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COSMETOLOGY TEXAS STATE BOARD
WRITTEN EXAM 2026|ORIGINAL Q-BANK
WITH 800+Qs&As|ASSURED A+GRADE
1. What is the main goal of sanitation in a cosmetology
setting?
a) To eliminate all microorganisms
b) To reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level
c) To sterilize all tools
d) To kill viruses only
Answer: b) To reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe
level
Rationale: Sanitation reduces microorganisms but does not
necessarily eliminate all pathogens. Disinfection and sterilization
are higher levels of decontamination.
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2. Why must tools be cleaned before they are disinfected?
a) To make them shine
b) Because dirt and residue can block disinfectants from killing
germs
c) To remove color from the tools
d) Cleaning is optional before disinfection
Answer: b) Because dirt and residue can block disinfectants
from killing germs
Rationale: Organic matter (hair, skin, oils, blood) physically
shields microorganisms from chemical disinfectants. Thorough
cleaning must always precede disinfection.
3. Which of the following is considered a single-use item in a
salon?
a) Metal tweezers
b) Cotton pads and wooden applicators
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c) Stainless steel shears
d) Glass files
Answer: b) Cotton pads and wooden applicators
Rationale: TDLR rules explicitly list cotton pads, cotton balls,
gauze, wooden applicators, disposable gloves, tissues, thread,
and fabric strips as single-use items that must be discarded after
each use.
4. What type of surface is considered nonporous in
cosmetology?
a) Wood
b) Cardboard
c) Metal, glass, or hard plastic
d) Cloth
Answer: c) Metal, glass, or hard plastic
Rationale: Nonporous surfaces do not absorb liquids and can be
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effectively disinfected. Porous surfaces require different handling
or must be single-use.
5. Scenario: A client arrives for a facial and has several open
lesions on their face. What should you do?
a) Proceed with the facial using extra gloves
b) Perform the facial but avoid the lesioned areas
c) Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
d) Apply an antiseptic to the lesions and proceed
Answer: c) Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
Rationale: TDLR rules prohibit performing services on a client who
has a contagious condition. Open lesions present a risk of
infection for both the practitioner and the client. Client health and
safety come first.
COSMETOLOGY TEXAS STATE BOARD
WRITTEN EXAM 2026|ORIGINAL Q-BANK
WITH 800+Qs&As|ASSURED A+GRADE
1. What is the main goal of sanitation in a cosmetology
setting?
a) To eliminate all microorganisms
b) To reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level
c) To sterilize all tools
d) To kill viruses only
Answer: b) To reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe
level
Rationale: Sanitation reduces microorganisms but does not
necessarily eliminate all pathogens. Disinfection and sterilization
are higher levels of decontamination.
,Page 2 of 55
2. Why must tools be cleaned before they are disinfected?
a) To make them shine
b) Because dirt and residue can block disinfectants from killing
germs
c) To remove color from the tools
d) Cleaning is optional before disinfection
Answer: b) Because dirt and residue can block disinfectants
from killing germs
Rationale: Organic matter (hair, skin, oils, blood) physically
shields microorganisms from chemical disinfectants. Thorough
cleaning must always precede disinfection.
3. Which of the following is considered a single-use item in a
salon?
a) Metal tweezers
b) Cotton pads and wooden applicators
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c) Stainless steel shears
d) Glass files
Answer: b) Cotton pads and wooden applicators
Rationale: TDLR rules explicitly list cotton pads, cotton balls,
gauze, wooden applicators, disposable gloves, tissues, thread,
and fabric strips as single-use items that must be discarded after
each use.
4. What type of surface is considered nonporous in
cosmetology?
a) Wood
b) Cardboard
c) Metal, glass, or hard plastic
d) Cloth
Answer: c) Metal, glass, or hard plastic
Rationale: Nonporous surfaces do not absorb liquids and can be
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effectively disinfected. Porous surfaces require different handling
or must be single-use.
5. Scenario: A client arrives for a facial and has several open
lesions on their face. What should you do?
a) Proceed with the facial using extra gloves
b) Perform the facial but avoid the lesioned areas
c) Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
d) Apply an antiseptic to the lesions and proceed
Answer: c) Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
Rationale: TDLR rules prohibit performing services on a client who
has a contagious condition. Open lesions present a risk of
infection for both the practitioner and the client. Client health and
safety come first.
