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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies > Arts & Design

Illinois Cosmetology State Board Practice Exam - Think You Can Ace It?

Start the Free Cosmetology Practice Exam and Ace Your State Board Test

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Illinois cosmetology exam quiz on a sky blue background

This free Illinois state board cosmetology practice exam helps you prepare for your license with official‑style questions in a test‑like format. Use it to spot weak areas before the exam, then try the 100‑question practice or the full practice test for more study.

What is the primary purpose of the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology?
To protect public health and safety by regulating licensees
To set salon service prices statewide
To train cosmetology students
To certify salon products
The Illinois State Board of Cosmetology exists to protect the public by ensuring that licensed professionals meet sanitation, safety, and competency standards. Licensing and inspections enforce these regulations. It does not set pricing, train students directly, or certify products. For more information, visit .
Which state agency inspects salons for compliance with cosmetology laws in Illinois?
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The IDFPR licenses and regulates salons, including inspections for compliance with state cosmetology rules. The EPA, FDA, and OSHA have different regulatory scopes. See for details.
How long must implements be immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for proper sanitation?
60 minutes
2 minutes
30 seconds
10 minutes
A minimum 10-minute immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant is required to ensure hospital-grade sanitation of implements. Shorter times are ineffective. For specifics, see .
Which of the following implements is considered porous?
Stainless steel shears
Wooden manicure stick
Plastic comb
Glass nail file
Wooden implements are porous and cannot be fully disinfected; they must be single-use and discarded after each client. Metal, glass, and plastic items can be disinfected. More information at .
Which hair layer protects the inner structures and is composed of overlapping scales?
Cuticle
Follicle
Medulla
Cortex
The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scales that protect the inner cortex and medulla. It must lie flat for smooth, shiny hair. See .
Which layer of hair contains the pigment melanin that gives hair its color?
Medulla
Hair root
Cuticle
Cortex
Melanin resides in the cortex, which makes up the bulk of the hair fiber and determines hair strength, elasticity, and color. The cuticle protects it, while the medulla plays a minimal role. More detail at .
What neutralizes an alkaline solution in hair services?
Base
Acid
Surfactant
Emollient
An acid neutralizes an alkaline solution by lowering its pH, which is important to rebalance hair and scalp after chemical services. Bases would raise pH, while surfactants and emollients have different roles. For more, visit .
Approximately what pH is ideal for shampoos to match hair and scalp?
5.5
3.0
9.0
7.0
A pH around 5.5 is slightly acidic, matching hair and scalp's natural pH, helping keep the cuticle closed and preventing damage. Higher or lower pH can cause dryness or cuticle lifting. Learn more at .
What does hair porosity refer to?
The hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture
The width of each hair strand
The speed of hair growth
The amount of curl in the hair
Porosity measures how well the hair can absorb and retain moisture, influenced by cuticle condition. Low porosity resists moisture, high porosity absorbs but loses moisture quickly. See .
What ingredient in many salon disinfectants is the active bleaching agent?
Sodium hypochlorite
Ethyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol
Quaternary ammonium compound
Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, is the active ingredient in many disinfectants for its broad antimicrobial properties. Quats are also used but are not bleaching agents. For more, see .
How often must single-use implements be discarded in a salon?
Once a week
At the end of the day
When visibly soiled
After each client
Single-use, porous implements must be discarded after each client to prevent cross-contamination. Reusing them is against sanitation regulations. See Illinois rules at .
What water temperature is recommended when shampooing a client?
Lukewarm
Cold
Hot
Warm
Warm water opens the cuticle enough for effective cleansing without irritating the scalp. Hot water can dry and damage hair, cold water does not cleanse well. For more, visit .
Which item is most important for preventing cross contamination during chemical services?
Hair clips
Neck strip
Apron
Disposable gloves
Disposable gloves protect both client and stylist from chemical and microbial cross-contamination and must be changed between clients. Aprons and neck strips have different functions. More at .
What is the first step in properly sanitizing salon implements?
Clean with soap and water to remove debris
Rinse under hot water
Immerse in disinfectant
Wipe with alcohol
Physical cleaning with soap or detergent and water is required before disinfecting; debris can inactivate disinfectants. Only after cleaning should implements be disinfected. See .
What percent of hydrogen peroxide is contained in a 20-volume developer used in hair coloring?
6%
3%
12%
9%
A 20-volume developer contains 6% hydrogen peroxide, which provides about two levels of lift when mixed with hair color. 10-volume is 3%, 30-volume is 9%, and 40-volume is 12%. Review details at .
Which hair color category only deposits pigment without lifting the natural hair color?
Bleach
Semi-permanent
Bleach toner
Permanent
Semi-permanent hair colors deposit large color molecules onto the hair shaft without penetrating deeply or lifting natural pigment. Permanent colors lift and deposit, while bleaches remove pigment. More info at .
Which chemical bond in hair is broken during a thermal styling process like a hot press?
Peptide bond
Disulfide bond
Hydrogen bond
Salt bond
Hydrogen bonds are temporarily broken by heat or moisture during thermal styling and re-form upon cooling or drying, shaping the hair. Disulfide bonds require chemical services to break. Learn more at .
What scalp condition is characterized by dry or oily scales and sometimes itching?
Folliculitis
Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)
Psoriasis
Ringworm
Dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, presents as dry or oily scales on the scalp and often itching. Psoriasis has thicker plaques, ringworm is fungal with red patches, folliculitis is inflamed hair follicles. More at .
Which type of hair relaxer is classified as a no-lye product?
Ammonium thioglycolate relaxer
Lithium hydroxide relaxer
Guanidine hydroxide relaxer
Sodium hydroxide relaxer
No-lye relaxers contain guanidine hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide, making them less irritating to some scalps. Lye relaxers use sodium hydroxide; ammonium thioglycolate is a protein-based softener. See .
How long before a hair color service should you perform an allergy patch test?
1 week
24 - 48 hours
1 hour
10 minutes
A patch test 24 - 48 hours before coloring can reveal potential allergic reactions to hair dye ingredients. Performing it too early or late can give unreliable results. For guidelines, see .
Which stage of the hair growth cycle is known as the resting phase?
Catagen
Exogen
Telogen
Anagen
Telogen is the resting phase when hair sheds and follicles prepare for a new anagen phase. Anagen is growth, catagen is transitional, and exogen is the shedding process. More at .
What is the main function of an acid-balanced shampoo after a chemical service?
Remove chemical residues
Neutralize chlorine
Open the cuticle
Close the hair cuticle
Acid-balanced shampoos lower hair pH slightly, closing the cuticle to lock in moisture and color after chemical services. Alkaline opens cuticles, while clarifying shampoos remove buildup. See .
What is the correct way to remove implements from a disinfectant solution?
Using tongs or gloved hands
By pouring solution out
With bare hands immediately
Letting them air-dry in the solution
Implements should be removed with tongs or gloved hands to avoid contamination and contact with disinfectant. Bare hands can be exposed to chemicals or germs. For best practices, see .
Which nail disorder is characterized by horizontal ridges across the nail plate?
Onycholysis
Leukonychia
Onychorrhexis
Beau's lines
Beau's lines are horizontal depressions across the nail plate indicating past trauma or systemic illness. Onychorrhexis are vertical ridges, leukonychia is white spots, onycholysis is nail lifting. More at .
What ingredient in permanent hair color helps to swell the cuticle so color can penetrate?
Hydrogen peroxide
Alcohol
Glycerin
Ammonia
Ammonia raises the pH and swells the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to penetrate the cortex. Hydrogen peroxide develops the color inside, while glycerin and alcohol play different roles. See .
What test is used to determine the porosity of a client's hair before coloring?
pH strip test
Toner test
Patch test
Strand test
A strand test applies color or bleach to a small section of hair to evaluate porosity, processing time, and final shade. A patch test checks for allergic reactions. More at .
What role does water play when rinsing hair after a permanent wave neutralizer?
Bleaches the hair
Opens the cuticle
Removes excess chemicals and helps solidify new disulfide bonds
Acts as an oxidizer
Rinsing with water removes excess neutralizer and by-products, and cooling water helps close the cuticle while new disulfide bonds stabilize. It does not open cuticles or bleach hair. See .
Which federal act regulates the disposal of salon hazardous waste like disinfectant solutions?
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Toxic Substances Control Act
Clean Water Act
The RCRA governs how hazardous waste, including certain salon chemicals and disinfectants, must be stored, transported, and disposed of to protect human health and the environment. The other acts cover different areas. More at .
According to the law of color, which three primary pigments combine to create all other colors?
Red, yellow, blue
Cyan, magenta, yellow
Black, white, gray
Green, orange, purple
In traditional color theory, red, yellow, and blue are primary pigments; mixing them produces secondary and tertiary hues used in hair color formulation. Cyan, magenta, and yellow apply to printing. See .
What is the technical term for backcombing hair to create a cushion or base for updos?
Banding
Ratting
French lacing
Pancaking
Ratting, also called backcombing or teasing, involves combing hair toward the scalp to form a cushion that provides grip for styling. Pancaking refers to fading out curls, French lacing is a brows method, and banding is for strand straightening. More at .
How many bones are in the adult human skull, knowledge of which aids in proper scalp and facial massage?
22
28
24
18
The adult human skull has 22 bones, including cranial and facial bones. Estheticians study skull anatomy for effective massage and to avoid pressure on sensitive areas. For details, see .
What is the recommended autoclave temperature and time for sterilizing salon instruments?
134°C (273°F) for 2 minutes
121°C (250°F) for at least 15 minutes
100°C (212°F) for 5 minutes
150°C (302°F) for 30 minutes
A standard autoclave cycle is 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for a minimum of 15 minutes to achieve sterilization. Higher temperatures and shorter cycles may be used, but not lower temperatures or shorter times. Refer to .
Which light wavelength is most commonly used in LED treatments for acne reduction?
Yellow light at 580 nm
Blue light at approximately 415 nm
Green light at 550 nm
Red light at 700 nm
Blue LED light around 415 nm targets acne-causing bacteria in the skin, helping reduce breakouts. Red light is used for anti-inflammatory and anti-aging treatments. See .
What safety standard must salons follow for disposal of sharp objects like razor blades?
FDA Medical Device Regulation
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
FTC Fair Packaging Rule
EPA Clean Air Act
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires contaminated sharps be placed in puncture-resistant, labeled containers to prevent injury and disease transmission. The other regulations cover different areas. More at .
Which form of skin cancer originates from melanocyte cells and is the most dangerous?
Melanoma
Actinic keratosis
Squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma arises from melanocytes and can metastasize quickly, making it the deadliest form of skin cancer. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are more common but less aggressive. See .
Which vitamin is essential for collagen synthesis and skin healing after treatments?
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, wound healing, and antioxidant protection in skin care. Vitamin A is important for cell turnover, but collagen synthesis specifically depends on vitamin C. More at .
Which active ingredient is found in many chemical depilatories for hair removal?
Glycolic acid
Ascorbic acid
Lactic acid
Thioglycolic acid
Thioglycolic acid breaks disulfide bonds in hair, dissolving it for easy removal by depilatory creams. Other alpha hydroxy acids have exfoliating roles, not hair removal. Learn more at .
Which scalp disorder is a contraindication for a hair lightening service?
Androgenic alopecia
Mild dandruff
Telogen effluvium
Scalp abrasion or open wound
Lightening chemicals can irritate or penetrate open wounds or abrasions, risking severe damage or infection. Mild dandruff or hair thinning are not absolute contraindications. See safety guidelines at .
According to Illinois law, within how many days must a cosmetologist report a change of address to the State Board?
7 days
30 days
60 days
90 days
Illinois Administrative Code requires licensees to notify the board within 30 days of any change of address to keep contact information current. Failure to report can result in disciplinary action. Read more at .
What is the minimum number of training hours required for a salon manager license in Illinois?
5,000 hours
1,000 hours
2,500 hours
4,000 hours as a licensed cosmetologist
To qualify for a salon manager license, Illinois requires a licensed cosmetologist to complete at least 4,000 hours of practical experience. Other hour amounts do not meet statutory requirements. See details at .
Under Illinois Administrative Code, what is the maximum allowable concentration of formaldehyde in salon products?
10%
1%
5%
0.1%
Illinois rules limit formaldehyde in beauty products to 0.1% to protect client and stylist health. Higher concentrations are banned or heavily regulated. For the exact code, see .
How often must whirlpool foot spas be disinfected and logged according to Illinois law?
After each client with a recorded log entry
Once a week
Only when debris is visible
At the end of each day
Illinois regulations require whirlpool foot spas to be cleaned, disinfected after each use, and logged in a record to ensure compliance. Daily or weekly cleaning is insufficient. See .
What is the maximum penalty for practicing cosmetology without a license under Illinois law?
Felony
Class C misdemeanor
Class A misdemeanor
Civil infraction
Practicing without a license in Illinois is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can include fines and possible jail time. It is not a civil infraction or felony. For statute details, see .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Safety and Sanitation Protocols -

    Apply OSHA guidelines and salon best practices as featured in the free Illinois practice state board cosmetology exam scenarios to ensure client health and compliance.

  2. Apply Anatomy and Physiology Principles -

    Identify hair, skin, and nail structures tested on the state board cosmetology practice test to deliver accurate services and boost exam performance.

  3. Demonstrate Styling and Chemical Technique Knowledge -

    Practice essential haircutting, coloring, and chemical processing techniques reflected in official-style cosmetology test questions for hands-on mastery.

  4. Analyze Official-Style Cosmetology Test Questions -

    Develop critical thinking skills by dissecting question formats and content found in the Illinois state board of cosmetology exam.

  5. Evaluate Readiness with Scored Quiz Feedback -

    Use instant scoring and detailed explanations from the free cosmetology practice exam to identify strengths and target areas for improvement.

  6. Adopt Effective Test-Taking Strategies -

    Learn time management and question-approach tactics tailored for the practice state board of cosmetology exam to boost confidence and efficiency.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Sanitation & Safety Standards -

    Maintaining strict hygiene is crucial for the practice state board of cosmetology exam, so review OSHA and CDC protocols for disinfecting tools and surfaces. Remember the "10-step disinfection process" and store solutions at the proper pH (7.5 - 10) to keep clients safe. This knowledge is essential for state board cosmetology practice test questions on salon sanitation.

  2. Hair Structure & Growth Cycle -

    Understand the three phases of hair growth - Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen (think "ACT up" to recall the sequence) - and the keratin-rich composition of hair shafts from sources like the American Academy of Dermatology. This helps you master cosmetology test questions on hair biology. Use this mnemonic for quick recall during the free cosmetology practice exam.

  3. Skin Anatomy & Common Disorders -

    Familiarize yourself with the epidermis and dermis layers, and study common conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and tinea from reputable health sites like Mayo Clinic. Knowing these details boosts confidence on questions in the Illinois state board of cosmetology practice test. Use "E-D" to link epidermis and dermis for swift recall during exams.

  4. Chemical Texture Services & pH Balance -

    Differentiate acid (pH 4.5 - 7.0) and alkaline (pH 8.2 - 9.6) waving solutions and their effects on hair structure, as outlined in Milady's standard reference. "Acid slows swelling, alkali opens up" is a handy phrase for the free Illinois practice state board cosmetology exam. Mastering these formulas is key to acing chemical service questions.

  5. Illinois State Board Regulations -

    Review IDFPR guidelines for licensing requirements, sanitation rules, and scope of practice to excel on state board questions. Illinois requires biennial license renewal with continuing education, so remember "Renew every two to go" for quick recall. Being familiar with state-specific laws ensures you're fully prepared for the official practice test.

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