Free Cosmetology practice test
Free Cosmetology 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
How must non-porous tools (shears, combs) be handled after a client before reuse?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Cleaned, then disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant for the required contact time
Why this is correct: Non-porous tools must first be cleaned, then disinfected with an EPA-registered (hospital-grade) disinfectant for the label's contact time.
Safety & Infection Control Question 2 of 20
How must a reusable implement that contacted blood or body fluid be handled?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Cleaned, then disinfected with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal (blood-spill) disinfectant
Why this is correct: After blood/fluid exposure, reusable tools must be cleaned then disinfected with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant (or use single-use items and discard).
Safety & Infection Control Question 3 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 4 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 5 of 20
When picking up an object from the floor, you should bend the knees and lift using the muscles of the:
Check answer
Correct answerA. The legs/thighs (not the back)
Why this is correct: Proper body mechanics: bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with the leg muscles to avoid back injury.
Safety & Infection Control Question 6 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 7 of 20
An organism that lives on or takes nourishment from another living host is called a:
Check answer
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 8 of 20
The device that changes alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) is a:
Check answer
Correct answerA. A rectifier
Why this is correct: A rectifier converts AC to DC — basic electrical-safety knowledge for appliances.
Safety & Infection Control Question 9 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 10 of 20
When bacteria are in the spore stage, they are:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Inactive/dormant and highly resistant
Why this is correct: Spores are a dormant, hard-shelled, highly resistant form, which is why some pathogens are hard to kill.
Safety & Infection Control Question 11 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 12 of 20
When using a UV or light device on a client, the cosmetologist should:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Follow the manufacturer's distance/time and protect the eyes
Why this is correct: UV/light devices can burn skin and harm eyes — always follow the maker's distance/time and shield the eyes.
Safety & Infection Control Question 13 of 20
If a client complains of stinging in a small area during a relaxer, you should:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Immediately rinse the relaxer from that area and follow the manufacturer/safety procedure
Why this is correct: Stinging signals chemical irritation/burn; rinse the product from that area immediately rather than continuing.
Safety & Infection Control Question 14 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 15 of 20
Why should jewelry be removed when using electrical devices on a client?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Metal conducts electricity well and can cause a shock
Why this is correct: Metal jewelry is a conductor and increases shock risk — remove it before using electrical devices.
Safety & Infection Control Question 16 of 20
Vigorously brushing the hair right before a permanent wave can cause:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Scalp irritation/abrasion (risk of chemical burn)
Why this is correct: Vigorous brushing abrades/irritates the scalp; an irritated scalp reacts badly to perm chemicals — avoid it before chemical services.
Safety & Infection Control Question 17 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 18 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 19 of 20
While sectioning the hair during a haircut, how should the shears be held for safety?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Closed and facing the cosmetologist
Why this is correct: When the other hand is working, keep shears closed and pointed toward yourself to avoid injuring the client.
Safety & Infection Control Question 20 of 20
Bacteria are classified by SHAPE: the spiral/corkscrew type (such as syphilis bacteria) are called:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Spirilla (spiral)
Why this is correct: By shape: cocci (round), bacilli (rod), spirilla (spiral). Shape alone does not make a bacterium harmful — that depends on whether the species is pathogenic.
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.