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2026 COSMETOLOGY HAWAII LICENSE EXAM 3 2026-2027
BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100%
CORRECT ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. Which of the following agencies is responsible for registering all
types of disinfectants sold and used in the United States?
A. FDA
B. OSHA
C. EPA
D. CDC
Answer: C. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers
disinfectants. The FDA regulates food and drugs, OSHA regulates
workplace safety, and the CDC studies disease patterns.
2. A client arrives for a service with a confirmed case of pediculosis
capitis. What is the appropriate action?
A. Proceed with the service using a medicated shampoo.
B. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
C. Wear gloves and proceed with the chemical service only.
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D. Shampoo with clarifying shampoo before proceeding.
Answer: B. Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is a contagious condition that
must be referred to a physician. Cosmetologists in Hawaii are
prohibited from treating contagious diseases.
3. What is the primary difference between sterilization and
disinfection?
A. Sterilization kills only viruses; disinfection kills bacteria.
B. Disinfection kills all microbial life; sterilization reduces pathogens.
C. Sterilization kills all microbial life, including spores; disinfection kills
most pathogens but not spores.
D. They are synonymous terms in cosmetology.
Answer: C. Sterilization completely destroys all microbial life, including
bacterial spores, and is typically achieved via autoclave. Disinfection
reduces pathogens to safe levels but does not eliminate spores.
4. An autoclave sterilizes implements using what method?
A. Ultraviolet light
B. Dry heat
C. Steam under pressure
D. Chemical vapor
Answer: C. Steam under pressure is the mechanism of an autoclave,
achieving temperatures sufficient to kill spores.
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5. According to Hawaii regulations, how must soiled linens be stored
until laundering?
A. In an open basket in the corner
B. In a closed, properly labeled container
C. Folded neatly on a clean counter
D. In a cabinet with clean linens
Answer: B. To prevent cross-contamination, soiled linens must be
contained in a closed, covered receptacle, separated from clean
supplies.
6. Which of the following is an example of a universal precaution?
A. Washing hands only after a service if they are visibly dirty
B. Treating all human blood and bodily fluids as if they are infectious
C. Using the same gloves for the entire workday
D. Recapping used lancets carefully
Answer: B. Universal precautions require treating all blood and body
fluids as potentially infectious to prevent transmission of bloodborne
pathogens.
7. What is the minimum percentage of isopropyl alcohol required to
effectively disinfect implements?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 70%
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D. 90%
Answer: C. A 70% solution of isopropyl alcohol is more effective as a
disinfectant than higher percentages because the water content slows
evaporation, allowing longer contact time to denature proteins.
8. A disinfectant that is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal is
considered a:
A. Low-level disinfectant
B. Antiseptic
C. Hospital-grade disinfectant
D. Sanitizer
Answer: C. A hospital-grade disinfectant must demonstrate efficacy
against a broad spectrum of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and
fungi.
9. An exposure incident occurs when a cosmetologist accidentally cuts
their finger with a bloody razor. What is the first step?
A. Apply a bandage and finish the service
B. Stop the service, wash the wound with soap and water, and apply a
bandage
C. Pour monomer on the wound to cauterize it
D. Wipe the blood on a towel and continue
Answer: B. Standard first aid for a sharps injury is immediate cleansing
with soap and water. The service should stop, and the wound must be
covered prior to resuming.
2026 COSMETOLOGY HAWAII LICENSE EXAM 3 2026-2027
BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100%
CORRECT ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. Which of the following agencies is responsible for registering all
types of disinfectants sold and used in the United States?
A. FDA
B. OSHA
C. EPA
D. CDC
Answer: C. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers
disinfectants. The FDA regulates food and drugs, OSHA regulates
workplace safety, and the CDC studies disease patterns.
2. A client arrives for a service with a confirmed case of pediculosis
capitis. What is the appropriate action?
A. Proceed with the service using a medicated shampoo.
B. Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician.
C. Wear gloves and proceed with the chemical service only.
,2|Page
D. Shampoo with clarifying shampoo before proceeding.
Answer: B. Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is a contagious condition that
must be referred to a physician. Cosmetologists in Hawaii are
prohibited from treating contagious diseases.
3. What is the primary difference between sterilization and
disinfection?
A. Sterilization kills only viruses; disinfection kills bacteria.
B. Disinfection kills all microbial life; sterilization reduces pathogens.
C. Sterilization kills all microbial life, including spores; disinfection kills
most pathogens but not spores.
D. They are synonymous terms in cosmetology.
Answer: C. Sterilization completely destroys all microbial life, including
bacterial spores, and is typically achieved via autoclave. Disinfection
reduces pathogens to safe levels but does not eliminate spores.
4. An autoclave sterilizes implements using what method?
A. Ultraviolet light
B. Dry heat
C. Steam under pressure
D. Chemical vapor
Answer: C. Steam under pressure is the mechanism of an autoclave,
achieving temperatures sufficient to kill spores.
,3|Page
5. According to Hawaii regulations, how must soiled linens be stored
until laundering?
A. In an open basket in the corner
B. In a closed, properly labeled container
C. Folded neatly on a clean counter
D. In a cabinet with clean linens
Answer: B. To prevent cross-contamination, soiled linens must be
contained in a closed, covered receptacle, separated from clean
supplies.
6. Which of the following is an example of a universal precaution?
A. Washing hands only after a service if they are visibly dirty
B. Treating all human blood and bodily fluids as if they are infectious
C. Using the same gloves for the entire workday
D. Recapping used lancets carefully
Answer: B. Universal precautions require treating all blood and body
fluids as potentially infectious to prevent transmission of bloodborne
pathogens.
7. What is the minimum percentage of isopropyl alcohol required to
effectively disinfect implements?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 70%
, 4|Page
D. 90%
Answer: C. A 70% solution of isopropyl alcohol is more effective as a
disinfectant than higher percentages because the water content slows
evaporation, allowing longer contact time to denature proteins.
8. A disinfectant that is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal is
considered a:
A. Low-level disinfectant
B. Antiseptic
C. Hospital-grade disinfectant
D. Sanitizer
Answer: C. A hospital-grade disinfectant must demonstrate efficacy
against a broad spectrum of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and
fungi.
9. An exposure incident occurs when a cosmetologist accidentally cuts
their finger with a bloody razor. What is the first step?
A. Apply a bandage and finish the service
B. Stop the service, wash the wound with soap and water, and apply a
bandage
C. Pour monomer on the wound to cauterize it
D. Wipe the blood on a towel and continue
Answer: B. Standard first aid for a sharps injury is immediate cleansing
with soap and water. The service should stop, and the wound must be
covered prior to resuming.
