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Nail Technician Written Exam Practice Test

Infection control, nail structure and growth, nail diseases and disorders, manicuring, pedicuring, and nail enhancements for nail technician written exams.

192 questions · 6 topics · free, no sign-up

Mixed practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

Timed mock exam

50 questions in 60 minutes, drawn from every topic. No answers shown until the end, then a score, your weakest topics and a review of what you missed.

Practise by topic

Sample questions

What is the lunula?

  1. The fold of skin running along each side of the plate
  2. The dead tissue that clings to the surface of the plate
  3. The visible part of the matrix at the base of the plate
  4. The living skin that seals the underside of the free edge
Show the answer

C. The visible part of the matrix at the base of the plate

The lunula is the whitish half-moon where the front of the matrix shows through the nail plate. The seal under the free edge is the hyponychium, a different structure.

Reference: Nail technology theory: nail structure and growth

Which initiator is blended into polymer powder to start the reaction with monomer liquid?

  1. Benzoyl peroxide
  2. Nitrocellulose
  3. Sodium hydroxide
  4. Ethyl acetate
Show the answer

A. Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide in the powder breaks apart to supply the energy that starts the chain reaction. Nitrocellulose is the film former in nail polish and plays no part in this reaction.

Reference: Nail technology theory: monomer liquid and polymer powder chemistry

What are Beau's lines?

  1. Dark bands running from the base to the free edge
  2. Depressions running across the width of the plate
  3. Ridges running the length of the nail plate
  4. White spots scattered over the nail plate
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B. Depressions running across the width of the plate

Beau's lines are horizontal grooves that form when illness or injury briefly slows the matrix. Lengthwise ridges are a different and usually harmless finding.

Reference: Nail technology theory: nail disorders and diseases

How much of the natural nail plate should a nail tip cover at most?

  1. One-half
  2. Three-quarters
  3. One-tenth
  4. The whole plate
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A. One-half

The contact area should never cover more than half of the natural plate; covering more weakens the bond and puts more adhesive on the nail than needed. One-tenth would give too little surface to hold the tip.

Reference: Nail technology theory: nail tips and wraps

A metal nipper has just been used on a client. What must be done before it is immersed in disinfectant?

  1. Wipe it with a dry towel to remove any loose filings
  2. Place it under a UV light for ten minutes
  3. Spray it with alcohol and let it air dry
  4. Scrub it with soap and water, rinse and dry it
Show the answer

D. Scrub it with soap and water, rinse and dry it

Disinfectants cannot work through debris, so the implement is first scrubbed with soap or detergent and a brush, rinsed and dried. A dry wipe leaves residue behind that shields microbes and can weaken the disinfectant solution.

Reference: Nail technology theory: infection control principles and practices

Exams this helps with

ExamWho runs itWhere
Nail technician written readyNIC, state boardsUnited States (varies by state)

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