NV Nail Technician study plan

Distinguish cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection and state which client-contact items require each level

Classify at least 20 salon tools and surfaces as porous or non-porous and assign the correct disinfectant contact time to each

Demonstrate (in writing) the full workflow for an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant: pre-clean, immerse or wipe, rinse, dry, store

Explain how bloodborne pathogens, bacteria, fungi, and viruses differ and name the barrier method that blocks each transmission route

List the hand-hygiene moments in a manicure service and justify each with a contamination risk

Sequence a complete service setup and breakdown from hand washing through final surface disinfection, with no gaps

Identify violations in five written salon scenarios and cite the control measure that fixes each

Match hazardous ingredients (acetone, ethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, bleach, quats) to ventilation, PPE, and storage requirements

Explain Material Safety Data Sheet/Safety Data Sheet access rules and what to do for a splash, spill, or inhalation exposure

Describe how to handle a client with a suspected infection or a bleeding cut without breaching professional boundaries

Label the nail unit structures (matrix, lunula, eponychium, hyponychium, nail bed, nail plate, sidewall, free edge) and state the function of each

Trace the growth path of the nail plate from matrix to free edge and explain why matrix damage is permanent while bed damage may recover

Differentiate bacterial, fungal, viral, and systemic nail conditions and state which require referral rather than service

Recognize signs of common disorders (onycholysis, paronychia, onychomycosis, Beau's lines, pitting, koilonychia) and describe what the technician may and may not do

Relate nail and skin appearance to nutrition, circulation, and age-related changes

Perform a full basic manicure sequence in order, naming the purpose of each step and the sanitation checkpoint between steps

Execute a pedicure sequence including foot soak, callus care limits, nail shaping, and massage, while listing contraindications for each

Select and justify file grit, buffer, and nipper use for natural nails without causing damage

Demonstrate three nail shapes and explain which finger and lifestyle suit each

Adapt technique for clients with sensitive skin, diabetes, or circulatory concerns and state when to decline service

Compare tip, wrap, and form application methods on adhesion, stress zone, and removal risk, and choose the right one for three client profiles

Outline the acrylic liquid-and-powder application steps from prep and sizing through stress-zone building and finishing

Explain proper monomer and polymer handling, ratio control, and why liquid-to-powder balance affects lifting and curing

Describe wrap and tip removal methods that protect the natural plate and list the signs of over-thinning or damage

State the scope limits on sculpting, repairs, and fills and when to refer a damaged or infected nail

Explain how gel polish and hard gel cure under UV versus LED and why lamp compatibility and bulb condition matter

Sequence a gel application and a gel removal without improper force or over-filing, naming each product layer

Diagnose common gel failures (lifting, shrinkage, wrinkling, under-cure, heat spike) and match each to a cause and a fix

Compare soak-off, file-off, and e-file removal and state the safety rules for each

List acrylic troubleshooting cases (yellowing, lifting, bubbles, cracking) and the correction for each

Script a consultation that covers health history, allergies, prior product reactions, lifestyle, and informed consent

Apply a decision framework for turning away or modifying service when a client discloses a condition or requests an out-of-scope procedure

Summarize Nevada Board rules on licensure, sanitation standards, recordkeeping, and continuing education as they apply to a nail technician

Define the boundaries of nail technician scope versus cosmetology and medical practice, with examples of each

Practice handling a complaint, a late client, and a price dispute using a professional, non-defensive response

Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains from earlier weeks until practice accuracy exceeds 85%

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and log every miss by domain

Re-teach each logged miss in one sentence of your own words, without looking at the answer key

Review sanitation and Nevada rules one final time, since these are the highest-yield recall areas

Build a one-page exam-day sheet of contact times, disorder referrals, and scope limits