OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Free Written Theory Examination Practice Questions

103 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

View examination details, outline and sources

Loading selected examination banks…

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Written Theory Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1After cleaning a reusable comb, how must a Florida salon perform wet disinfection?

    1. A. Mist only the teeth and air-dry it
    2. B. Fully immerse it in a covered wet container for the label contact time
    3. C. Place it in ultraviolet storage without disinfectant
    4. D. Wipe it once with plain water

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The rule defines the container as "large enough to allow for a complete immersion of the articles" and adds, "A cover shall be provided." The disinfectant must be used according to its label.

    Reference: 61 G 5 20 002 — Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G5-20.002(2)(e), (3)(b)

  2. 2A client reports persistent irritation after stopping use of an eye cosmetic. What referral is appropriate?

    1. A. Advise the client to see a doctor
    2. B. Refer the client to the cosmetic retailer
    3. C. Refer the client to the product manufacturer's customer-service line
    4. D. Defer the issue to the client's next salon consultation

    Answer: A

    Explanation: FDA directs, "If irritation persists, see a doctor." Because the irritation continued after the product was stopped, referral to a doctor is the appropriate response.

    Reference: Eye Cosmetic Safety | FDA — Safety Checklist

  3. 3How should a retail eye-cosmetic tester be applied to reduce cross-contamination?

    1. A. With a single-use applicator
    2. B. Directly from a shared wand
    3. C. With the customer's finger
    4. D. With a reusable sponge used all day

    Answer: A

    Explanation: For store testers, FDA says to "make sure they are applied with single-use applicators, such as clean cotton swabs." A shared wand, finger, or all-day sponge increases cross-contamination risk.

    Reference: Eye Cosmetic Safety | FDA — Don't share! Don't swap!

  4. 4Why should methacrylate monomer used for artificial nails be kept off the client's skin?

    1. A. To reduce the chance of an allergic reaction
    2. B. To make the product cure more slowly
    3. C. To remove natural nail pigment
    4. D. To increase cuticle growth

    Answer: A

    Explanation: FDA states, "It is important to avoid contact with the skin in order to minimize the chance of an allergic reaction." Keeping monomer off the skin addresses sensitization risk.

    Reference: Nail Care Products | FDA — Methacrylate Monomers in Artificial Nails

  5. 5What must accompany an application to operate a Florida cosmetology salon?

    1. A. The requested relevant information and an application fee
    2. B. A cosmetology examination score and renewal fee
    3. C. A mobile-salon itinerary and delinquent fee
    4. D. A school transcript and endorsement fee

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Section 477.025(3) requires an application "accompanied by any relevant information requested by the department and by an application fee." Those two items therefore accompany a salon application.

    Reference: Chapter 477 Section 025 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate — Fla. Stat. § 477.025

  6. 6What must occur before a reusable salon implement is placed in disinfectant?

    1. A. Clean the article with soap and water
    2. B. Completely immerse the article in disinfectant
    3. C. Store the article in a clean, closed cabinet
    4. D. Place the article in ultraviolet storage

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The required sequence begins, "First, clean articles with soap and water." Immersion and clean storage occur only after that cleaning step; ultraviolet irradiation is a post-disinfection storage method.

    Reference: 61 G 5 20 002 — Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G5-20.002(3)(c)

  7. 7Which client preparation is specifically required for a safe hair-color service?

    1. A. Effective protective draping
    2. B. A foot soak
    3. C. A nail wrap
    4. D. A dry scalp massage

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The incorporated standard requires the student to "Demonstrate the practice of effective draping of the client to insure safety." Protective draping is therefore the specified preparation for the color service.

    Reference: Human Services 2024 (2025) — 2024–2025 Cosmetology standards, Hair Coloring benchmark 22.02

  8. 8What should be checked before applying false-eyelash adhesive?

    1. A. The adhesive's ingredients
    2. B. The client's shoe size
    3. C. The salon's floor plan
    4. D. The hair-color developer strength

    Answer: A

    Explanation: FDA cautions that "the eyelids are delicate" and directs, "Check the ingredients before using these adhesives." The adhesive ingredient list is therefore the relevant pre-application check.

    Reference: Eye Cosmetic Safety | FDA — Thinking of false eyelashes or extensions?

  9. 9Which knowledge supports safely shaping a natural nail and caring for cuticles?

    1. A. Nail anatomy, skin and nail disorders, product chemistry, angles, and curves
    2. B. Only hair density and elasticity
    3. C. Only facial bone structure
    4. D. Only shampoo chemistry

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Benchmark 15.04 names "anatomy of the nail structure, diseases and disorders of the skin and nail, chemistry of compounds" together with angles and curves as the knowledge used for shaping and cuticle care.

    Reference: Human Services 2024 (2025) — 2024–2025 Cosmetology standards, Nail benchmark 15.04

  10. 10After receiving a proposed Florida salon's license application, what may the department do?

    1. A. Investigate the proposed salon
    2. B. Renew every employee's individual license
    3. C. Set the applicant's examination score
    4. D. Transfer the salon license to a new owner

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Section 477.025(4) states, "Upon receiving the application, the department may cause an investigation to be made of the proposed cosmetology salon or specialty salon." Investigation is therefore the authorized next action.

    Reference: Chapter 477 Section 025 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate — Fla. Stat. § 477.025

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for Written Theory Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
    • Sanitize implements using wet procedures
    • Sanitize implements using dry procedures
    • Clean and sanitize work area
    • Practice personal hygiene
    • Store and dispose of equipment, chemicals, supplies
    • Maintain working environment to ensure safe operation (implements and equipment)
    • Apply first aid
    • Recognize and respond to emergencies/medical emergencies
    • Record all facts pertinent to an accident
  • Client Services
    • Establish communication to determine desired services
    • Protect clients with necessary covering, draping
    • Have a basic knowledge of bone and muscle systems (head, hands and feet)
    • Analyze skin and recognize disorders and diseases
    • Analyze hair structure and recognize disorders and diseases
    • Analyze scalp and recognize disorders and diseases
    • Analyze nails and recognize disorders and diseases
    • Advise client of recommended services (considering hair color, texture, skin tone, shape of face, etc.)
    • Refer clients for medical treatment
    • Check and update client record card
    • Advice regarding at-home maintenance
  • Facials, Make-up and Hair Removal
    • Test for skin sensitivity
    • Remove superfluous hair (waxing, tweezing, depilatories)
    • Lighten superfluous hair
    • Perform facial message
    • Apply make-up
    • Apply artificial eyelashes
  • Manicuring and Pedicuring
    • Repair split or damaged fingernails
    • File fingernails to desired shape
    • Give plain or oil manicure
    • Give plain or oil pedicure
    • Select and apply artificial nail tips (nail extensions)
    • Apply acrylics or porcelain to sculpture fingernails
    • Wrap nails
  • Professional/Legal and Ethical/Laws and Rules
    • Maintain proper licensure status
    • Know actions that are grounds for discipline and penalties
    • Know requirements for facility license
    • Know powers and duties of the Board of Cosmetology

How to use these free practice questions

Choose an answer, check the explanation, and review your progress by chapter. Practice questions and explanations are free to access without signing up.

These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view Written Theory Examination details.