NC Nail Technician study guide
NC Nail Technician · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The North Carolina Nail Technician Licensing Examination is the state credentialing process administered by the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners for people who want to practice nail technology for pay in the state. Passing it is what allows a candidate to hold a nail technician license and work in a licensed salon. The NC Nail Technician study guide has 8 sections and about 3,131 words.
01Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection and Safety
Cleaning removes visible debris with soap and water. Sanitizing reduces the number of microbes on a surface.
325 words, about 2 min02Nail and Skin Anatomy, Disorders and Diseases
Nail plate - the visible hard keratin covering; it has no nerves or blood vessels, so filing it is painless. Nail bed - pink tissue directly beneath the plate; it is supplied with nerves and vessels, so injury here hurts and bleeds.
622 words, about 3 min03Manicuring and Pedicuring
Sanitize your hands and the client's; inspect the hands and nails; remove old polish; file and shape; soak; push back the eponychium gently; clean under the free edge; exfoliate and massage; apply base coat, polish, and top coat. Shapes include square, squoval, oval, round, and pointed; the shape should follow the client's natural sidewalls.
322 words, about 2 min04Artificial Nails and Nail Enhancements
Liquid-and-powder (acrylic) systems use a monomer liquid and a polymer powder; gel systems cure under UV or LED light; dip systems layer powder with a resin; wraps use fabric and adhesive; tips and forms create length and shape. Products include dehydrator, primer, bonder, base, and finish.
329 words, about 2 min05Client Consultation, Communication and Service Safety
A consultation is a structured conversation plus a written record: client contact information, service history, product use at home, medications, allergies, occupation, and any medical conditions relevant to the service. Ask open questions, listen, confirm what the client wants, and record what you actually did, including products and lot numbers when relevant.
306 words, about 2 min06Chemistry and Product Knowledge as Applied to Nails
pH runs from 0 to 14; 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline. Skin and nails are mildly acidic, which helps them resist microbes.
314 words, about 2 min07North Carolina Cosmetic Art Act, Board Rules and Regulations
The Cosmetic Art Act, Chapter 88B of the North Carolina General Statutes, creates the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and defines the practice of cosmetic art, including cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, and natural hair care. The Act sets licensing authority and grounds for discipline; the Board's rules fill in sanitation, school, licensing, and inspection detail.
314 words, about 2 min08Salon Business, Ethics and Professional Practices
An employee earns a wage or commission; an independent contractor pays booth rent and runs their own book. The distinction affects taxes, insurance, scheduling, and who supplies products.
599 words, about 3 min