PSI COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATION COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. Which is the BEST thing to do FIRST in the event of a minor burn?
A. Apply an antibiotic ointment
B. Immerse in cold water
C. Cover with a bandage
D. Apply butter or oil
Correct Answer: B. Immerse in cold water
Explanation: Cooling the burn immediately with cold water (not ice)
stops the burning process, reduces pain, and minimizes tissue damage.
Ointments or butter trap heat and worsen the injury.
2. All of the following require the use of gloves EXCEPT:
A. Blood spill cleanup
B. Plain manicure
C. Waxing service
D. Chemical peel application
Correct Answer: B. Plain manicure
Explanation: A plain manicure on unbroken skin with no visible infection
is considered low risk. Gloves are required for any potential exposure to
blood, bodily fluids, or broken skin.
,3. Which company certifies the safety of pedicure chairs and hair
dryers?
A. FDA
B. EPA
C. OSHA
D. Underwriters Laboratories
Correct Answer: D. Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Explanation: UL is an independent safety science company that tests
and certifies electrical equipment for salon use to ensure they meet fire
and shock hazard standards.
4. Why do tuberculocidal disinfectants require special handling?
A. They are corrosive to metals
B. They require a special method of disposal
C. They have a strong odor
D. They must be heated before use
Correct Answer: B. They require a special method of disposal
Explanation: Tuberculocidal disinfectants are classified as hazardous
waste and cannot be poured down the drain or placed in regular trash.
They require disposal according to local hazardous waste regulations.
5. Which is the FIRST step if you get blood or other potentially
infectious materials in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin?
A. Notify your supervisor
B. Apply antiseptic
,C. Immediately flood the exposed area with water
D. Complete an incident report
Correct Answer: C. Immediately flood the exposed area with water
Explanation: Immediate and thorough flushing with water for at least 15
minutes dilutes and removes the infectious material, reducing the risk
of transmission. Reporting and forms come after first aid.
6. Sterilization is the ONLY type of cleaning that will kill which of the
following?
A. HIV virus
B. Bacterial spores
C. Fungus
D. Hepatitis B
Correct Answer: B. Bacterial spores
Explanation: Bacterial spores (e.g., tetanus, anthrax) are the most
resistant form of life. Sanitizing and disinfecting may not kill them; only
sterilization (autoclave, dry heat, or chemical sterilant) destroys spores.
7. Which is the BEST recommendation for applying acrylic fingernail
products?
A. Work in a small closed room
B. Work at a ventilated work table
C. Wear a cloth mask only
D. Apply near an open flame
Correct Answer: B. Work at a ventilated work table
Explanation: Acrylic liquids (monomers) emit strong vapors that can
, cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, or allergic reactions. Ventilation
tables draw vapors away from the breathing zone.
8. All of the following can be used to remove a callus from the foot
EXCEPT:
A. Pumice stone
B. Foot file
C. Blades
D. Callus softener
Correct Answer: C. Blades
Explanation: In most states, using a blade (razor, credo blade, or scalpel)
to cut or shave calluses is illegal for cosmetologists because it breaks
the skin and creates infection risk. Only podiatrists may use blades.
9. Which of the following is a device that uses steam to sterilize
equipment and deactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores?
A. Dry heat sterilizer
B. Ultraviolet cabinet
C. Autoclave
D. Microwave
Correct Answer: C. Autoclave
Explanation: An autoclave uses pressurized steam at 250-270°F (121-
132°C) to achieve sterilization. It is the only salon-approved method
that reliably kills all microorganisms including bacterial spores.
QUESTIONS WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. Which is the BEST thing to do FIRST in the event of a minor burn?
A. Apply an antibiotic ointment
B. Immerse in cold water
C. Cover with a bandage
D. Apply butter or oil
Correct Answer: B. Immerse in cold water
Explanation: Cooling the burn immediately with cold water (not ice)
stops the burning process, reduces pain, and minimizes tissue damage.
Ointments or butter trap heat and worsen the injury.
2. All of the following require the use of gloves EXCEPT:
A. Blood spill cleanup
B. Plain manicure
C. Waxing service
D. Chemical peel application
Correct Answer: B. Plain manicure
Explanation: A plain manicure on unbroken skin with no visible infection
is considered low risk. Gloves are required for any potential exposure to
blood, bodily fluids, or broken skin.
,3. Which company certifies the safety of pedicure chairs and hair
dryers?
A. FDA
B. EPA
C. OSHA
D. Underwriters Laboratories
Correct Answer: D. Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Explanation: UL is an independent safety science company that tests
and certifies electrical equipment for salon use to ensure they meet fire
and shock hazard standards.
4. Why do tuberculocidal disinfectants require special handling?
A. They are corrosive to metals
B. They require a special method of disposal
C. They have a strong odor
D. They must be heated before use
Correct Answer: B. They require a special method of disposal
Explanation: Tuberculocidal disinfectants are classified as hazardous
waste and cannot be poured down the drain or placed in regular trash.
They require disposal according to local hazardous waste regulations.
5. Which is the FIRST step if you get blood or other potentially
infectious materials in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin?
A. Notify your supervisor
B. Apply antiseptic
,C. Immediately flood the exposed area with water
D. Complete an incident report
Correct Answer: C. Immediately flood the exposed area with water
Explanation: Immediate and thorough flushing with water for at least 15
minutes dilutes and removes the infectious material, reducing the risk
of transmission. Reporting and forms come after first aid.
6. Sterilization is the ONLY type of cleaning that will kill which of the
following?
A. HIV virus
B. Bacterial spores
C. Fungus
D. Hepatitis B
Correct Answer: B. Bacterial spores
Explanation: Bacterial spores (e.g., tetanus, anthrax) are the most
resistant form of life. Sanitizing and disinfecting may not kill them; only
sterilization (autoclave, dry heat, or chemical sterilant) destroys spores.
7. Which is the BEST recommendation for applying acrylic fingernail
products?
A. Work in a small closed room
B. Work at a ventilated work table
C. Wear a cloth mask only
D. Apply near an open flame
Correct Answer: B. Work at a ventilated work table
Explanation: Acrylic liquids (monomers) emit strong vapors that can
, cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, or allergic reactions. Ventilation
tables draw vapors away from the breathing zone.
8. All of the following can be used to remove a callus from the foot
EXCEPT:
A. Pumice stone
B. Foot file
C. Blades
D. Callus softener
Correct Answer: C. Blades
Explanation: In most states, using a blade (razor, credo blade, or scalpel)
to cut or shave calluses is illegal for cosmetologists because it breaks
the skin and creates infection risk. Only podiatrists may use blades.
9. Which of the following is a device that uses steam to sterilize
equipment and deactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores?
A. Dry heat sterilizer
B. Ultraviolet cabinet
C. Autoclave
D. Microwave
Correct Answer: C. Autoclave
Explanation: An autoclave uses pressurized steam at 250-270°F (121-
132°C) to achieve sterilization. It is the only salon-approved method
that reliably kills all microorganisms including bacterial spores.
