Cosmetology State Board Exam
Infection Control and Sanitation Practice Questions
60 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Cosmetology State Board Exam.
Master Infection Control and Sanitation to boost your score on the Cosmetology State Board Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 60 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
Q1.What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?
A.Disinfection kills all microorganisms including spores; sterilization reduces microbial countB.Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; disinfection kills most but not allC.Both terms mean the same thing in a salon contextD.Disinfection requires heat; sterilization uses chemicals onlyB. Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; disinfection kills most but not allExplanation: Sterilization destroys ALL microorganisms including bacterial spores — it is the highest level of decontamination. Disinfection kills most pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) but may not destroy spores. Salons typically use disinfection, not sterilization.
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Q2.Which of the following is NOT a route of transmission for bloodborne pathogens in a salon?
A.Needle stick or sharps injuryB.Contact with broken skin or mucous membranesC.Breathing the same air as an infected clientD.Direct contact with contaminated blood or OPIMC. Breathing the same air as an infected clientExplanation: HIV and Hepatitis B/C are bloodborne pathogens transmitted through blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). They are NOT transmitted through casual air contact. Airborne transmission is associated with respiratory pathogens like tuberculosis.
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Q3.After using a metal implement on a client, what is the FIRST step?
A.Place directly in disinfectant solutionB.Remove all visible debris by washing with soap and waterC.Spray with 70% isopropyl alcoholD.Store in the UV sanitizer cabinetB. Remove all visible debris by washing with soap and waterExplanation: Before disinfecting, implements must first be cleaned — all visible debris removed by scrubbing with soap and water or a brush. Disinfectants cannot penetrate organic matter, so skipping the cleaning step makes disinfection ineffective.
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Q4.What type of microorganism causes tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)?
A.VirusB.BacteriumC.FungusD.ParasiteC. FungusExplanation: Tinea capitis is caused by dermatophyte fungi (most commonly Trichophyton tonsurans in the US). The condition is contagious and contraindicates salon service. Clients should be referred to a physician for antifungal treatment.
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Q5.Single-use items such as nail files and neck strips must be:
A.Disinfected between clients and reused for up to 3 clientsB.Sterilized after each useC.Discarded after use on one clientD.Shared between clients if they show no visible soilingC. Discarded after use on one clientExplanation: Single-use (disposable) items must be discarded after one client use. They cannot be disinfected and reused. Examples include neck strips, cotton rounds, wax applicator sticks, and wooden nail implements.
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