Cosmetology Infection Control & Safety Practice Questions
Infection Control & Safety makes up 9 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Cosmetology practice test. Here are 10 of the 36 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. These sets follow the NIC theory exam only: 110 items, 100 scored, 90 minutes (outline effective July 1, 2022). PSI states, including California from April 1, 2026, use a 120-minute outline. This bank is not weighted to PSI.
1. Removing visible dirt and debris from a surface with soap and water, without killing most germs, is called:
- A.Neutralizing
- B.Cleaning
- C.Disinfecting
- D.Sterilizing
Answer: B. Cleaning is the physical removal of soil and is always the first step. Disinfecting kills most pathogens on a clean, nonporous surface, and sterilizing destroys all microbial life including spores.
2. Which process destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores?
- A.Sanitation
- B.Decontamination
- C.Disinfection
- D.Sterilization
Answer: D. Sterilization, usually by steam under pressure in an autoclave, kills every form of microbial life including spores. Disinfection kills most pathogens but is not guaranteed to kill spores.
3. What level of infection control is required for reusable nonporous implements between clients?
- A.Disinfection
- B.Rinsing in hot water
- C.Sterilization
- D.Cleaning only
Answer: A. Reusable nonporous tools such as combs, shears and metal nippers must be cleaned and then disinfected after every client. Some states require sterilization for certain tools, which varies by state.
4. What kind of disinfectant must be used on salon implements?
- A.OSHA-listed, industrial-grade
- B.USDA-certified, organic-grade
- C.EPA-registered, hospital-grade
- D.FDA-approved, pharmacy-grade
Answer: C. State boards require an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant used exactly as the label directs. The FDA, OSHA and USDA do not register salon disinfectants.
5. A disinfectant used on salon tools should carry which label claims?
- A.Fungicidal, pediculicidal, sporicidal
- B.Virucidal, insecticidal, sporicidal
- C.Bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal
- D.Bactericidal, sporicidal, tuberculocidal
Answer: C. The label must state that the product kills bacteria, fungi and viruses. A sporicidal claim is a sterilant, not what boards require for routine tool disinfection.
6. Before an implement is placed in disinfectant solution, it must first be:
- A.Cleaned of all visible debris
- B.Dried with a disposable towel
- C.Sprayed with 70% alcohol
- D.Soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
Answer: A. Hair, skin and product left on a tool shield germs from the disinfectant and inactivate it. Wash with soap and water, rinse, then immerse.
7. How long must implements stay in the disinfecting solution?
- A.Overnight, for at least 8 hours
- B.For exactly 60 seconds each time
- C.Until the solution turns cloudy
- D.For the contact time on the label
Answer: D. Every EPA-registered disinfectant lists a contact time, commonly 10 minutes, and the tools must stay wet in the solution for that full time. Shorter soaks do not kill what the label claims.
8. How should implements sit in the disinfectant during the contact time?
- A.Hung just above the solution
- B.Fully immersed in the solution
- C.Resting halfway in the solution
- D.Laid on a towel soaked in solution
Answer: B. Complete immersion is required so every surface stays in contact with the disinfectant for the full contact time. Any part above the surface is not disinfected.
9. How often should the disinfectant in an immersion jar be replaced?
- A.Only when it begins to smell bad
- B.Daily, or sooner if visibly dirty
- C.Weekly, or sooner if it is low
- D.Monthly, when the label expires
Answer: B. Most labels and state rules call for a fresh solution at least daily and immediately whenever it becomes cloudy or contaminated. A dirty solution no longer disinfects.
10. When a concentrated disinfectant is mixed, the correct dilution comes from:
- A.The salon owner's preference
- B.The strongest ratio available
- C.The state board's website
- D.The manufacturer's label
Answer: D. Using the product as labeled is what makes its EPA registration valid. Too weak will not disinfect and too strong wastes product and can damage tools.
Practice all 36 infection control & safety questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free Cosmetology training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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