Texas Manicurist State Board Exam Complete Study Guide 2026 | Texas Nail
Technician Licensing Exam Questions and Answers | TDLR Manicurist
Written Test Prep | Nail Care Theory, Sanitation, Infection Control, Laws and
Rules | Guaranteed Pass Revision Notes for Texas Cosmetology Manicurist
Certification
Question 1: According to Texas Administrative Code rules for manicurists, what is the
minimum age requirement to obtain a manicurist license in Texas?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 17 years old
RATIONALE: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires applicants for a
manicurist license to be at least 17 years of age at the time of application, as specified in the
Texas Administrative Code Title 16, Part 1, Chapter 83.
Question 2: Which of the following disinfectants is EPA-registered and required by Texas
regulations for use on non-porous manicuring tools?
A. Household bleach diluted 1:10
B. Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant
C. Isopropyl alcohol 70%
D. Hydrogen peroxide 3%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant
RATIONALE: Texas regulations mandate that all non-porous manicuring instruments must be
disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant that is tuberculocidal, fungicidal,
bactericidal, and virucidal to ensure proper infection control.
Question 3: What is the required number of training hours to qualify for the Texas manicurist
licensing examination?
A. 300 hours
B. 450 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 600 hours
,RATIONALE: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requires completion of a 600-
hour approved manicurist education program before an applicant is eligible to sit for the state
licensing examination.
Question 4: Which nail disorder is characterized by white spots or streaks on the nail plate
and is typically caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix?
A. Onychomycosis
B. Leukonychia
C. Onycholysis
D. Paronychia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Leukonychia
RATIONALE: Leukonychia presents as white discoloration on the nail plate and is most
commonly caused by minor injuries to the nail matrix during nail growth; it is not contagious
and typically grows out with the nail.
Question 5: In Texas, what is the maximum fine a licensed manicurist may face for a first-time
violation of sanitation rules?
A. $50
B. $100
C. $250
D. $500
CORRECT ANSWER: D. $500
RATIONALE: Under Texas Occupations Code and TDLR enforcement guidelines, a first-time
administrative penalty for sanitation violations by a licensed manicurist may not exceed $500
per violation, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.
Question 6: Which layer of the skin contains the blood vessels and nerves that nourish the
nail matrix?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dermis
,RATIONALE: The dermis is the middle layer of skin that contains blood vessels, nerves, hair
follicles, and connective tissue; it provides essential nutrients and sensory function to the nail
matrix located beneath the proximal nail fold.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of using a cuticle pusher during a manicure service?
A. To remove the eponychium completely
B. To gently push back the eponychium and clean the nail plate
C. To cut away hangnails and loose skin
D. To apply cuticle oil more effectively
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To gently push back the eponychium and clean the nail plate
RATIONALE: The cuticle pusher is designed to gently reposition the eponychium (living tissue at
the nail base) and remove non-living cuticle residue from the nail plate without causing trauma
or removing living tissue, which is prohibited in Texas.
Question 8: Which of the following conditions would contraindicate performing a manicure
service?
A. Dry skin on the hands
B. Fungal infection of the nail plate
C. Light nail staining from polish
D. Minor hangnails
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fungal infection of the nail plate
RATIONALE: Performing services on clients with visible fungal, bacterial, or viral infections is
prohibited under Texas sanitation rules because it poses a risk of spreading infection to other
clients and violates universal precautions.
Question 9: How long must tools be immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant solution to
achieve proper disinfection according to Texas regulations?
A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. As specified by the disinfectant manufacturer's label
CORRECT ANSWER: D. As specified by the disinfectant manufacturer's label
RATIONALE: Texas regulations require that disinfection contact time must follow the EPA-
registered product's label instructions, as different disinfectants have varying required
immersion times to achieve effective microbial kill.
, Question 10: What is the correct procedure for storing clean, disinfected manicuring tools in a
Texas salon?
A. In an open tray on the workstation
B. In a closed, clean, dry container labeled "clean"
C. Wrapped in a paper towel on the counter
D. In the same container as used tools, separated by a divider
CORRECT ANSWER: B. In a closed, clean, dry container labeled "clean"
RATIONALE: Texas administrative rules require that all cleaned and disinfected tools must be
stored in a closed, clean, dry container that is clearly labeled to prevent contamination and
distinguish them from soiled instruments.
Question 11: Which component of the nail is responsible for nail growth?
A. Nail plate
B. Nail bed
C. Nail matrix
D. Lunula
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Nail matrix
RATIONALE: The nail matrix, located beneath the proximal nail fold, contains actively dividing
cells that produce the nail plate; damage to the matrix can result in permanent nail deformity.
Question 12: In Texas, what must a manicurist do if a client has an open wound or abrasion on
the hand or foot?
A. Proceed with service using extra disinfectant
B. Apply an antibiotic ointment and continue
C. Refuse service until the wound is completely healed
D. Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and use single-use tools
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and use single-use tools
RATIONALE: Texas sanitation rules permit service on clients with minor wounds only if the
wound is covered with a waterproof bandage and single-use disposable tools are employed to
prevent cross-contamination and protect both client and technician.
Question 13: Which of the following is a bacterial infection that may appear as green
discoloration under a nail enhancement?
A. Onychomycosis
B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Technician Licensing Exam Questions and Answers | TDLR Manicurist
Written Test Prep | Nail Care Theory, Sanitation, Infection Control, Laws and
Rules | Guaranteed Pass Revision Notes for Texas Cosmetology Manicurist
Certification
Question 1: According to Texas Administrative Code rules for manicurists, what is the
minimum age requirement to obtain a manicurist license in Texas?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 17 years old
RATIONALE: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires applicants for a
manicurist license to be at least 17 years of age at the time of application, as specified in the
Texas Administrative Code Title 16, Part 1, Chapter 83.
Question 2: Which of the following disinfectants is EPA-registered and required by Texas
regulations for use on non-porous manicuring tools?
A. Household bleach diluted 1:10
B. Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant
C. Isopropyl alcohol 70%
D. Hydrogen peroxide 3%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant
RATIONALE: Texas regulations mandate that all non-porous manicuring instruments must be
disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant that is tuberculocidal, fungicidal,
bactericidal, and virucidal to ensure proper infection control.
Question 3: What is the required number of training hours to qualify for the Texas manicurist
licensing examination?
A. 300 hours
B. 450 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 600 hours
,RATIONALE: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requires completion of a 600-
hour approved manicurist education program before an applicant is eligible to sit for the state
licensing examination.
Question 4: Which nail disorder is characterized by white spots or streaks on the nail plate
and is typically caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix?
A. Onychomycosis
B. Leukonychia
C. Onycholysis
D. Paronychia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Leukonychia
RATIONALE: Leukonychia presents as white discoloration on the nail plate and is most
commonly caused by minor injuries to the nail matrix during nail growth; it is not contagious
and typically grows out with the nail.
Question 5: In Texas, what is the maximum fine a licensed manicurist may face for a first-time
violation of sanitation rules?
A. $50
B. $100
C. $250
D. $500
CORRECT ANSWER: D. $500
RATIONALE: Under Texas Occupations Code and TDLR enforcement guidelines, a first-time
administrative penalty for sanitation violations by a licensed manicurist may not exceed $500
per violation, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.
Question 6: Which layer of the skin contains the blood vessels and nerves that nourish the
nail matrix?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dermis
,RATIONALE: The dermis is the middle layer of skin that contains blood vessels, nerves, hair
follicles, and connective tissue; it provides essential nutrients and sensory function to the nail
matrix located beneath the proximal nail fold.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of using a cuticle pusher during a manicure service?
A. To remove the eponychium completely
B. To gently push back the eponychium and clean the nail plate
C. To cut away hangnails and loose skin
D. To apply cuticle oil more effectively
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To gently push back the eponychium and clean the nail plate
RATIONALE: The cuticle pusher is designed to gently reposition the eponychium (living tissue at
the nail base) and remove non-living cuticle residue from the nail plate without causing trauma
or removing living tissue, which is prohibited in Texas.
Question 8: Which of the following conditions would contraindicate performing a manicure
service?
A. Dry skin on the hands
B. Fungal infection of the nail plate
C. Light nail staining from polish
D. Minor hangnails
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fungal infection of the nail plate
RATIONALE: Performing services on clients with visible fungal, bacterial, or viral infections is
prohibited under Texas sanitation rules because it poses a risk of spreading infection to other
clients and violates universal precautions.
Question 9: How long must tools be immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant solution to
achieve proper disinfection according to Texas regulations?
A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. As specified by the disinfectant manufacturer's label
CORRECT ANSWER: D. As specified by the disinfectant manufacturer's label
RATIONALE: Texas regulations require that disinfection contact time must follow the EPA-
registered product's label instructions, as different disinfectants have varying required
immersion times to achieve effective microbial kill.
, Question 10: What is the correct procedure for storing clean, disinfected manicuring tools in a
Texas salon?
A. In an open tray on the workstation
B. In a closed, clean, dry container labeled "clean"
C. Wrapped in a paper towel on the counter
D. In the same container as used tools, separated by a divider
CORRECT ANSWER: B. In a closed, clean, dry container labeled "clean"
RATIONALE: Texas administrative rules require that all cleaned and disinfected tools must be
stored in a closed, clean, dry container that is clearly labeled to prevent contamination and
distinguish them from soiled instruments.
Question 11: Which component of the nail is responsible for nail growth?
A. Nail plate
B. Nail bed
C. Nail matrix
D. Lunula
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Nail matrix
RATIONALE: The nail matrix, located beneath the proximal nail fold, contains actively dividing
cells that produce the nail plate; damage to the matrix can result in permanent nail deformity.
Question 12: In Texas, what must a manicurist do if a client has an open wound or abrasion on
the hand or foot?
A. Proceed with service using extra disinfectant
B. Apply an antibiotic ointment and continue
C. Refuse service until the wound is completely healed
D. Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and use single-use tools
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and use single-use tools
RATIONALE: Texas sanitation rules permit service on clients with minor wounds only if the
wound is covered with a waterproof bandage and single-use disposable tools are employed to
prevent cross-contamination and protect both client and technician.
Question 13: Which of the following is a bacterial infection that may appear as green
discoloration under a nail enhancement?
A. Onychomycosis
B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
