Professional Ethics and Business Practices
What the exam tests
Ethics and business practices tests scope of practice, honesty, confidentiality, informed consent, recordkeeping, and lawful operation. The exam expects you to separate cosmetic nail care from medical treatment and to run a compliant business.
Core rules
- Practice only within your license: manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nail services; do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat disease.
- Advertise truthfully; do not claim to cure fungus, restore damaged nails, or guarantee results.
- Keep client records, including intake, products, and reactions, and retain them per applicable rules.
- Charge and quote clearly; disclose add-on fees before service.
- Carry appropriate business insurance and verify that your workspace meets board sanitation and licensing rules.
- Obtain consent before posting client images or testimonials.
Worked example
A client asks for a 'medical pedicure' to remove an ingrown toenail. Reasoning: removing ingrown tissue is medical treatment outside nail-technician scope. Decline that part, explain the risk of infection, and refer to a physician. You may provide routine nail care on other toes if the client consents and no open lesion is present.
Traps
Using titles such as 'nail doctor'; posting before-and-after photos without permission; offering discounts for unlicensed services; and keeping no record of a reaction. Also avoid speaking about clients in public areas.