NIC National Cosmetology Theory Exam — Practice Exam
Nail services: practice questions
Our NIC Cosmetology Theory bank has 20 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What is a nail fill (rebalance)?
- Adding product to the new growth area and reshaping the enhancement
- Polishing the natural nail
- Soaking the nails in oil
- Removing the enhancement completely
Show the answer
A. Adding product to the new growth area and reshaping the enhancement — Fills are usually done every 2–3 weeks.
Question 2
Why should cuticle nippers not be used to cut living skin?
- It makes the cuticle grow faster
- It is only a time concern
- It dulls the nippers
- Cutting living tissue can cause infection and is beyond a cosmetologist's scope
Show the answer
D. Cutting living tissue can cause infection and is beyond a cosmetologist's scope — Trim only loose, dead tissue such as hangnails.
Question 3
Why should nail enhancement products be kept off the skin?
- Repeated skin contact can cause allergic sensitization
- It doesn't matter
- It makes them dry faster
- Skin contact strengthens the bond
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A. Repeated skin contact can cause allergic sensitization — Methacrylates can trigger allergic reactions with repeated contact.
Question 4
How should toenails be trimmed during a pedicure?
- Only at the center
- As short as possible
- Into a deep curve at the corners
- Straight across, without rounding deep into the corners
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D. Straight across, without rounding deep into the corners — Cutting into the corners can lead to ingrown nails.
Question 5
Where is the apex (stress area) built on a nail enhancement?
- At the cuticle
- On the sidewalls only
- The highest point, where the nail needs the most strength
- At the very tip of the free edge
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C. The highest point, where the nail needs the most strength — Proper apex placement helps prevent breaks.