Free School-Sponsored Cosmetology Capstone Examination — Written Component Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the School-Sponsored Cosmetology Capstone Examination — Written Component practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which requested hair-color application does FDA safety guidance say not to perform?

   1. A. A retouch on scalp hair
   2. B. A semipermanent color on scalp hair
   3. C. Dyeing the eyebrows or eyelashes
   4. D. A strand test on scalp hair

   Answer: C

   Explanation: FDA says, “Keep hair dyes away from your eyes, and do not dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. This can hurt your eyes and may even cause blindness.” The service should not be performed with ordinary hair dye.

   Reference: Hair Dyes | FDA — Hair Dye Safety

2. 2Which muscle contracts to raise a hair from the skin?

   1. A. Arrector pili
   2. B. Frontalis
   3. C. Masseter
   4. D. Orbicularis oculi

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NCBI states, “The function of these muscles is to mediate thermoregulation by contracting and raising or relaxing and releasing the hair.” The muscle identified in that passage is the arrector pili.

   Reference: Anatomy, Hair - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Anatomy, Hair — Structure and Function

3. 3Which product choice does OSHA identify as the best way to control formaldehyde exposure during hair smoothing?

   1. A. A product labeled for professional use
   2. B. A product packaged in a sealed bottle
   3. C. A product designed for lower processing heat
   4. D. A product that does not list formaldehyde, formalin, methylene glycol, or another formaldehyde name

   Answer: D

   Explanation: OSHA states, “The best way to control formaldehyde exposure is to use products that do not list formaldehyde, formalin, methylene glycol, or any of the other names listed.” Selecting such a product is therefore the best control among the choices.

   Reference: Hair Salons: Facts about Formaldehyde in Hair Products - Protecting Worker Health | Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Protecting Worker Health: What OSHA Requires

4. 4What operating condition does Vermont require for electrical styling appliances?

   1. A. Stored unplugged whenever a client is present
   2. B. Used only at the manufacturer's highest setting
   3. C. Connected through an extension cord at every station
   4. D. Kept in safe working order at all times

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Rule 13-3(e) says electrical appliances and equipment “shall be in safe working order at all times.” Continued use of damaged equipment conflicts with that requirement.

   Reference: Adminstrative Rules for Barbers and Cosmetologists — § 13-3(e) — Electrical Appliances

5. 5A client previously reacted to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). Which FDA checklist step most directly addresses that history before a new hair-color service?

   1. A. Read the ingredient statement and avoid the prior problem ingredient
   2. B. Rinse the scalp after the color service
   3. C. Wear gloves while applying the product
   4. D. Keep the product away from the eyes

   Answer: A

   Explanation: FDA says, “Read the ingredient statement to make certain that ingredients that may have caused a problem for you in the past, such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD) are not present.” Checking for and avoiding PPD most directly addresses the client's history.

   Reference: Hair Dyes | FDA — Coal-Tar Hair Dye Safety Checklist

6. 6Immediately after finishing a shampoo service, what must be done to the shampoo bowl before another client uses it?

   1. A. Clean and sanitize it
   2. B. Cover it and sanitize it at closing
   3. C. Clean and sanitize it before the next day's first client
   4. D. Clean and sanitize it only when product residue is visible

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Vermont Rule 13-3(a) says shampoo bowls “shall be kept clean and sanitized after each use.” The bowl therefore must be cleaned and sanitized between clients.

   Reference: Adminstrative Rules for Barbers and Cosmetologists — § 13-3(a), p. 23

7. 7What is OSHA's eight-hour permissible exposure limit for formaldehyde in salon air?

   1. A. 0.75 ppm
   2. B. 0.50 ppm
   3. C. 1.00 ppm
   4. D. 2.00 ppm

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA gives the limit as “0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air (ppm) for an 8-hour work shift.” That directly selects 0.75 ppm.

   Reference: Hair Salons: Facts about Formaldehyde in Hair Products - Protecting Worker Health | Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Formaldehyde standard — air testing limits

8. 8What type of electrical supply must power a styling appliance in a Vermont salon?

   1. A. Properly grounded supply
   2. B. Ungrounded two-wire supply
   3. C. Battery supply without circuit protection
   4. D. Shared extension-cord supply

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule 13-3(e) requires appliances to be “supplied from a properly-grounded supply.” A properly grounded source is therefore required.

   Reference: Adminstrative Rules for Barbers and Cosmetologists — § 13-3(e) — Electrical Appliances

9. 9How often does FDA advise performing a skin patch test before using hair dye?

   1. A. Only when the dye brand changes
   2. B. Every time the hair is dyed
   3. C. Only when the selected shade changes
   4. D. Only when more than six weeks have passed

   Answer: B

   Explanation: FDA's checklist says, “Do a patch test on your skin every time before dyeing your hair.”

   Reference: Hair Dyes | FDA — Coal-Tar Hair Dye Safety Checklist

10. 10A Vermont salon is stocking a sink used for shampoo services. Which supply does the rule expressly require at that sink?

    1. A. Hand sanitizer
    2. B. Soap or shampoo
    3. C. Disinfectant solution
    4. D. Single-use towels

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Rule 13-3(a) requires sinks or shampoo bowls in the working area to be “adequately supplied with soap or shampoo.” The other supplies belong to different procedures.

    Reference: Adminstrative Rules for Barbers and Cosmetologists — § 13-3(a), p. 23