WA Nail Technician study plan

Distinguish cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection, and state which one each type of implement or surface requires

Classify 15 salon items as porous or non-porous and assign the correct disinfectant contact time and storage method to each

Sequence a complete hand-washing, glove, and client-protection protocol from start to finish

Identify Washington-required workplace safety practices including SDS access, labeling of secondary containers, and ventilation

Write a one-page daily disinfection checklist a working tech could actually follow between clients

Describe correct liquid-to-powder ratio and bead consistency, and explain what happens when the mix is too wet or too dry

Sequence the full prep-to-finish steps for a tip-and-overlay acrylic set, naming the purpose of each product layer

Compare acrylic, hard gel, gel polish, and wrap systems on cure method, removal method, and typical wear time

List client conditions and skin/nail states that require service modification or referral before an enhancement is applied

Diagnose five common service failures (lifting, cracking, yellowing, pocket lifting, ridges) and state the likely cause and correction for each

Sequence a standard manicure and a standard pedicure step by step, including prep, product application, massage, and cleanup

Match file grits and implement types to the correct task and natural nail or skin condition

Identify contraindications for hand and foot massage, including skin infections and circulatory concerns

Explain pedicure basin and jet sanitation steps, including when a tub must be taken out of service

Rehearse both services end to end on a practice hand or model and record total time and missed steps

Label the parts of the natural nail unit and describe the growth and function of each

Describe the layers and functions of the skin as they relate to nail services and product adhesion

Differentiate common nail and skin disorders from conditions that must be referred to a physician

Explain how systemic factors such as nutrition, illness, and medication can change nail appearance and service suitability

Re-test infection control decisions on porous versus non-porous items to confirm retention from week 1

Select the appropriate repair method for a crack, a broken corner, and a separated overlay, and justify the choice

Describe nail art and embellishment application and removal methods that avoid damage to the natural nail plate

Script a client consultation that covers lifestyle, allergies, prior product reactions, aftercare, and realistic expectations

Practice explaining a service refusal or modification to a client in plain, non-judgmental language

Demonstrate two repair techniques and document the steps used for each

Locate the licensing, sanitation, and salon-operation requirements in RCW 18.16 and WAC 308-20 that apply to a nail technician

Outline the scope of practice for a nail technician, listing tasks that are inside and outside that scope

Summarize salon license, individual license, and posting requirements that must be met before providing services

Identify the rules on record retention, client records, and continuing education that affect day-to-day practice

Build a compliance checklist a salon owner could use for a self-inspection

Set up a complete mock client record including intake, service performed, products used, and consent for a patch test

Calculate a service price using product cost, time, and overhead to reach a defensible hourly rate

Describe which business records must be kept, for how long, and how client privacy is protected

Re-run two enhancement services from the week 2 procedure card and score them against the original written steps

Identify three inefficiencies in a mock salon workflow and propose a fix for each

Take three timed mixed practice exams weighted by domain percentage and record the score for each

Rank all eight domains by practice-exam accuracy and re-drill the two weakest

Recite the disinfection decision table and the 20-step acrylic card from memory without notes

Review every correction card and missed item from weeks 1 through 7

Confirm readiness by explaining, out loud, how a single client visit touches every domain in the exam