Free Barber practice test
Free Barber Practice Test: Safety & Infection Control
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
What does a product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) tell you?
Check answer
Correct answerB. The product's ingredients, safe handling, first aid, and spill procedures
Why this is correct: The SDS (formerly MSDS) from the manufacturer lists ingredients, hazards, safe handling/storage, and first aid — salons must keep it accessible to staff.
Safety & Infection Control Question 2 of 20
To help prevent chemically burning the skin during a permanent wave, the cosmetologist should:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Use a protective barrier (cotton/cream) and replace cotton once it becomes saturated
Why this is correct: A protective barrier keeps chemicals off the skin; saturated cotton must be replaced immediately or it can cause a chemical burn.
Safety & Infection Control Question 3 of 20
When lifting a safely manageable object, which practice reduces leverage on the back?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Keep the load close and avoid twisting
Why this is correct: Keep the load close and turn with your feet instead of twisting.
Safety & Infection Control Question 4 of 20
A bacterium (microbe) is made up of how many cells?
Check answer
Correct answerA. One cell
Why this is correct: Bacteria are one-celled (single-cell) microorganisms — foundational infection-control knowledge.
Safety & Infection Control Question 5 of 20
An organism that lives on or takes nourishment from another living host is called a:
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Correct answerA. A parasite
Why this is correct: A parasite lives off a host; some disease-causing microbes are parasitic — a basis of infection control.
Safety & Infection Control Question 6 of 20
Saturated steam sterilizes objects using:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Moist heat
Why this is correct: An autoclave uses saturated steam (moist heat) to sterilize; in salons, most tools need proper EPA disinfection per state law.
Safety & Infection Control Question 7 of 20
How do you know the correct dilution and contact time for a salon disinfectant?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Follow the EPA-registered product's label directions
Why this is correct: Dilution and contact time vary by product — always follow the EPA-registered disinfectant's label; there is no single universal number.
Safety & Infection Control Question 8 of 20
A client reports burning during a relaxer service. How should you respond?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Stop the service, rinse off the product per first-aid directions and seek medical help when needed
Why this is correct: Stop processing and remove the product following its first-aid directions/SDS; do not continue on burning skin.
Safety & Infection Control Question 9 of 20
To disinfect salon tools and surfaces between clients, you should:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant according to its label
Why this is correct: Modern standard: use an EPA-registered disinfectant per its label (dilution + contact time); old alcohol 'equivalences' are misleading.
Safety & Infection Control Question 10 of 20
When shampooing before a Framesi Waving System service, how should the scalp be handled?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Do not massage the scalp during preparation washing
Why this is correct: Framesi Texture Technical Manual, PDF page 17, step 1 directs washing without scalp massage, then towel-drying. This tests preparation for Waving System, not a rule to omit massage from every shampoo service.
Safety & Infection Control Question 11 of 20
Cosmetics and salon products must be stored in:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Covered, labeled containers (as required)
Why this is correct: Products belong in covered, labeled containers to prevent contamination/mix-ups/evaporation — a sanitation rule (varies by state).
Safety & Infection Control Question 12 of 20
If cold wave (perm) lotion accidentally drips onto the skin of the face or neck, you should:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Wash it off immediately with cool water
Why this is correct: Chemical on skin should be rinsed off immediately with cool water per the SDS; applying more chemicals to the skin is wrong.
Safety & Infection Control Question 13 of 20
The bacterium causing syphilis belongs to which flexible, motile spiral-shaped group?
Check answer
Correct answerC. Spirochetes
Why this is correct: Treponema pallidum is a spirochete. The syphilis example should not equate spirochetes with spirilla; these groups differ, including their motility structures.
Safety & Infection Control Question 14 of 20
In infection-control terminology, what does pathogenic mean?
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Correct answerA. Disease-causing microbes
Why this is correct: Pathogenic means disease-causing. Not all microbes are harmful; only the pathogenic ones are pathogens — infection control targets these.
Safety & Infection Control Question 15 of 20
The most important personal infection-control practice a professional must do BETWEEN clients is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Wash/sanitize hands and disinfect implements
Why this is correct: Proper hand hygiene and disinfecting implements between clients is the core anti-transmission measure; old dress-code rules (white shoes/uniform) do not replace it.
Safety & Infection Control Question 16 of 20
You must not massage or service a client's skin or scalp when the area is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Infected or broken
Why this is correct: Infected or broken skin/scalp is a CONTRAINDICATION: do not service it to avoid spreading or worsening it; refer the client to a physician.
Safety & Infection Control Question 17 of 20
Handwashing and personal cleanliness to reduce disease spread are examples of what practice?
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Correct answerA. Hygiene
Why this is correct: These are hygiene practices, beyond appearance alone.
Safety & Infection Control Question 18 of 20
If your hand has an open crack/fissure, to protect both you and the client you should:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Cover the wound and wear gloves
Why this is correct: Per standard precautions: cover the open wound and wear gloves to form a two-way barrier against infection; if the wound is serious, stop that service.
Safety & Infection Control Question 19 of 20
How should salon towels be handled after laundering?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Washed with detergent, thoroughly dried, and stored clean/covered according to state rules
Why this is correct: Exact laundering temperatures can be state-specific; the safer national concept is clean laundering, complete drying, and sanitary storage.
Safety & Infection Control Question 20 of 20
What is an antiseptic used for in salon services?
Check answer
Correct answerB. To reduce microorganisms on living skin when appropriate
Why this is correct: Antiseptics are used on living tissue. Implements and surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected with proper products, not treated with skin antiseptic.
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.