Nail Tech Prep

NAIL TECH PREP: PASS YOUR STATE BOARD WRITTEN EXAM FIRST TRY

The nail technician state board written exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 50 percent. Candidates who fail most often struggle with the chemistry behind nail enhancements, infection control procedures, and identifying nail disorders. This app is built around all three.

NAIL SHAPE GUIDE

Square: straight free edge at 90 degrees. Squoval: square with slightly rounded corners, most universally flattering. Round: follows the natural curve of the fingertip. Oval: elongated round with tapered sides. Almond: tapered to a narrow rounded point. Coffin or ballerina: long tapered sides with flat squared tip. Stiletto: tapered to a sharp point. Lipstick or slant: filed diagonally for an angular look. Mountain peak: V-shaped center dip. Flare or duck: widens at the tip.

For each shape: filing direction (always one direction only, never sawing), best nail length, best hand and finger types, and common mistakes that cause breakage.

OVERLAY COMPARISON CHART

Acrylic: monomer and polymer powder, strongest system, acetone removal. Gel: UV or LED cure, more flexible, soaks off. Dip powder: activator and colored powder, no UV lamp, soaks off. Gel polish: thin soak-off coating, 2 to 3 week wear. Nail wraps (silk or fiberglass): weakest system, used for repairs. Builder gel (BIAB): thick self-leveling UV or LED gel, strengthens natural nail.

For each system: chemistry, curing method, wear time, removal method, lifting causes, and contraindications.

SANITATION CHECKLIST

Non-porous metal implements: clean, then submerge in EPA-registered disinfectant for 10 minutes minimum. Porous implements (foam files, buffers, wooden sticks): single-use only, discard after each client. Electric file bits: same as metal implements. Foot spas: drain, clean, and disinfect after every client, flush lines at end of each day.

When to refuse service: open wounds, fungal infection (onychomycosis), bacterial infection (paronychia, greenies), warts, inflamed tissue.

1,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

INFECTION CONTROL AND SANITATION (30%): Disinfection levels, quaternary ammonium compounds and contact time, single-use vs multi-use implements, foot spa disinfection, nail disorder contraindications and when to refuse service.

NAIL SCIENCES AND DISORDERS (25%): Nail anatomy (plate, bed, matrix, lunula, cuticle, hyponychium, epony