answer: artificial tips
Q: If a chemical agent gets on your clothing, immediately:a. dab with waterb. blot with towelc. use spot removerd remove garment
Answer: remove garment
Q: To remove gel nails, soak in acetone or:a. alcoholb. dishwashing liquidc. gel removerd. warm water
Answer: gel remover
Q: the “true skin: is the deep layer of skin which is called:a. cuticleb. cutisc. epidermisd. clavicle
Answer: cutis
Q: A client may want to match nails with clothing for a/an:a. special occasionb. few daysc. few weeksd. entire year
Answer: special occasion
Q: a technician who is a good salesperson and a skilled professional will also be:a. artisticb. good receptionistc. good managerd. very successful
Answer: very successful
Q: Expenses are defined as to money you:a. earnb. savec. spendd. donate
Answer: spend
Q: If the nail or skin to be worked on is inflamed, broken swollen or infected, the client must:a. be sanitized with alcoholb. be referred to a physicianc. need a manicured. scrub with soup
Answer: be referred to a physicain
Q: To give sparkle to a nail art design, use:a gemsb metallic polishc. sequinsd. fine buffer block
Answer: gems
Q: the client who wants length without weight should receive:a. paper wrapsb. gel nailsc. linen wrapsd. silk wraps
Answer: gel nails
Q: Most pedicure service are performed by starting with:a. right foot, little toeb. right foot, middle toec. left foot, little toed. left foot, big toe
Answer: left foot, little toe
Q: to make them feel welcome, new clients should:a. greeted by nameb. given salon tourc. escorted to stationd. all the above
Answer: all the above
Q: Formalin contains formaldehyde which causes the following EXCEPT:a. muscle painb. lung irritationc. rashd. skin irritation
Answer: muscle pain
Q: the appearance of a properly applied second coat of gel looks like:a. gelationb. primerc. glossy top coatd. cuticle oil
Answer: glossy top coat
Q: color and gloss is added to the nail through the application of:a. colored polishb. silk wrapc. buffing compoundd. mending liquid
Answer: colored polish
Q: Nails which are thin, white and curved over the free edge are called:a. furrowedb. normalc. eggshelld. dry
Answer: eggshell
Q: This layer of the epidermis has cells that look like granules:a. stratum corneumb. stratum mucosumc. stratum lucidumd. stratum granulosum
Answer: stratum granulosum
Q: The tacky feel of the surface of odorless acrylic nail indicates the nail are:a. oldb. separating from nail platec. dryd needing a fill
Answer: dry
Q: Clear, white and pink are color of:a. acrylic powderb. sable brushesc. toe separatorsd. paper towels
Answer: acrylic powder
Q: it is dangerous to judge if a chemical is safe by its:a. labelb. odorc. ingredientsd. MSDS
Answer: odor
Q: Prevent chemical accidents by never using a product if the container is not:a. sealedb. sanitizedc. fulld. labeled
Answer: labeled
Q: a common condition in which the cuticle around the nail splits is known as:a. Hangnailsb. skin overgrowthc. nail crackd. callus
Answer: hangnails
Q: On an annual basic, the nail care industry annually does this much business:a. $3 billionb. $5 millionc. $2 billiond. $10 million
Answer: $2 billion
Q: to draw with an airbrush, you need to use a/an:a. orangewood stickb. design toolc. sponged. nail pen
Answer: design tool
Q: a client with athlete’s foot may not receive:a. a pedicureb. foot massagec. colored polishd. pedicure slippers
Answer: a pedicure
Q: Your personal problems should always be:a. shared with coworkersb. shared with clientsc. left at homed. told to the boss
Answer: left at home
Q: An example of an employee benefit would be any of the following EXCEPT:a. medical insuranceb. life insurance.c. paid parking spaced. earn minimun wage
Answer: earn minimum wage
Q: the number of known elements is:a. 96b. 106c. 101d. 108
Answer: 106
Q: Eyes can be damaged by improperly shielded:a. ultraviolet lampsb. fingerbowlsc. polishd. autoclaves
Answer: ultraviolet lamps
Q: foot files are used to remove:a. wartsb. hangnailsc. callus growthsd fungus
Answer: callus growths
Q: Client service records are usually kept on:a. Pink paperb. blue paperc. triplicate formsd. index cards
Answer: index cards
Q: to prevent contamination of the disinfectant, disinfection containers should be kept:a. warmb. coveredc. coldd. in cupboards
Answer: covered
Q: the most common nail shape for male clients is:a. squareb. ovalc. roundd. pointed
Answer: round
Q: cuticle pushers are also known as:a. nippersb. oilsc. emery boardsd. steel pushers
Answer: steel pushers
Q: Unsanitary implements can cause these nail disorders:a. onychomycosisb. moldc. onychia and paronychiad. nevus
Answer: onychia and paronychia
Q: the verve which supplies impulses to the top of the foot is the:a. dorsalb. digitalc. saphenousd. ulnar
Answer: dorsal
Q: linen wraps are the:a. hardes to dob. easiest to rip or tearc. most popular wrapd. hardest to maintian
Answer: most popular wrap
Q: to protect hands and nails when doing housework, clients should wear:a. silicone lotionb. rubber glovesc. clear polishd. dust mask
Answer: rubber gloves
Q: bacilli and spirilla propel themselves with hairlike projections known as:a. flagellab. propellantsc. mitosisd. cocci
Answer: flagella
Q: the technical name for callus is:a. freckleb. stratum lucidumc. keratomad. mole
Answer: keratoma
Q: after removing an artificial nail, any remaining glue residue is removed by using a/an:a. emery boardb. oily removerc. steel pusherd. fine buffer block
Answer: fine buffer block
Q: Mending liquid is a heavy adhesive used to apply:a. silk wrapsb. paper wrapsc. linen wrapsc. nail gems
Answer: paper wraps
Q: the best way to protect yourself and your clients against infection is to always:a. ask if they have an infectionb. wear masksc. sanitize implements properlyd. sit at arm’s length
Answer: sanitize implements properly
Q: the hardening process in acrylic nails is known as:a. catalystb. polymerizationc. curingd. monomer
Answer: curing
Q: Learning about other services offered at the salon, such as hair and skin care, and then telling your clients about them, is called salon:a. perfomanceb. showoffc. networkingd. promotion
Answer: promotion
Q: tanning is caused by exposing skin to the sun’s:a. ultraviolet raysb. keratomac. vitamin dd carotene
Answer: ultraviolet rays
Q: always refuse service and refer a client to a physician if they have a skin or nail:a. hangnailb. inflammationc. bruised. callus
Answer: inflammation
Q: the opaqueness of linen wraps requires that they be covered with:a. glitterb. mending tissuec. clear polishd. colored polish
Answer: colored polish
Q: liquid nail wrap is used to:a. speed silk wrap procedureb. preserve nail artc. strengthen natural naild. cover fungi
Answer: strengthen natural nail
Q: in order to have a good working relationship with coworkers, you shoulda. respect their opinionsb. use deodorantc. buy their lunchd. point out mistakes
Answer: respect their opinions
Q: Insomnia, watery eyes and sluggishness are symptoms of chemical:a. overexposureb. inhalationc. burnd. poisioning
Answer: overexposure
Q: A repair patch is a piece of fabric cut to:a. nail’s shapeb. look like a daisyc. completely cover crack or breakd. 1/2 inch by 1/2 ich
Answer: completely cover crack or break
Q: Non-acetone remover is used to remove polish from:a. hangnailsb. artificial tipsc. toenailsd. accidental spills on clothing
Answer: artificial tips
Q: when conditions are unfavorable for reproduction, bacteria will go dormant after forming a tough covering called a:a. shellb. mitosisc. spored. flagella
Answer: spore
Q: the movements of the body are controlled by the:a. efferent nervesb. peripheral systemc. bloodd. central nervous system
Answer: central nervous system
Q: hypoallergenic products are used for the client’s:a. pharmacistb. skin cancerc. safetyd. acne
Answer: safety
Q: Soft or fragile nails should be filed using a/an:a. emery boardb. metal nail filec. chamois bufferd. nail brush
Answer: emery board
Q: soaking in water hardens:a. acrylic ballsb. rhinestone applicationc. no-light gelsd. acrylic residue
Answer: no-light gels
Q: in acrylic applications, the edge is formed with the:a. first acrylic ballb. third acrylic ballc. nail filed. second acrylic ball
Answer: first acrylic ball
Q: the french manicure look can be created though the:a. one-color acrylic methodb. proper dietc. proper buffing techniquesd. two-color acrylic method
Answer: two-color acrylic method
Q: if the nail tip covers the nail plate from sidewall to sidewall, it is:a. too wideb. properly sizedc. too longd. too narrow
Answer: properly sized
Q: An emery board is an example of an item that is:a. wet sanitizedb. heat sanitizedc. disposabled. purchased individually
Answer: disposable
Q: the muscles which can cause goose bumps are called the:a. arrector pilib. papillaec. goosli musclesd lesion
Answer: arrector pili
Q: Massage, nerve impulses and light rays are some of the ways to stimulate:a. phalangesb. musclesc. sanitationd. eyes
Answer: muscles
Q: Your sense of right and wrong when you interact with clients, employer and coworkers is called:a. honestyb. professional ethicsc. moral valuesd. moodiness
Answer: professional ethics
Q: The recommended maintenance schedule for.al acrylic nails is every:a. monthb. two to three weeksc. dayd. six months
Answer: two to three weeks
Q: Sculptured nails are also known as:a. acrylic nailsb. manicured nailsc. nail wrapsd. extra long nails
Answer: acrylic nails
Q: the condition in which the nail loosens from the nail bed is:a. paronychiab. oncophagyc. onychiad. onycholysis
Answer: onycholysis
Q: natural immunity is obtained by keeping the body:a. warmb. healthyc. underweightd. overweight
Answer: healthy
Q: the manicure table should have a bulb of this wattage in the lamp:a. 60b. 100c. 40d. 150
Answer: 40
Q: a client consultation is the conversation you have with the client before:a. starting the serviceb. they make appointmentc. they payd. they buy retail products
Answer: starting the service
Q: This medical specialty focuses on skin problems:a. cardiologyb. dermatologyc. estheticsd. podiatry
Answer: dermatology
Q: This activity is dangerous around nail chemicalsa. gossipingb. chewing gumc. talking loudlyd. smoking
Answer: smoking
Q: bacteria can be found nearly every where; there are this many known types:a. 15,000b. 5,000c. 10,000d. 1,500
Answer: 1,500
Q: all living things are made up of this basic unit, called the:a. cellb. proteinc. nucleusd. beta blocker
Answer: cell
Q: By understanding body structure, you will be more proficient when doing:a. fiber wrapsb. basic manicuresc. pedicuresd. hand & arm massage
Answer: hand & arm massage
Q: state regulators expect a salon environment to be:a. sterileb. infectiousc. decoratived. sanitary
Answer: sanitary
Q: a condition in which white spots appear on the nails is called:a. leukonychiab. atrophyc. nevusd. super atrophy
Answer: leukonychia
Q: Liquid acrylic is a type of:a. polymerb. monomerc. catalystd. curing
Answer: monomer
Q: ultraviolet radiation is harmful to:a. bonesb. nail polishc. eyesd. acrylic tips
Answer: eyes
Q: Gel nails stay the same color until:a. removedb. water curedc. buffedd. filed
Answer: removed
Q: Skin that is red and sore is called:a. healthyb. infectedc. inflamedd. circulated
Answer: inflamed
Q: Always begin a manicure by working with the client’s hand that is:a. not the favored oneb. favored onec. in worse shaped. closest
Answer: not the favored one
Q: Until you become accustomed to applying sculptured nails, support your work in progress by using two:a. brushesb. nail formsc. coats of top coatd. acrylic colors
Answer: nail forms
Q: to avoid smearing polish, especially in a pedicure application, the top coat should be followed by:a. nail strengthenerb. a second top coatc. hot blowing aird. instant nail dry
Answer: instant nail dry
Q: the excess skin beneath a toenail’s free may be softened by using:a. alchoholb. silicone lotionc. cuticle solventd. polish remover
Answer: cuticle solvent
Q: the long, slender bones of the foot are called:a. metatarsalsb. cartilagec. ligamentsd. phalnges
Answer: metatarsals
Q: Tuberculocidal disinfectants required to clean:a. toilet seatsb. visible blood spillsc. bathroom floord. cuticle nippers
Answer: visible blood spills
Q: the client’s circulation is stimulated by:a. massageb. tip applicationc. buffingd. filing
Answer: massage
Q: questions about a client’s job are part of the:a. health informationb. service recordc. friendship processd. client profile
Answer: client profile
Q: the epidermis contains no:a. cellsb. blood vesselsc. nervesd. keratin
Answer: blood vessels
Q: Crack repair of an acrylic nail is performed using:a. silk wrapb. mending tissuec. acrylicd. clear polish
Answer: acrylic
Q: Only half of the nail plate should be covered by a/an:a. glitter polish applicationb. artificial nail tipc. french manicure polishd. buffer bock
Answer: artificial nail tip
Q: circular movements in the palm is a massage technique known as:a. effleurageb. tappingc. friction massaged. joint relaxer movements
Answer: effleurage
Q: The service of trimming, shaping and polishing toenails, as well as performing foot massage, is called:a. podiatryb. manicuringc. pedicuringd. filing
Answer: pedicuring
Q: this substance can be found in the stratum germinative layer of the epidermis:a. elasticityb. moldc. herpers simplexd. melanin
Answer: melanin
Q: An advantage of quats as a sanitation agent is their:a. stabilityb. weak solutionc. odord. bacteria
Answer: stablility
Q: the half-moon shape at the base of the nail is called the:a. mantleb. matrixc. lunulad. groove
Answer: lunula
Q: By spraying the client’s nails with water, you can reduce the heat generated during:a. buffingb. acrylic removalc. polishingd. filing
Answer: buffing
Q: Rotation of elbow is a type of:a. chiropractic manipulationb. friction massage movementc. effleuraged. relaxer movement
Answer: friction massage movement
Q: a temporary artificial nail service is a:a. mending jobb. demonstration servicec. tip with no overlayd. tip applied with water glue
Answer: tip with no overlay
Q: an air brush can be used with colored polish in art to create:a. shades and texturesb. quick designsc. translucent applicationsd. gel nails base
Answer: shades and textures
Q: The slits or tracks in the nail bed at the sides of the nail on which the nail growth are called:a. slimsb. railsc. groovesd. furrows
Answer: grooves
Q: An easy way for a nail technician to earn additional income is through:a. retail salesb. double-booking clientsc. cleaning housesd. changing profession
Answer: retail sales
Q: metatarsal scissors is a massage movement which promotes:a. blood flow to neckb. blood flow to legsc. cutting abilityd. flexibilty
Answer: flexibility
Q: the fingerbowl used during a manicure contains water and:a. alchoholb. antibacterial soapc. fungicided. fumigants
Answer: antibacterial soap
Q: to speed the filling of long nails, first shorten them with a:a. nail bufferb. metal nail filec. fingernail clipperd. emery board
Answer: fingernail clipper
Q: income is the:a. money you makeb. incoming clientc. money you spendd. taxes due
Answer: money you make
Q: Honesty is the policy when dealing with a client’s:a. polishb. objectionsc. nail filed. pedicure
Answer: objections
Q: the clicking sound made by gently tapping the brush handle on an applied acrylic nail indicates the nails are:a. dryb. crackingc. newd. needing replacing
Answer: dry
Q: the production of nail cells occurs in the nail:a. rootb. bedc. matrixd. cuticle
Answer: matrix
Q: No backup when you are gone is a disadvantage of working in:a. nails-only salonb. full-service salonc. your own salond. selected areas
Answer: full-service salon
Q: Gel nails are applied by brushing the gel onto the:a. lunulab. cuticlec. entire naild. primer
Answer: entire nail
Q: acrylic nails must be removed by soaking fingertips in:a. acetoneb. baby oilc. cuticle removerd. alchohol
Answer: acetone
Q: the practice of offering only selected clients reduced prices should be:a. done discreetlyb. a weekly ritualc. encouragedd avoided
Answer: avoided
Q: a light-colored, slightly raised mark on the skin formed after an injury or lesion of the skin has healed is call a/an:a. scarb. scratchc. abrasiond. callus
Answer: scar
Q: a written description of services and prices is called the:a. job descriptionb. promotions adc. service listd. contract
Answer: service list
Q: Clear cells are found in the skin layer called:a. stratum corneumb. Stratum lucidumc. melanind. stratum mucosum
Answer: Stratum lucidum
Q: another name for hives is:a hornetsb. melanomac. keratomad. wheals
Answer: wheals
Q: net income is the money you make less all your:a. expensesb. groceriesc. clothesd. income
Answer: expenses
Q: onyx is the technical term for:a. hairb. skinc. nailsd. eyes
Answer: nails
Q: the muscle which turns the hand outward so the palm faces upward is called the:a. terminatorb. supinatorc. pronatord. fibula
Answer: supinator
Q: because of the chemical hazards, a child present at your work station should be properly:a. supervisedb. fedc. restedd. clothes
Answer: supervised
Q: the large, thick triangular muscle that covers the shoulder and lifts and turns the arm is called the:a. armatureb. turnerc. chloasmad. deltoid
Answer: deltoid
Q: a good way to develop a steady clientele is to ask clients, before they leave the salon, to:a. buy retailb. make another appointmentc. wash handsd. select polish
Answer: make another appointment
Q: Short and natural-looking is the best nail choice for a person who is a:a. computer operatorb. telephone receptionistc. pianistd. stockbroker
Answer: pianist
Q: consumable supplies are the supplies used to:a. provide servicesb. give as samplesc. stock retail kitsd. eat lunch
Answer: provide services
Q: Odorless acrylics are self-leveling, which means they require less:a. productb. brushingc. shapingd. buffing
Answer: shaping
Q: the polish top coat should be tacky when these are applied:a. tipsb. paper wrapsc. gel nailsd. gems
Answer: gems
Q: a second coat of products is often unnecessary when applying:a. colored lacquerb. no-light gelsc. light-cured gelsd. acrylic nails
Answer: no-light gels