Free Nail Technician practice test
Free Nail Technician Practice Test: Safety & Infection Control (2026)
20 questions on Safety & Infection Control, drawn from the written (theory) state board syllabus. Answer them all, then check your score. No account and no card.
Questions 1 to 20
Choose an answer before you open the explanation. Guessing first is what makes the explanation stick.
Safety & Infection Control Question 1 of 20
When should a nail technician check a client's nails for signs of disease or disorder?
Check answer
Correct answerB. During the client consultation
Why this is correct: The technician should examine the nails during the consultation before the service to identify signs of disease, infection, or contraindications.
Safety & Infection Control Question 2 of 20
A client has a small cut that is bleeding on a finger. What should the technician do first?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Stop the service and follow the blood exposure procedure
Why this is correct: When blood is present, stop the service and follow blood exposure procedures, including gloves, disposable supplies, and proper cleaning or disposal.
Safety & Infection Control Question 3 of 20
A client with athlete's foot should not receive which service?
Check answer
Correct answerB. A pedicure
Why this is correct: Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal condition, so the pedicure service should be refused and the client should be referred to a physician.
Safety & Infection Control Question 4 of 20
When bleeding occurs during a nail service, what should the technician do first?
Check answer
Correct answerC. Put on gloves
Why this is correct: The first step is to put on protective gloves, then follow the blood exposure procedure.
Safety & Infection Control Question 5 of 20
Which symptom is an objective sign that can be observed on a client?
Check answer
Correct answerC. Swelling
Why this is correct: An objective sign is something that can be seen, such as swelling, redness, or pus. Subjective symptoms, such as itching or pain, are felt by the client.
Safety & Infection Control Question 6 of 20
When should you not perform a nail service on a client?
Check answer
Correct answerB. An open wound
Why this is correct: Do not perform a service over an open wound because it increases the risk of infection and blood exposure.
Safety & Infection Control Question 7 of 20
A disease transmitted through body fluids such as blood is called what?
Check answer
Correct answerB. A bloodborne disease
Why this is correct: A disease transmitted through blood or certain body fluids is called bloodborne, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.
Safety & Infection Control Question 8 of 20
When using an electric file, what force can affect the arm and wrist?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Torque
Why this is correct: An electric file can create torque that transfers to the wrist and arm, which may contribute to repetitive strain if used improperly.
Safety & Infection Control Question 9 of 20
When should a nail technician ask the client about allergy history?
Check answer
Correct answerB. After the client signs and before the service
Why this is correct: Ask about allergy history after the client signs in and before beginning the service.
Safety & Infection Control Question 10 of 20
What is a contagious or communicable disease?
Check answer
Correct answerB. A disease that can spread from one person to another
Why this is correct: A contagious or communicable disease can spread from one person to another.
Safety & Infection Control Question 11 of 20
A client has signs of infection around the fingernail. What should the technician do?
Check answer
Correct answerD. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician
Why this is correct: If signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or pus are present, refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
Safety & Infection Control Question 12 of 20
The body's resistance to disease is also called what?
Check answer
Correct answerC. Immunity
Why this is correct: The body's ability to resist disease is called immunity.
Safety & Infection Control Question 13 of 20
Which condition should not receive a paraffin wax treatment?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Diabetes
Why this is correct: Clients with diabetes may have poor circulation or reduced sensation and can burn more easily, so hot paraffin service should be avoided unless appropriate clearance or policy allows it.
Safety & Infection Control Question 14 of 20
Which is an example of a systemic infection?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Blood poisoning
Why this is correct: Blood poisoning, or septicemia, is a systemic infection because it spreads throughout the body. A wart or boil is local.
Safety & Infection Control Question 15 of 20
Which type of glove is usually the safest and most appropriate for nail technicians?
Check answer
Correct answerD. Nitrile
Why this is correct: Nitrile gloves resist many salon chemicals, avoid latex allergy concerns, and are preferred when gloves are needed.
Safety & Infection Control Question 16 of 20
What causes AIDS?
Check answer
Correct answerC. A virus
Why this is correct: AIDS is caused by the HIV virus, which can be transmitted through blood and certain body fluids.
Safety & Infection Control Question 17 of 20
A boil is an example of what type of infection?
Check answer
Correct answerC. Local infection
Why this is correct: A boil is a local infection because it is limited to a small area, unlike a systemic infection that spreads throughout the body.
Safety & Infection Control Question 18 of 20
If the nail or skin in the service area is burned, torn, blistered, or infected, what should the client do?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Be referred to a physician
Why this is correct: If the skin or nail shows burns, tears, blisters, or infection, refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
Safety & Infection Control Question 19 of 20
Which client should not receive a paraffin wax service?
Check answer
Correct answerA. A client with diabetes
Why this is correct: Clients with diabetes may have poor circulation or reduced sensation and can burn more easily, so hot paraffin should be avoided unless policy or medical clearance allows it.
Safety & Infection Control Question 20 of 20
What should a nail technician do if the skin around the nail is red and swollen?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Refer the client to a physician
Why this is correct: Red, swollen skin around the nail may indicate infection. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician; nail technicians should not diagnose or medicate.
Practice content notice: These are original study questions, not recalled or official exam items. Exam providers, timing, passing scores, and state-law coverage can change; verify current requirements with your licensing board.