PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech Actual Exam 2026/2027
| Complete Questions & Detailed Rationales | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 | Nail Structure, Disorders, and Diseases | Q1 – Q10
Section 2 | Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization | Q11 – Q20
Section 3 | Nail Enhancement Products and Application | Q21 – Q30
Section 4 | Manicuring, Pedicuring, and Nail Art | Q31 – Q40
Section 5 | Texas State Laws, Safety, and Professional Conduct | Q41 – Q50
Instructions: Choose the single best answer. Pass: 80% in 90 minutes.
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SECTION 1: NAIL STRUCTURE, DISORDERS, AND DISEASES Q1 – Q10
══════════════════════════════════════
Question 1 of 50
A client comes in for a manicure and points to the white half-moon shape at the base of
her thumbnail, asking what that area is called and if it can be pushed back to make the
nail look longer.
A. That is the eponychium, and it should be trimmed back carefully with nippers
B. That is the lunula, and it is the visible part of the nail matrix that should not be cut or
damaged
C. That is the hyponychium, and it can be gently scraped to extend the nail plate
D. That is the nail bed, and pushing it back will stimulate faster nail growth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lunula is the visible distal portion of the nail matrix where nail plate cells
are formed, and damaging this area can cause permanent nail deformities. The
,eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail, and the hyponychium is the seal
under the free edge. Educating clients about matrix protection helps prevent aggressive
cuticle practices that lead to nail damage.
Question 2 of 50
During a pedicure, a nail technician notices that a client has thickened, yellow-brown
toenails with subungual debris and separation from the nail bed. The client says this
has been progressing for months.
A. This is likely bacterial paronychia and can be treated with a topical antibiotic cream
before the service
B. This indicates traumatic onycholysis from tight shoes and the nail will reattach after
trimming
C. This is a normal aging change and the technician should proceed with standard
polish application
D. This presentation is consistent with onychomycosis, and the client should be referred
to a physician
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Thickened, discolored nails with subungual debris and onycholysis are
classic signs of fungal infection, which requires medical diagnosis and treatment before
cosmetic services. Paronychia presents as inflammation around the nail fold, and
traumatic onycholysis does not typically cause thickening and debris. Technicians must
recognize contagious nail diseases to protect both the client and subsequent clients.
Question 3 of 50
A new client arrives for a manicure with redness, swelling, and pus at the lateral nail fold
of her index finger. She says it started after she picked at a hangnail.
A. This is acute paronychia, and the service should be refused until the infection
resolves
,B. This is a fungal infection that can be covered with an antifungal powder before
polishing
C. This is contact dermatitis from household cleaners and will improve with a paraffin
treatment
D. This is a normal inflammatory response that can be managed with cuticle oil during
the manicure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Redness, swelling, and purulent drainage at the nail fold indicate acute
bacterial paronychia, which is contagious and requires medical treatment; nail services
must be postponed. Fungal infections do not typically present with acute purulent
inflammation, and contact dermatitis would more likely be diffuse and pruritic. Refusing
service protects the technician and prevents exacerbating the client's infection.
Question 4 of 50
A nail technician is explaining nail growth to a client who wants to know why her nails
grow faster in the summer. The technician describes the role of the matrix.
A. The matrix is the tough band of skin under the free edge that protects the nail bed
B. The matrix is the thin layer of dead skin that covers the nail plate and gives it shine
C. The matrix is the root of the nail where new cells are generated, and its activity
affects growth rate
D. The matrix is the layer of tissue between the nail plate and the bone that provides
color
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nail matrix is the germinative tissue proximal to the nail fold where
keratinized cells form the nail plate, and its metabolic activity determines growth speed.
The hyponychium is the protective seal under the free edge, and the nail bed provides
attachment but does not generate new plate cells. Understanding matrix function helps
technicians explain seasonal growth variations and nail health to clients.
, Question 5 of 50
During a consultation, a client shows the technician her fingernails which have multiple
small pits and oil-drop discoloration. She mentions she has a skin condition.
A. These are Beau's lines from a previous illness and will grow out with regular
manicures
B. These are nail pitting and salmon patches commonly associated with psoriasis
C. This is leukonychia caused by calcium deficiency and requires dietary supplements
D. This is onychomycosis that can be treated with over-the-counter lacquer during the
service
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pitting and oil-drop discoloration are characteristic nail changes seen in
psoriasis, a systemic condition that is not contagious but may affect service comfort.
Beau's lines are transverse ridges from growth interruption, and leukonychia presents as
white spots or streaks rather than pitting. Technicians should adjust their service to
avoid traumatizing psoriatic nails and recommend dermatology follow-up if the client is
not already under care.
Question 6 of 50
A client presents with horizontal ridges across all fingernails that appeared after she
had a high fever and hospitalization three months ago.
A. These ridges are caused by a calcium deficiency and can be buffed smooth
immediately
B. These are normal aging ridges that require ridge-filling base coat at every visit
C. These indicate a current fungal infection that needs oral antifungal medication
D. These are Beau's lines, temporary growth arrest ridges that grow out with the nail
plate
Correct Answer: D
| Complete Questions & Detailed Rationales | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 | Nail Structure, Disorders, and Diseases | Q1 – Q10
Section 2 | Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization | Q11 – Q20
Section 3 | Nail Enhancement Products and Application | Q21 – Q30
Section 4 | Manicuring, Pedicuring, and Nail Art | Q31 – Q40
Section 5 | Texas State Laws, Safety, and Professional Conduct | Q41 – Q50
Instructions: Choose the single best answer. Pass: 80% in 90 minutes.
══════════════════════════════════════
SECTION 1: NAIL STRUCTURE, DISORDERS, AND DISEASES Q1 – Q10
══════════════════════════════════════
Question 1 of 50
A client comes in for a manicure and points to the white half-moon shape at the base of
her thumbnail, asking what that area is called and if it can be pushed back to make the
nail look longer.
A. That is the eponychium, and it should be trimmed back carefully with nippers
B. That is the lunula, and it is the visible part of the nail matrix that should not be cut or
damaged
C. That is the hyponychium, and it can be gently scraped to extend the nail plate
D. That is the nail bed, and pushing it back will stimulate faster nail growth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lunula is the visible distal portion of the nail matrix where nail plate cells
are formed, and damaging this area can cause permanent nail deformities. The
,eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail, and the hyponychium is the seal
under the free edge. Educating clients about matrix protection helps prevent aggressive
cuticle practices that lead to nail damage.
Question 2 of 50
During a pedicure, a nail technician notices that a client has thickened, yellow-brown
toenails with subungual debris and separation from the nail bed. The client says this
has been progressing for months.
A. This is likely bacterial paronychia and can be treated with a topical antibiotic cream
before the service
B. This indicates traumatic onycholysis from tight shoes and the nail will reattach after
trimming
C. This is a normal aging change and the technician should proceed with standard
polish application
D. This presentation is consistent with onychomycosis, and the client should be referred
to a physician
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Thickened, discolored nails with subungual debris and onycholysis are
classic signs of fungal infection, which requires medical diagnosis and treatment before
cosmetic services. Paronychia presents as inflammation around the nail fold, and
traumatic onycholysis does not typically cause thickening and debris. Technicians must
recognize contagious nail diseases to protect both the client and subsequent clients.
Question 3 of 50
A new client arrives for a manicure with redness, swelling, and pus at the lateral nail fold
of her index finger. She says it started after she picked at a hangnail.
A. This is acute paronychia, and the service should be refused until the infection
resolves
,B. This is a fungal infection that can be covered with an antifungal powder before
polishing
C. This is contact dermatitis from household cleaners and will improve with a paraffin
treatment
D. This is a normal inflammatory response that can be managed with cuticle oil during
the manicure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Redness, swelling, and purulent drainage at the nail fold indicate acute
bacterial paronychia, which is contagious and requires medical treatment; nail services
must be postponed. Fungal infections do not typically present with acute purulent
inflammation, and contact dermatitis would more likely be diffuse and pruritic. Refusing
service protects the technician and prevents exacerbating the client's infection.
Question 4 of 50
A nail technician is explaining nail growth to a client who wants to know why her nails
grow faster in the summer. The technician describes the role of the matrix.
A. The matrix is the tough band of skin under the free edge that protects the nail bed
B. The matrix is the thin layer of dead skin that covers the nail plate and gives it shine
C. The matrix is the root of the nail where new cells are generated, and its activity
affects growth rate
D. The matrix is the layer of tissue between the nail plate and the bone that provides
color
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nail matrix is the germinative tissue proximal to the nail fold where
keratinized cells form the nail plate, and its metabolic activity determines growth speed.
The hyponychium is the protective seal under the free edge, and the nail bed provides
attachment but does not generate new plate cells. Understanding matrix function helps
technicians explain seasonal growth variations and nail health to clients.
, Question 5 of 50
During a consultation, a client shows the technician her fingernails which have multiple
small pits and oil-drop discoloration. She mentions she has a skin condition.
A. These are Beau's lines from a previous illness and will grow out with regular
manicures
B. These are nail pitting and salmon patches commonly associated with psoriasis
C. This is leukonychia caused by calcium deficiency and requires dietary supplements
D. This is onychomycosis that can be treated with over-the-counter lacquer during the
service
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pitting and oil-drop discoloration are characteristic nail changes seen in
psoriasis, a systemic condition that is not contagious but may affect service comfort.
Beau's lines are transverse ridges from growth interruption, and leukonychia presents as
white spots or streaks rather than pitting. Technicians should adjust their service to
avoid traumatizing psoriatic nails and recommend dermatology follow-up if the client is
not already under care.
Question 6 of 50
A client presents with horizontal ridges across all fingernails that appeared after she
had a high fever and hospitalization three months ago.
A. These ridges are caused by a calcium deficiency and can be buffed smooth
immediately
B. These are normal aging ridges that require ridge-filling base coat at every visit
C. These indicate a current fungal infection that needs oral antifungal medication
D. These are Beau's lines, temporary growth arrest ridges that grow out with the nail
plate
Correct Answer: D
