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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Cosmetology Practice Test: Milady State Board Prep

20 questions to check your Milady test prep. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Tyler BosmaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 12
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art representing a trivia quiz challenging cosmetology students knowledge and readiness for professional exams.

This Milady cosmetology practice test helps you check your state board knowledge and see where to study next. Answer 20 quick questions on sanitation, hair, skin, and nails, then view instant results with tips to improve. Exploring a different track? Try the esthetician practice test or the barber exam practice test.

Which government agency registers disinfectants used in salons for efficacy and safety claims?
FDA
OSHA
CDC
EPA (registers hospital-grade disinfectants for salon use)
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What is the highest level of decontamination used on nonliving surfaces in the salon?
Disinfection (destroys most microbes on nonporous surfaces; sterilization is for critical tools)
Sanitation
Rinsing
Antisepsis
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Which hair layer contains melanin and is primarily responsible for hair strength and elasticity?
Medulla
Cuticle
Follicle opening
Cortex (contains pigment and structural protein bonds)
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Which pH is considered alkaline on the pH scale?
pH 3
pH 9 (above 7 is alkaline)
pH 5.5
pH 7
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A predisposition (patch) test for an aniline derivative tint should be performed when?
24 to 48 hours before the service (checks for allergic sensitivity)
Immediately after color application
One week after the service
Only if the client requests it
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Which term describes the ability of hair to absorb moisture?
Porosity (degree of moisture absorption)
Texture
Elasticity
Density
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Which relaxer is also known as lye relaxer?
Ammonium thioglycolate
Lithium bromide
Guanidine hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide (lye-based)
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According to Milady Standard Cosmetology exam references, what is the commonly cited minimum contact time for most EPA-registered quats disinfectants unless otherwise labeled?
10 seconds
1 minute
10 minutes (typical label contact time; always follow manufacturer directions)
60 minutes
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Which bacteria are spherical and appear in clusters resembling grapes?
Bacilli
Streptococci
Spirilla
Staphylococci (cluster-forming cocci)
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Which developer volume typically provides up to two levels of lift in permanent hair color?
10 volume
20 volume (commonly lifts up to 1-2 levels while depositing)
40 volume
30 volume
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Which haircutting elevation is commonly used to create uniform layers?
45 degrees
90 degrees (even elevation around the head)
135 degrees
0 degrees
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What is the main active ingredient in most alkaline permanent waving solutions?
Sodium hydroxide
Ammonium thioglycolate (reduces disulfide bonds)
Sodium bicarbonate
Hydrogen peroxide
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Which nail structure contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels and is responsible for nail growth?
Hyponychium
Nail plate
Matrix (produces the nail)
Lunula
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During a chemical texture service, which test assesses how the hair stretches and returns?
Porosity test
Elasticity test (evaluates strength of side bonds)
Predisposition test
Strand test
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Which statement best defines porosity levels across the hair shaft?
High porosity means resistant to moisture
Normal porosity means cuticle is tightly closed along entire shaft
Low porosity means highly damaged hair
Uneven porosity means varying absorption along the strand (affects processing)
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Which category of setting masks includes rubberizing peel-off alginate masks and thermal modelage masks that harden on the skin?
Modelage or rubberizing mask (sets and peels away)
Cream mask
Gel mask
Clay mask
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Which cosmetic chemistry term describes the ingredient present in the largest amount in a product?
Vehicle or base (primary component listed first)
Solute
Active
Surfactant
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Which cosmetic electrical modality uses a direct current to produce chemical changes in the skin?
High-frequency
Galvanic (DC for iontophoresis and desincrustation)
Sinusoidal
Faradic
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Which nail disorder is characterized by transverse depressions across the nail plate after illness or injury?
Pterygium
Leukonychia
Beau lines (temporary matrix growth interruption)
Koilonychia
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Which chemical service requires a metallic salt test to avoid adverse reactions?
Semi-permanent coloring
Shampooing
Thermal pressing
Permanent waving or oxidative coloring (detects metallic dyes that can react)
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand key industry concepts in cosmetology.
  2. Analyze practice exam questions to evaluate knowledge gaps.
  3. Apply core principles to license exam scenarios.
  4. Interpret professional standards and best practices.
  5. Evaluate problem-solving strategies in cosmetology contexts.

Milady Cosmetology Board Practice Test Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the skin's structure and function - Dive into the three layers - epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue - to see how they protect, repair, and hydrate the body. This foundation lets you customize treatments and recommend the best products for glowing results.
  2. Familiarize yourself with common skin disorders - Recognizing acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more keeps your treatments safe and effective. Knowing triggers and symptoms means you can confidently advise clients on appropriate care and when to refer them to a dermatologist.
  3. Master hair design principles - Match face shapes, balance proportions, and select flattering styles that boost client confidence. With a solid grip on design basics, you'll wow clients with cuts and looks that truly suit them.
  4. Learn key hair cutting techniques - From sleek blunt cuts to dynamic layers and texturizing moves, each technique adds versatility to your skill set. Practice precision and control so you can create everything from edgy bobs to soft, flowing layers.
  5. Understand hair coloring chemistry - The color wheel, level system, and tone adjustments are your best friends when transforming shades. Grasp how pigments interact and how to correct unwanted hues for picture-perfect results.
  6. Grasp chemical texture services - Perms, relaxers, and texturizers all rely on precise chemical reactions. Nail down the science behind bonds and processing times to keep hair healthy and deliver the perfect curl or sleek finish.
  7. Study nail structure and disorders - Healthy nails start with understanding anatomy - from the matrix to the nail plate - and spotting issues like fungal infections or onycholysis. Your expertise ensures safe, stylish manicures and pedicures every time.
  8. Learn infection control and safety - Sanitation, sterilization, and personal hygiene are non-negotiable for a thriving salon. Master proper tool disinfection and workspace protocols to protect yourself and your clients from cross-contamination.
  9. Understand electricity in cosmetology - From microcurrent facials to high-frequency treatments, electrical devices can amplify your service menu. Study safety guidelines and equipment functions to use these tools confidently and correctly.
  10. Know your state laws and regulations - Each state board sets unique rules for licensing, sanitation, and scope of practice. Staying up-to-date ensures you operate legally, ethically, and with peace of mind. Your State Cosmetology Board
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