Science & STEM

Cosmetology Infection Control Practice Test

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This quiz helps you check your infection control in cosmetology skills, including sanitation, disinfection, and safe tool handling. If you want broader prep, try our cosmetology practice test or build stamina with a cosmetology state board practice exam. Get quick answers and see where to review.

Paper art style dark blue background with cosmetology tools gloves microbes sterilization icons for infection control quiz
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1What is the minimum recommended handwashing time for cosmetologists according to the CDC?
2Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is primarily used to protect against chemical splashes in cosmetology?
3Which method is recommended for disinfecting non-porous metal tools in a salon?
4What does MSDS stand for in cosmetology salons?
5Which agency regulates the labeling and safety of cosmetic products in the United States?
6What is the term for procedures that reduce but do not eliminate all microorganisms on surfaces?
7Universal precautions require treating all body fluids as if they are:
8Which of the following is a common bloodborne pathogen?
9What is the first step if a cosmetologist experiences a chemical splash in the eyes?
10Which disinfectant level is required to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
11What practice helps prevent cross-contamination between clients?
12Tinea pedis, commonly seen in nail salons, is caused by:
13What is the recommended contact time for an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant?
14Which tool material can be sterilized in an autoclave?
15Which of the following best describes an autoclave?
16What is the primary purpose of wearing a mask when performing nail services involving dust?
17How often should foot spa tubs be disinfected in a salon?
18Quaternary ammonium compounds are classified as which level of disinfectant?
19Which hepatitis virus is most resistant to disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for days?
20What is the main hazard presented by inhaling ethyl methacrylate (EMA) during nail services?
21Which of the following terms describes microorganisms that cause disease?
22Which disinfection method is appropriate for porous implements like wooden sticks?
23Which bloodborne pathogen standard must salons follow to protect employees?
24What is the role of biofilms in salon equipment contamination?
25Which is the correct order for cleaning multiuse salon tools?
26Which documentation must a salon maintain for chemical products used on-site?
27What pH range is optimal for a disinfectant to be most effective?
28What is the proper storage condition for sterile autoclave packs?
29Which component of an exposure control plan describes procedures after an exposure incident?
30Which indicator verifies that an autoclave has achieved sterilization conditions?
31Which term describes the lowest temperature at which a disinfectant kills specific bacteria in 10 minutes?
32Prions are resistant to standard sterilization. Which method is recommended for deactivating prions on metal instruments?
33Which OSHA regulation limits salon worker exposure to formaldehyde gas?
34In salon ventilation design, what is the minimum air changes per hour recommended to control chemical fumes?
35Which disinfectant agent is classified as high-level and can penetrate bacterial spores?
36What is the key difference between sterilization and high-level disinfection?
37Which process validation tool provides immediate visual confirmation that sterilization parameters were met?
38Which viral pathogen is most difficult to kill on salon surfaces without proper disinfectant?
39What validation method ensures that an autoclave[@U2019]s drying cycle is effective?
40Which statement about UV-C sterilizers in salons is correct?
41Which factor reduces the efficacy of quaternary ammonium disinfectants?
42Which statement about hepatitis C virus (HCV) and salon environments is true?
43Which cleaning agent should never be mixed with quaternary ammonium disinfectants due to hazardous gas formation?
44Which pathogens require high-level disinfection or sterilization when instruments contact sterile tissue?
45Which factor most significantly affects the activity of phenolic disinfectants?
46Which sterilization method uses ionizing radiation and is rarely available in salons?
47According to current cosmetology regulations, how long must records of autoclave biological spore tests be retained?
48Which federal standard outlines the Hazard Communication requirements for salon products?
49What is the log reduction in microbial count achieved by a disinfectant that kills 99.999% of organisms?
50Under OSHA[@U2019]s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, within how many days must an employer provide post-exposure evaluation after an exposure incident?
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Infections -

    Describe the most prevalent infections encountered in cosmetology and distinguish their routes of transmission within salon environments.

  2. Understand Sterilization Methods -

    Compare and contrast disinfection, sanitation, and sterilization techniques to ensure compliance with state board standards in infection control cosmetology.

  3. Apply Safety Protocols -

    Implement proper hand hygiene, glove usage, and salon sanitation procedures to minimize risks of cross-contamination during cosmetology services.

  4. Recall Regulatory Guidelines -

    Memorize critical infection control regulations and guidelines required for success on the quizlet cosmetology state board test.

  5. Analyze Quiz Results -

    Interpret your scored quiz performance to identify strengths, address knowledge gaps, and focus study efforts efficiently.

  6. Evaluate Answer Key Explanations -

    Review detailed infection control test answer key rationales to reinforce learning and correct misunderstandings.

Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Standard Precautions & Cross-Contamination -

    Infection control cosmetology hinges on CDC's Standard Precautions to prevent cross-contamination: always assume blood or body fluids may be infectious and follow a "clean to dirty" workflow. Use color-coded tools and change linens between clients to keep pathogens from spreading - a tip you'll find on many university health sites and in state board prep guides.

  2. Levels of Disinfection vs. Sterilization -

    There are three disinfection levels - low, intermediate, and high - plus sterilization, which destroys all microbial life (e.g., autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes). Remember mnemonic "LHS" (Low, High, Sterilize) to classify tools: combs=low, shears=high, and metal implements=sterilize per OSHA guidelines.

  3. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard -

    Under this standard, you must use labeled sharps containers and wear gloves when touching blood or body fluids, which protects against HBV, HIV, and other hazards. Keep an up-to-date exposure control plan and review it like you would your infection control test answer key for the quizlet cosmetology state board test.

  4. Common Infections in Cosmetology -

    Be able to identify bacterial (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), viral (e.g., HPV, herpes simplex), and fungal (e.g., tinea pedis) infections - often called the "BFF" trio for Bacterial, Fungal, Viral. Spotting ringworm or verruca early ensures you stop the spread in your salon, a key fact for infection control in cosmetology exams.

  5. Handwashing & PPE Protocol -

    Follow the CDC's five-step handwash: Wet, Lather 20 seconds, Scrub all surfaces, Rinse, Dry with a disposable towel. Pair with proper PPE - gloves, masks, and eye protection - and use the mnemonic "GLUE" (Gloves, Linen change, Use mask, Eye shield) to master infection control cosmetology essentials.

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Michael HodgeEdTech Product Lead & Assessment Design SpecialistQuiz Maker
Updated Feb 22, 2026