Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Infection control practice questions

10 free infection control questions for the cosmetology and esthetics written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   Which process destroys all microbial life on an item, including bacterial spores?

   ADisinfectionBSterilizationCSanitizationDHigh-level disinfection
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   Answer: B. Sterilization

   Sterilization (for example, steam under pressure in an autoclave) kills every microbe, including spores. High-level disinfection can leave large numbers of spores alive, and disinfection and sanitizing are weaker still.

   CDC: Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008)

2. Question 2

   Why must a metal pusher be cleaned before it goes into a disinfectant?

   ACleaning sterilizes the pusher before disinfectionBDirt and debris can shield microbes from the disinfectantCScrubbing it first lets you skip the label contact timeDSoap residue makes disinfectants work faster
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   Answer: B. Dirt and debris can shield microbes from the disinfectant

   Oils, product and debris left on a tool can protect microbes and weaken a disinfectant, so tools are cleaned with soap and water and rinsed before they are disinfected.

   CDC: Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008)

3. Question 3

   Which federal agency registers the disinfectants used in salons?

   AThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)BThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)CThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA)DThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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   Answer: D. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

   Disinfectants are pesticides under federal law (FIFRA), so EPA registers them and gives each one an EPA registration number. OSHA covers worker safety, and FDA covers cosmetics and drugs.

   EPA: Pesticide registration under FIFRA

4. Question 4

   What does the contact time on a disinfectant label tell you?

   AHow long the item must sit and air-dry before it can be reusedBHow long the surface must stay wet to kill the listed germsCHow long the mixed solution stays effective in a containerDHow long to wait before touching the item with your bare hands
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   Answer: B. How long the surface must stay wet to kill the listed germs

   Contact time (dwell time) is how long the disinfectant must stay visibly wet on the surface to kill the organisms named on its label. If it dries early, apply more.

   EPA: Disinfectant label directions (contact time)

5. Question 5

   A client is accidentally cut and starts to bleed during a service. What should you do first?

   AFinish the section you are working on, and then treat the cutBStop the service and put on gloves before touching the cutCHave the client hold a towel on it while you keep workingDWipe the cut with the towel you used during the service
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   Answer: B. Stop the service and put on gloves before touching the cut

   Under Standard Precautions, stop the service and protect yourself with gloves before giving first aid. Then clean the cut, apply an antiseptic and a bandage, and clean and disinfect anything that touched blood.

   CDC: Standard Precautions; OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030

6. Question 6

   Which item must be thrown away after use on one client?

   AA porous emery boardBA plastic styling combCA stainless steel nipperDA glass tint mixing bowl
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   Answer: A. A porous emery board

   Porous items such as standard emery boards, buffers and pumice stones absorb debris and generally can’t be disinfected, so they are single-use. Nonporous tools can be cleaned and disinfected.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: single-use vs multi-use items

7. Question 7

   The CDC says hepatitis B virus can survive on surfaces outside the body for at least:

   A7 daysB1 hourC10 minutesD24 hours
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   Answer: A. 7 days

   Hepatitis B virus can stay infectious on environmental surfaces for at least 7 days, so blood on tools or surfaces is a risk even when it is dry and hard to see.

   CDC: Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for Health Professionals

8. Question 8

   The CDC recommends scrubbing your hands with soap for at least how long?

   A45 secondsB20 secondsC15 secondsD10 seconds
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   Answer: B. 20 seconds

   Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails, for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry with a clean towel.

   CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands

9. Question 9

   When soap and water are unavailable, the CDC recommends a hand sanitizer with at least how much alcohol?

   A20%B35%C45%D60%
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   Answer: D. 60%

   Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol. Washing with soap and water is still preferred when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

   CDC: Hand sanitizer use (at least 60% alcohol)

10. Question 10

    Most bacteria are best described as:

    AParasites that must feed on human bloodBNonpathogenic, meaning harmless or even helpfulCViruses that can live only inside host cellsDPathogenic, meaning they cause disease
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    Answer: B. Nonpathogenic, meaning harmless or even helpful

    Most bacteria are nonpathogenic. Many live on the skin and in the body without causing harm, and some are helpful. Pathogenic bacteria are the smaller group that cause disease.

    NIC Esthetics outline I: microbiology

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.