Nail Technician Exam Practice Test

• Identify how diseases and infections are potentially caused or transmitted
• Recognize infection control principles, including the levels of control and the process of control (such as dispensing products and disposal of materials)
• Know the application of procedures for blood exposure
• Identify adverse reactions to any of the products or procedures used
• Know and utilize Material Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Know the methods used to prevent work injuries such as proper ventilation and ergonomics

2. Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology (15%)

• Identify the functions, parts, and structure of the skin and nails
• Recognize both the disorders and diseases of the skin and nails
• Identify the bones in the human hands, feet, arms, and legs
• Identify the muscles of the hands, arms, legs, and feet, along with the functions of those muscles

3. Basic Chemistry of Nail Products (10%)

• Know the purposes and effects of the ingredients found in nail products
• Know the possible interactions between the ingredients of nail products
• Recognize chemical reactions
• Recognize physical changes

• Identify elements of a client consultation
• Evaluate the condition of a client’s nails and skin
• Recognize conditions that would prohibit service
• Determine services or products
• Maintain client records

2. Nail Service Tools (8%)

• Identify the functions and effects of tools
  • Nail equipment (table, lamp, electric file, pedicure basin, etc.)
  • Nail implements (e.g., nail clippers, cuticle pusher)
  • Nail supplies, products, and materials (cotton, lotion, towels, etc.)
• Follow practices for safe use of tools

3. Nail Service Preparation (5%)

• Set up a workstation/service area following infection control procedures
• Perform sanitation of a client’s and technician’s hands and/or feet

4. Manicure and Pedicure Services (18%)

• Perform procedures safely for a basic manicure and/or pedicure service
  1. Shape nails
  2. Detail cuticles
  3. Cleanse nails
  4. Buff nails
  5. Exfoliate
  6. Perform basic massage
• Recognize the purpose and procedures for add-on services
  1. Paraffin
  2. Hot oil/lotion
  3. Masks
  4. Soak-off gels

5. Application, Maintenance, and Removal Procedures for Nail Enhancement Services (20%)

• Nail tip
• Acrylics
• Light-cured gels

6. Post-service Procedures that Follow Infection Control Guidelines (4%)

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Nail Technician Exam Registration

The registration process is different from state to state. You can contact the board of cosmetology in the state you reside in and find out exactly where you need to go to register for the examination.

• The fees applied to register and to receive a license are different in every state.
• The number of educational hours of training from an accredited school needed to take the National Nail Technology Theory exam also differs in every state.

Some states have additional requirements that candidates must meet. Including but not limited to:

• Age requirements of no less than 16 or 17 years of age.
• Educational requirements of a high school diploma or completion of at least the 10th grade.
• Completion of an HIV/AIDS course from a high school or accredited cosmetology school.
• You must have a social security card

Nail Technician Exam Scores

You must score 75% or higher on the exam to pass. This is the score you need for the theory and for the practical.

You should be made aware of your score immediately following the practical test, and it can take up to 14 days to receive the final score for your written examination.

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How to Study for the Nail Technician Exam

How to Study Effectively

Your success on test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking Nail Technician practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free Nail Technician exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

• The questions you got wrong
• The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
• The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many Nail Technician practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the Nail Technician practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Strategy for Nail Technician Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

• Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

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By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.

by Mometrix Test Preparation | This Page Last Updated: January 3, 2024