TEXAS MANICURIST STATE BOARD EXAM
2026/2027 COMPLETE TDLR NAIL TECHNICIAN
PRACTICE TEST WITH 200 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
& 100% VERIFIED ANSWER KEY
Total Questions: 200
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Passing Score: 70% (140 correct answers)
MARKING SCHEME AT THE END
QUESTION 1:
A client's nails appear yellow and thickened with debris under the free edge. What
should the licensee do?
A) Proceed with a basic manicure
B) Apply a dark polish to cover the discoloration
C) Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
D) File down the thickened area and continue
QUESTION 2:
According to TDLR, how often must foot spas be cleaned and disinfected?
A) Once daily
B) Once weekly
C) After each client
D) Only when visibly dirty
,QUESTION 3:
Which vitamin deficiency is most associated with brittle, splitting nails?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Biotin (B7)
D) Vitamin D
QUESTION 4:
What is the proper way to trim toenails to prevent ingrown nails?
A) Curved shape following the toe
B) Straight across
C) Rounded at the corners only
D) As short as possible
QUESTION 5:
According to TDLR, what chemical is PROHIBITED for use in nail services?
A) Ethyl methacrylate (EMA)
B) Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
C) Acetone
D) Isopropyl alcohol
QUESTION 6:
What is the living skin that overlaps the lunula at the base of the nail called?
A) Hyponychium
B) Eponychium
C) Matrix
D) Nail bed
QUESTION 7:
How long must a licensee keep continuing education certificates according to
TDLR?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
,QUESTION 8:
Which electrode is used with a high frequency machine for spot treatments on
acne?
A) Mushroom electrode
B) Spiral electrode
C) Sparking (point) electrode
D) Comb electrode
QUESTION 9:
What is the first step when performing a pedicure?
A) Soak the feet
B) Test the temperature of the water
C) Trim the nails
D) Apply lotion
QUESTION 10:
What protein are nails primarily composed of?
A) Collagen
B) Melanin
C) Keratin
D) Elastin
QUESTION 11:
According to TDLR, a licensee must notify TDLR of an address change within how
many days?
A) 10 days
B) 30 days
C) 60 days
D) 90 days
QUESTION 12:
What is the technical term for an ingrown nail?
A) Onycholysis
B) Onychocryptosis
, C) Onychomycosis
D) Onychophagy
QUESTION 13:
What should be used to stop minor bleeding during a nail service?
A) Rubbing alcohol
B) Styptic powder
C) Hand sanitizer
D) Cuticle oil
QUESTION 14:
According to TDLR, what type of animals are allowed in a nail salon?
A) Any well-behaved pets
B) Service animals only
C) Caged birds only
D) Fish only
QUESTION 15:
What is the purpose of a dehydrator before applying nail enhancements?
A) To soften cuticles
B) To remove surface moisture and oils
C) To speed up curing
D) To add shine
QUESTION 16:
Which of the following is a contagious disease that requires refusing service?
A) Psoriasis
B) Eczema
C) Impetigo
D) Contact dermatitis
QUESTION 17:
How often must Texas manicurist licenses be renewed?
A) Annually (12 months)
B) Every 18 months
2026/2027 COMPLETE TDLR NAIL TECHNICIAN
PRACTICE TEST WITH 200 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
& 100% VERIFIED ANSWER KEY
Total Questions: 200
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Passing Score: 70% (140 correct answers)
MARKING SCHEME AT THE END
QUESTION 1:
A client's nails appear yellow and thickened with debris under the free edge. What
should the licensee do?
A) Proceed with a basic manicure
B) Apply a dark polish to cover the discoloration
C) Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
D) File down the thickened area and continue
QUESTION 2:
According to TDLR, how often must foot spas be cleaned and disinfected?
A) Once daily
B) Once weekly
C) After each client
D) Only when visibly dirty
,QUESTION 3:
Which vitamin deficiency is most associated with brittle, splitting nails?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Biotin (B7)
D) Vitamin D
QUESTION 4:
What is the proper way to trim toenails to prevent ingrown nails?
A) Curved shape following the toe
B) Straight across
C) Rounded at the corners only
D) As short as possible
QUESTION 5:
According to TDLR, what chemical is PROHIBITED for use in nail services?
A) Ethyl methacrylate (EMA)
B) Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
C) Acetone
D) Isopropyl alcohol
QUESTION 6:
What is the living skin that overlaps the lunula at the base of the nail called?
A) Hyponychium
B) Eponychium
C) Matrix
D) Nail bed
QUESTION 7:
How long must a licensee keep continuing education certificates according to
TDLR?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
,QUESTION 8:
Which electrode is used with a high frequency machine for spot treatments on
acne?
A) Mushroom electrode
B) Spiral electrode
C) Sparking (point) electrode
D) Comb electrode
QUESTION 9:
What is the first step when performing a pedicure?
A) Soak the feet
B) Test the temperature of the water
C) Trim the nails
D) Apply lotion
QUESTION 10:
What protein are nails primarily composed of?
A) Collagen
B) Melanin
C) Keratin
D) Elastin
QUESTION 11:
According to TDLR, a licensee must notify TDLR of an address change within how
many days?
A) 10 days
B) 30 days
C) 60 days
D) 90 days
QUESTION 12:
What is the technical term for an ingrown nail?
A) Onycholysis
B) Onychocryptosis
, C) Onychomycosis
D) Onychophagy
QUESTION 13:
What should be used to stop minor bleeding during a nail service?
A) Rubbing alcohol
B) Styptic powder
C) Hand sanitizer
D) Cuticle oil
QUESTION 14:
According to TDLR, what type of animals are allowed in a nail salon?
A) Any well-behaved pets
B) Service animals only
C) Caged birds only
D) Fish only
QUESTION 15:
What is the purpose of a dehydrator before applying nail enhancements?
A) To soften cuticles
B) To remove surface moisture and oils
C) To speed up curing
D) To add shine
QUESTION 16:
Which of the following is a contagious disease that requires refusing service?
A) Psoriasis
B) Eczema
C) Impetigo
D) Contact dermatitis
QUESTION 17:
How often must Texas manicurist licenses be renewed?
A) Annually (12 months)
B) Every 18 months
