Eighty-five questions on the published theory outline, nearly half of them from Colorado's own Rule 1.7 on infection control.
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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure or PSI Services LLC. Bank checked October 9, 2026.
A client asks to leave their own single-use items at the salon for next time. What does Rule 1.7 say?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(G)(2)
A client has a contagious condition with an open sore where the service would be performed. What lets a Colorado licensee go ahead under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(E)(1)
A client is cut during a service. What is the first thing Rule 1.7 has the licensee do?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(F)(1)
A disinfected electrical item has a cord. What does Rule 1.7 say about storing it?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(D)(5)
A jar of cream becomes contaminated during a service. What does Rule 1.7 require?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(L)(2)
A piece of equipment is used on more than one client in a day. When must it be cleaned and disinfected under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(B)(4)
A waxing room is a work area where contact with blood is reasonably likely. Which habit does the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard bar there?29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(ix)
An item cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected. How does Rule 1.7 treat it?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(G)(1)
Show all 85 questions (77 more)
Safety and infection control, continued
During which hours must an employer keep Safety Data Sheets within employees' reach, under 29 CFR 1910.1200?29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8)
How does Rule 1.7 define a single-use item?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(13)
How must lancets, razors and other sharp objects be disposed of under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(D)(4)
How often must capes be washed or disinfected under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(H)(3)
How often must the container for soiled linens be cleaned and disinfected under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(D)(2)
How often must the container that temporarily holds used implements be disinfected under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(D)(6)
How often, at a minimum, must chairs and treatment tables be cleaned and disinfected under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(B)(2)
In the definitions of Rule 1.7, a sanitizer kills 99.999 percent of the specific test bacteria in how long?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(11)
Under Rule 1.7, standard precautions apply to which of these?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(14)(a)
Under Rule 1.7, what does cleaning alone do for a multi-use item?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(1)
What do Colorado's infection control rules say about sterilization?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(16)
What does Colorado's Rule 1.7 say about an ultraviolet (UV) light box?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(5)
What does Rule 1.7 require of a trash container at a workstation?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(D)(1)
What does Rule 1.7 say about keeping Safety Data Sheets only in electronic form?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(L)(1)
What does Rule 1.7 say about tools in a package that has been "re-sealed"?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(G)(6)
When does Rule 1.7 say hand sanitizer is not acceptable and the hands must be washed?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(C)(1)
When hand cleaning is not practical, Rule 1.7 allows a hand sanitizer of at least what alcohol strength?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(C)(1)
Where must bottles of poisonous or caustic substances, such as cleaners and disinfectants, be stored under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(D)(3)
Which disinfectant do Colorado's infection control rules call for?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(4)
Which materials does Rule 1.7 give as common non-porous materials?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(8)
Who pays for the gloves and other personal protective equipment that the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard requires?29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(i)
You need the exposure limits and the protective gear for a disinfectant concentrate. Where in its Safety Data Sheet do you look?OSHA Brief, Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
Client consultation and skin analysis 14
A client had a laser treatment recently. Within how many weeks does Rule 1.9 bar a resurfacing exfoliation unless a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse approves in writing?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(D)(2)
According to FDA, into how many types do dermatologists divide human skin, and which is the most sensitive to UV?FDA, Your Skin
According to MedlinePlus, what is the greatest single factor in the skin changes that come with age?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in skin
Before a resurfacing exfoliation, Rule 1.9 has the client told that certain medicines may raise the risk of an adverse reaction. Which does it name?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(C)(4)
Raised, usually itchy welts on the skin surface that can be an allergic reaction to medicine or food are called what?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hives
Rule 1.9 lists "the degree of sebaceous activity" among the things to inspect before a resurfacing exfoliation. What does that mean?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(C)(5)
Sebaceous (oil) glands are found everywhere on the body except where?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Thick, red, well-defined patches with flaky, silver-white scales describe which condition, which is not contagious?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Psoriasis
Uneven white patches that have no pigment, on skin that otherwise feels normal, describe which condition?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Vitiligo
What causes ringworm (tinea)?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Ringworm
What do keratinocytes produce?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
What is a papule?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Papule
When one of the conditions in Rule 1.9(D)(2) exists, how long before the procedure must a predisposition patch test be given?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(D)(3)
Which cells of the dermis make collagen?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Skin care 13
A client asks for a chemical peel and microdermabrasion in one visit. What does Rule 1.9 say?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(D)(1)
How many hours of cosmeceutical coursework does Rule 1.9 require before a Colorado esthetician performs chemical resurfacing exfoliation?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(A)(5)
How many hours of coursework does Rule 1.9 require before microdermabrasion or other manual resurfacing exfoliation?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(B)(2)
How must a towel warmer be left overnight under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(I)(5)
Manual resurfacing exfoliation under Rule 1.9 uses devices listed as which class of medical device?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(B)(1)
Rule 1.8 prohibits a service, device or product that affects the client's skin in which way?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.8(A)(1)
What does Rule 1.7 require before services begin on a client's skin, other than waxing?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(C)(2)
What does Rule 1.7 require of the wet towels that go into a towel warmer?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(I)(3)
What must a licensee do before preparing towels for the warmer under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(I)(1)
What must be applied to the treated skin before the client leaves a chemical or manual resurfacing exfoliation service?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(C)(6)
Which beta hydroxy acid does FDA say is the one most commonly used in cosmetics?FDA, Beta Hydroxy Acids
Which resurfacing substance does Rule 1.9 prohibit?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(A)(4)
Which way of taking product from a container does Rule 1.7 list as a permitted way to avoid cross contamination?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(L)(3)
Makeup 2
How must cream, cake, powder or liquid makeup be taken for use on a customer under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(J)(1)
What does Rule 1.7 require for the application of mascara?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(J)(4)
Eyelash and eyebrow 5
FDA says professional-use silver nitrate products for coloring lashes and brows are not intended for use on persons under what age?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
For permanent tinting of eyebrows or eyelashes, which precaution does Rule 1.8 name?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.8(E)(3)
How many contact hours of training does Rule 1.9 require before an esthetician performs permanent or semi-permanent makeup, such as microblading of the eyebrows?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(E)(3)
Which lash service is named in the statutory definition of an esthetician in Colorado?C.R.S. 12-105-104(8)(a)
Why does FDA warn against kohl as an eye cosmetic?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
Hair removal 11
A single-use spatula is used to take wax from the pot. What does Rule 1.7 require?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(K)(2)
How must paraffin wax be handled for each client under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(K)(5)
How must wax pots be kept under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(K)(6)
In Colorado's infection control rules, what does the word "wax" include besides hard and soft wax?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(A)(17)
In which one circumstance may the same applicator be used for a whole waxing service under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(K)(2)(c)
Under Rule 1.8, a licensee may not perform a service or use a product or technique that has what likelihood?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.8(A)(1)
The wax in a pot becomes contaminated or has visible debris. What does Rule 1.7 require?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(K)(3)
What does Rule 1.7(K) say about the skin that is to be waxed?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(K)(4)
What is the growth of coarse dark hair above the lips or on the chin, chest or back of a woman called?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Excessive or unwanted hair in women
When may roll-on wax be used under Rule 1.7?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.7(K)(1)
Which hair removal methods are in the statutory definition of an esthetician in Colorado?C.R.S. 12-105-104(8)(d)
Colorado licence law 10
A Colorado license expires. For how long may the licensee go on providing services under Rule 1.5?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.5(A)(2)
A licensee changes address. Within how long must the Director be notified in writing under Rule 1.5?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.5(A)(1)
After the added training in Rule 1.9, which of these enters a Colorado esthetician's scope of practice?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.8(E)(2)
Colorado's definition of an esthetician covers practices that are not for what purpose?C.R.S. 12-105-104(8)
How many contact hours of training does Colorado law set for an esthetician?C.R.S. 12-105-111(3)(c)
In Colorado's rules, a contact hour is at least how many minutes of instruction?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.1(B)(7)
What must a licensee give the Director's inspector during an inspection under Rule 1.10?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.10(B)
Where must a Colorado esthetician license be displayed?C.R.S. 12-105-116
Which of these does Rule 1.8 specifically prohibit in any cosmetic service?4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.8(A)(2)
Who must register a place of business that offers esthetician services in Colorado?C.R.S. 12-105-112
How this list was compiled: Outline: the Esthetician Theory Content Outline in the Colorado Esthetician Test Taker Guide (version 1.6, effective August 12, 2026), published for the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure by PSI Services LLC (https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cocos). Facts: the Barber and Cosmetology Licensure Rules, 4 CCR 731-1, on the Colorado Secretary of State's site (https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/DisplayRule.do?action=ruleinfo&ruleId=2313), the Barber and Cosmetologist Practice Act, C.R.S. title 12, article 105, linked from the Office's laws page (https://dpo.colorado.gov/BarberCosmetology/Laws), the OSHA bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication standards, and public pages of the FDA, MedlinePlus and the National Cancer Institute. Each question names its rule, 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 Colorado esthetician practice test asks 75 questions across the six topics of the published theory outline and 10 on Colorado licence law. It is not affiliated with the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure or PSI Services LLC.
Read the full guide
The Colorado esthetician theory test on paper
The Colorado Esthetician Test Taker Guide (version 1.6, effective August 12, 2026), opened October 9, 2026, weights six topics: safety and infection control 40 percent, consultation and skin analysis 19, skin care 17, hair removal 15, eyelash and eyebrow 6, makeup 3.
Colorado rules worth knowing cold
Rule 1.7 of 4 CCR 731-1 governs disinfection, single-use items, towels, makeup and wax. Rule 1.9 sets the added training before chemical peels, microdermabrasion and permanent makeup. Colorado gives a practical test too, which this page leaves out.
A UV light box never counts as disinfection in Colorado, and sterilization is not required (Rule 1.7).
Added training: 24 hours for chemical resurfacing, 14 for microdermabrasion, 132 for permanent makeup (Rule 1.9).
One resurfacing service per visit, and SPF 15 or higher goes on before the client leaves (Rule 1.9).
Questions and answers
Is this Colorado practice esthetician test free?
Yes: no fee and no sign-up, and your answers stay in your browser. It is unofficial practice written for study, and a score here does not predict a result on the real test.
How many questions are on the Colorado esthetician theory test?
The Test Taker Guide lists 75 scored questions and 10 unscored experimental ones, with 90 minutes to finish. Test takers must score at least 70 percent, and the score report says only pass or fail.
Does this cover the Colorado practical test?
No. The practical test is scored on tasks performed in person, and the guide gives it its own pass mark. This page practises the written theory test only.
Where do the Colorado questions come from?
From 4 CCR 731-1, the Barber and Cosmetologist Practice Act, and public pages of OSHA, FDA and MedlinePlus, each linked under its question. Nothing comes from the real test or the textbooks its guide lists.