60 questions · 60 min · 75% to pass
Question 1
A client presents with an open cut on their finger discovered mid-manicure service. What is the correct protocol?
Answer: Stop the service immediately, apply gloves, clean the wound, apply antiseptic and a bandage, safely dispose of any contaminated single-use items, and disinfect all non-porous tools that contacted the client before continuing or rescheduling.
Question 2
What information is an esthetician required to know about every chemical product used in the salon under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard?
Answer: OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom/Right-to-Know) requires that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be readily accessible for every chemical used, detailing hazards, safe handling, first aid, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures.
Question 3
What should you do if you find a suspicious raised mole in a waxing area?
Answer: Do not wax; refer to physician
Question 4
A client arrives for a facial and mentions they are currently taking Accutane (isotretinoin). Which services are contraindicated and why?
Answer: Waxing, exfoliating peels, microdermabrasion, and aggressive mechanical exfoliation are all contraindicated because Accutane thins the skin and impairs healing, causing a high risk of tearing, burns, and permanent scarring during these services.
Question 5
Why is a UV light cabinet NOT considered an acceptable disinfection method for salon implements by most state boards?
Answer: UV light cabinets provide only sanitation-level pathogen reduction because UV rays cannot penetrate surfaces or reach shadowed areas on tools, meaning they do not meet the EPA-registered disinfection standard required between clients.
Question 6
Which method destroys ALL microbial life including spores?
Answer: Sterilization
Question 7
What does an autoclave use to achieve sterilization?
Answer: Pressurized steam
Question 8
Which skin condition is an absolute contraindication to any facial service, requiring the client to be referred to a physician before treatment?
Answer: An active herpes simplex (cold sore) outbreak is an absolute contraindication because facial manipulation, steam, and heat can spread the virus to other areas of the face and pose a cross-contamination risk to the esthetician and subsequent clients.
Question 9
What level of infection control is required for metal nippers between clients?
Answer: EPA-registered disinfection
Question 10
When mixing or applying chemical exfoliants during a facial, why must an esthetician wear nitrile gloves rather than latex gloves?
Answer: Nitrile gloves resist chemical penetration from acids and other salon chemicals better than latex, and they prevent cross-contamination if a client has a latex allergy, which can cause serious allergic reactions upon skin contact.