Eighty-five questions on the board's esthetician theory outline, many straight from California's own health and safety regulations.
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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology or PSI Services LLC. Bank checked October 9, 2026.
A bottle in the establishment holds a poisonous substance and is not the manufacturer-labeled container. What marking does 16 CCR 988 require?Title 16 CCR 988(b)
A client's blood splashes into a worker's eye during a service. What does the OSHA standard call this?29 CFR 1910.1030(b)
A licensee has purulent conjunctivitis ("pink eye"). Under 16 CCR 984, when may they return to serving clients?Title 16 CCR 984(c)
A peel solution is labeled "Danger" and a toner is labeled "Warning." What does the difference in signal word tell you?29 CFR 1910.1200(c)
A tool has been used on a client. Which label does 16 CCR 979 accept on the container it goes into?Title 16 CCR 979(c)
A towel, sheet or robe has been used once. What happens to it under 16 CCR 987?Title 16 CCR 987(a)
According to the EPA, what is the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting a surface?EPA, the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize and clean
An esthetician opens the Safety Data Sheet for a new exfoliant. Into how many numbered sections is it divided?OSHA Brief, Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
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Safety and infection control, continued
An esthetician treats every client's blood as if it were known to be infectious. Which concept of the OSHA standard is that?29 CFR 1910.1030(b)
California's rule for disinfecting non-electrical tools calls for an EPA-registered disinfectant with which demonstrated activity?Title 16 CCR 979(a)(4)
Cotton pads, sponges and gloves that touched a client cannot be disinfected. What does 16 CCR 981 require?Title 16 CCR 981(a)
How are electrical tools disinfected before each use under 16 CCR 980?Title 16 CCR 980(a)
How does 16 CCR 979 have tools taken out of the disinfectant?Title 16 CCR 979(a)(5)
How does 16 CCR 984 treat blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B?Title 16 CCR 984(d)
How must new supplies and single-use, disposable tools be stored under 16 CCR 981?Title 16 CCR 981(b)
In the definitions of 16 CCR 977, what must the label of a disinfectant show?Title 16 CCR 977
The last of the disinfectant has been used. What does 16 CCR 978 still require on the premises?Title 16 CCR 978(c)
Linens are washed in a noncommercial machine. What water temperature and time does 16 CCR 987 require?Title 16 CCR 987(b)
The skin of a licensee's hands is broken. What does 16 CCR 984 require before they perform services?Title 16 CCR 984(e)
Under 16 CCR 979, what is done to a non-electrical tool right after it is cleaned with soap or detergent and water?Title 16 CCR 979(a)
What does 16 CCR 981 say about carrying tools in a pouch or holster on a uniform while serving clients?Title 16 CCR 981(c)
What does the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard say about washing disposable gloves for another use?29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(B)
What is the "contact time" on the label of an EPA-registered disinfectant?EPA, the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize and clean
What must be written on a container that holds disinfectant solution for tools?Title 16 CCR 978(a)(4)
When must a licensee wash their hands under 16 CCR 983?Title 16 CCR 983(b)
When must the disinfectant solution for non-electrical tools be changed?Title 16 CCR 979(b)
Where must disinfected tools be stored under 16 CCR 979?Title 16 CCR 979(d)
Which devices does 16 CCR 977 name for sterilizing?Title 16 CCR 977
Which item is "contaminated" as 16 CCR 977 defines the word?Title 16 CCR 977
Which two substances may a California establishment not have on the premises at all under 16 CCR 989?Title 16 CCR 989(b)
Client consultation and skin analysis 14
A client's skin is broken and inflamed where a facial is planned. What does 16 CCR 984 say?Title 16 CCR 984(e)
Cold sores (fever blisters) on the lips are usually caused by which organism?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Herpes - oral
During skin analysis you see a mole whose edges are ragged and blurred. In the "ABCDE" features of melanoma, which feature is that?National Cancer Institute, Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma
In acne, what is the plug of oil and skin cells that blocks a gland called?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Acne
Patches of dark skin on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip that are common in pregnant women describe which condition?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Melasma
Under 16 CCR 984, how long is a person with impetigo kept from serving clients or being served?Title 16 CCR 984(c)
What are milia?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Milia
What kind of light does a Wood lamp use to look closely at the skin?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Wood lamp examination
Where on the body is the epidermis only about .05 mm thick?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Which cells make the pigment that gives skin its tan or brown color?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Which chronic condition makes the face turn red and may bring spider-like blood vessels and sores that look like acne?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Rosacea
Which layer makes up about 90 percent of the thickness of the skin?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Which type of contact dermatitis is the most common?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Contact dermatitis
Why does an intake form ask whether a client takes antibiotics or uses benzoyl peroxide products?FDA, Your Skin
Skin care 13
A client's sunscreen comes as a spray. How does FDA say it should be used on the face?FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
A device pierces the client's skin with metal needles. How does 16 CCR 991 treat its use by an esthetician?Title 16 CCR 991(b)(3)
Business and Professions Code 7320.2 makes it a misdemeanor to apply a solution of phenol stronger than what?Business and Professions Code 7320.2
California's definition of the practice of skin care covers facials and exfoliation that do not result in what?Business and Professions Code 7316(c)(1)
FDA's recommended Sunburn Alert for products with alpha hydroxy acids says to limit sun exposure while using the product and for how long afterwards?FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
How must a treatment table be prepared after each use under 16 CCR 990?Title 16 CCR 990(c)
How must facial and makeup brushes be handled before use on a client under 16 CCR 986?Title 16 CCR 986(b)
How often does FDA say sunscreen should be reapplied?FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Under 16 CCR 992, which layer of the skin may be removed, and for what purpose?Title 16 CCR 992(a)
Which extraction tool may a California establishment not have on the premises under 16 CCR 993?Title 16 CCR 993(b)
Which product does 16 CCR 991 bar an esthetician from applying?Title 16 CCR 991(b)(2)
Which products may be used for skin exfoliation under 16 CCR 992?Title 16 CCR 992(c)
Which use of electricity does 16 CCR 991 list as an invasive procedure?Title 16 CCR 991(b)(1)
Makeup 2
How does FDA say sample eye cosmetics should be applied where many people use the same product?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
What does 16 CCR 988 require of pencil cosmetics?Title 16 CCR 988(d)
Eyelash and eyebrow 5
A client's eyelids turn red and sore a day after lash application. MedlinePlus lists false-eyelash adhesives as a common cause of which reaction?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Contact dermatitis
The caution statement on coal-tar hair dyes says the product must not be used to dye the eyelashes or eyebrows because doing so may cause what?FDA, Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics
FDA provides for the safe use of which color additive, in professional-use-only products, to color eyebrows and eyelashes?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
How does FDA classify eyelash extensions and the adhesives that hold them?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
Which lash and brow services does Business and Professions Code 7316 place in the practice of skin care?Business and Professions Code 7316(c)(2)
Hair removal 11
A wax stick has touched a client and cannot be disinfected. What does 16 CCR 981 require?Title 16 CCR 981(a)
Business and Professions Code 7316(e) says the practices of barbering, cosmetology and hairstyling do not include which technique?Business and Professions Code 7316(e)(3)
Business and Professions Code 7320.2 makes it a misdemeanor to remove superfluous hair with which appliance?Business and Professions Code 7320.2
Hair removal can leave skin non-intact. Under the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard, when must gloves be worn?29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)
How must waxes and other cosmetic preparations be kept under 16 CCR 988?Title 16 CCR 988(a)
In California, which practice is removing hair from the body "by the use of an electric needle only"?Business and Professions Code 7316(g)
Only part of a preparation such as wax will be used on a client. How must it be taken from its container under 16 CCR 988?Title 16 CCR 988(c)
Pimples or pustules near hair follicles after hair removal point to which condition?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Folliculitis
What kind of chemical may an esthetician use to remove superfluous hair under Business and Professions Code 7316?Business and Professions Code 7316(c)(3)
What offense does a Board licensee commit by using a laser in the treatment of a client?Business and Professions Code 7320.5
Which hair removal method is outside the practice of skin care in California?Business and Professions Code 7316(c)(3)
California licence law 10
A California esthetician license is issued today. Under Business and Professions Code 7415, how long is its term?Business and Professions Code 7415
A skin care course in a California school must be at least how many hours?Business and Professions Code 7364(a)
An applicant practiced skin care in another state. How does Business and Professions Code 7324 count that practice toward training?Business and Professions Code 7324(d)(2)
How are passing scores on the California written test set under 16 CCR 932?Title 16 CCR 932
Of the hours in the California skin care curriculum, how many are in skin care itself, including facials and exfoliation?Business and Professions Code 7364(b)
What does Business and Professions Code 7320 say about a Board license and the practice of medicine?Business and Professions Code 7320(a)
What does the Barbering and Cosmetology Act say about temporary licenses?Business and Professions Code 7399
What is the minimum age to be admitted to the California esthetician examination?Business and Professions Code 7324(a)
Where must an operator's license be posted under 16 CCR 965?Title 16 CCR 965(a)
Within how long after it expires may a California license be renewed?Business and Professions Code 7417
How this list was compiled: Outline: the Esthetician Theory Exam content outline in the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin, April 2026, published for the Board by PSI Services LLC (https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cabacos). Facts: the Board's 2026 Barbering and Cosmetology Act and Regulations (Business and Professions Code sections 7301 and following; California Code of Regulations, title 16, sections 904 to 999; https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/laws_regs/act_regs.pdf), the OSHA bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication standards, and public pages of the EPA, the FDA, MedlinePlus and the National Cancer Institute. Each question names its section or page and links to it. Read 2026-10-09. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the public texts named. Nothing comes from the real examination, a testing vendor, a textbook or a prep course.
How it works
This unofficial practice test for the esthetician license in California follows the State Board's candidate bulletin outline: 75 questions in its six topics and 10 on licence law. It is not affiliated with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology or PSI Services LLC.
Read the full guide
The California esthetician theory exam, as published
The Board's Candidate Information Bulletin (April 2026), opened October 9, 2026, weights six topics: safety and infection control 40 percent, client consultation and skin analysis 19, skin care 17, hair removal 15, eyelash and eyebrow 6, makeup 3.
Why so much here is California regulation
The outline's largest topic is cleaning, disinfection and safe practice, and California has a regulation on each: Title 16, sections 977 to 995. Where one covers an outline line, the question cites it. Elsewhere the source is a public page of OSHA, EPA, FDA or MedlinePlus.
Clean with soap and water, dry with a new paper towel, then immerse in EPA-registered disinfectant: that order is 16 CCR 979.
Only the epidermis may be removed, and only with over-the-counter products not sold for physician's use (16 CCR 992).
Lasers, metal needles and needle-like extraction tools are outside an esthetician's licence (B&P Code 7320.5; 16 CCR 991 and 993).
Questions and answers
Is there a California esthetics license practice test that follows the state board outline?
This page is one. Its first six groups are the six topics of the Board's published esthetician theory outline, in the same proportions. The questions are our own and none is taken from the examination.
Is this a study guide for esthetician stateboard in California?
Use it as one: every answer names the regulation or public page behind it, so a missed question tells you what to read. It is not a textbook, and the Board's bulletin lists the references the examination was built from.
How many questions are on the CA esthetician exam, and what score passes?
The bulletin gives 85 questions in 90 minutes, of which 10 are unscored pretest questions. The Board sets the passing score by a criterion-referenced method (16 CCR 932), and the bulletin prints no percentage.
Are these the real state board questions?
No. This site has never seen the examination, which belongs to the Board and its contractor. Each question was written from the 2026 Act and Regulations or a public federal page, and links to it.