• 100 questions

Oregon Esthetician License Practice Test

One hundred questions in the six domains of Oregon's esthetics examination bulletin, with the source under every answer.

Which mineral do bones hold more of than any other organ, storing and releasing it as blood levels change?

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Exam mode: 100 questions, 90 minutes, 75 right to pass (75%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Oregon Health Licensing Office and its Board of Cosmetology. Bank checked October 9, 2026.

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All 100 questions

Anatomy and physiology 21

  • A small raised rough patch on skin that has had years of sun, which can turn into a kind of skin cancer, is what? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Actinic keratosis
  • Against what does the pigment melanin give the skin a defense? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Skin layers
  • Benign growths that are tan, brown or black, often waxy, and may look "pasted-on" the skin describe which condition? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Seborrheic keratosis
  • How long is the normal life of a single hair, according to MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in hair and nails
  • In a nerve cell, which part carries impulses away from the cell body? NCI SEER Training Modules, Nervous Tissue
  • Sweat and sebaceous glands carry their product to a surface through ducts. Which category of gland is that? NCI SEER Training Modules, Endocrine System
  • What are Merkel cells? NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
  • What are telangiectasias? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Telangiectasia
  • What are the two sublayers of the dermis? NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
  • What do patches of melanin in the skin cause? NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
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Anatomy and physiology, continued

  • What fills an epidermoid cyst, which is sometimes wrongly called a sebaceous cyst? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Epidermoid cyst
  • What happens to the epidermis with aging, according to MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in skin
  • What is a cherry angioma? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Cherry angioma
  • What is a macule? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Macule
  • What is the outermost layer of the epidermis made of? NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
  • When does sunburn result, in terms of melanin? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Sunburn
  • Which glands are the true sweat glands, found over the entire body? NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
  • Which mineral do bones hold more of than any other organ, storing and releasing it as blood levels change? NCI SEER Training Modules, Skeletal System
  • Which two muscles of the head are chewing (mastication) muscles? NCI SEER Training Modules, Muscles of the Head and Neck
  • Which vitamin is produced in the skin and carried to the rest of the body by the blood vessels of the dermis? NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
  • Why does hair turn gray with age? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in hair and nails

Microbiology 4

  • Boils are most often caused by which organism? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Boils
  • What causes scabies? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Scabies
  • What causes warts? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Warts
  • Which cells of the epidermis attach to antigens that invade damaged skin and alert the immune system? NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin

Esthetic services 42

  • A "skin peeler" with a high concentration of acid is sold to treat acne or lighten the skin. How does FDA class a product with that intended use? FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
  • A client has an eye infection. What does FDA say about eye cosmetics? FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
  • A client mentions a bleeding disorder and a sensitivity to one ingredient. What does OAR 817-015-0065(1)(b) do with facts like these? OAR 817-015-0065(1)(b)
  • A practitioner works in a dual capacity and provides a service outside the esthetics scope. What must the client record show? OAR 817-015-0065(4)
  • Above what temperature does FDA say cosmetics should not be stored? FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
  • An esthetics device must be capable of, and used for, which services under OAR 817-015-0040(3)? OAR 817-015-0040(3)
  • Before a chemical peel, what must the analysis that decides whether a chemical is suitable take in? OAR 817-015-0055(8)(d)
  • Coarse, dark hair on the face of a woman is often tied to which syndrome, according to MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Excessive or unwanted hair in women
  • Curly beard hairs cut too short can curve back into the skin and inflame it. What is this disorder called? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Folliculitis
  • For a chemical peel, dermaplaning or an esthetics device service, which of these must an Oregon esthetician document? OAR 817-015-0065(5)
  • For patients of what age has FDA authorized microneedling devices to improve the appearance of facial acne scars and wrinkles? FDA, Microneedling Devices
  • For what may an Oregon esthetician not use a mechanical or electrical device, under OAR 817-015-0040(5)? OAR 817-015-0040(5)
  • From whom may dermaplaning training be obtained, besides schools, vendors, manufacturers and formal seminars? OAR 817-015-0056(2)
  • How does a dysplastic nevus usually differ in size from a common mole? National Cancer Institute, Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma
  • How does OAR 817-015-0045 define "natural physiological effects"? OAR 817-015-0045(2)
  • How must an Oregon authorization holder use a product, tool or device, under OAR 817-015-0025? OAR 817-015-0025(2)(c)
  • How must an Oregon esthetician use the chemicals of a peel under OAR 817-015-0055(8)? OAR 817-015-0055(8)(b)
  • In what condition must hair-removal wax and other substances be kept under OAR 817-010-0055(4)? OAR 817-010-0055(4)
  • In what form may esthetics client records be kept under OAR 817-015-0065? OAR 817-015-0065(3)
  • In what kind of room is a Wood lamp examination of the skin done? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Wood lamp examination
  • Microcurrent stimulates the skin within the epidermis, and cellular activity rises below it. How does OAR 817-015-0045 treat that deeper response? OAR 817-015-0045(5)
  • On a later visit for the same procedure, what may stand in for the client's full signature under OAR 817-015-0065(7)? OAR 817-015-0065(7)
  • On the first visit for a peel, dermaplaning or device service, what must the practitioner obtain from the client? OAR 817-015-0065(6)
  • On what does the extent of exfoliation from an alpha hydroxy acid product depend, according to FDA? FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
  • ORS 690.005(6)(a) lists what the hands or devices are used for in esthetics. Which of these is on the list? ORS 690.005(6)(a)
  • Under OAR 817-015-0040(4), which light-based device is not an esthetics device? OAR 817-015-0040(4)
  • Under ORS 690.005, esthetics is skin care for keeping the skin healthy and attractive, and not for what? ORS 690.005(6)
  • What does FDA advise before a product with a beta hydroxy acid is applied to a large area? FDA, Beta Hydroxy Acids
  • What does FDA say about sharing eye cosmetics? FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
  • What does OAR 817-010-0055(5) say happens to a substance such as wax after it has been used? OAR 817-010-0055(5)
  • What kind of hair removal does ORS 690.005 place in esthetics? ORS 690.005(6)(b)
  • What must be done with a cosmetic sponge after it is used on a client under OAR 817-010-0068(11)? OAR 817-010-0068(11)
  • What strength of silver nitrate does FDA permit in professional-use gel products that color eyebrows and eyelashes? FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
  • When does dry skin occur, according to MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Dry skin - self-care
  • When is an Oregon esthetician presumed to be using a device below the epidermis? OAR 817-015-0045(4)
  • Which blade method does ORS 690.005(6)(b) name among the means of temporary hair removal? ORS 690.005(6)(b)
  • Which details of a chemical peel go into the client record under OAR 817-015-0065(5)(f)? OAR 817-015-0065(5)(f)
  • Which electrical modalities does OAR 817-015-0040 list among the devices an Oregon esthetician may use? OAR 817-015-0040(2)
  • Which form of light therapy is on the list of devices in OAR 817-015-0040(2)? OAR 817-015-0040(2)(d)
  • Which needling devices does OAR 817-015-0040(2) list for an esthetician, within the limit of the epidermis? OAR 817-015-0040(2)(f)
  • Which solutions does the Board's definition of a superficial peel leave out? OAR 817-005-0005(40)
  • Which way of getting the required training does the chemical peel rule accept that the dermaplaning rule does not list? OAR 817-015-0055(3)

Implements, tools and equipment 8

  • Brushes are given as an example of which kind of tool in OAR 817-010-0068(6)? OAR 817-010-0068(6)
  • How does an autoclave sterilize instruments, in the CDC glossary? CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, glossary
  • In the Board's definitions, tweezers and comedone extractors belong to which class of tools? OAR 817-005-0005(38)
  • What do "tools and implements" not include, in the Board's definitions? OAR 817-005-0005(41)
  • What may a storage drawer for clean tools and implements be used for under OAR 817-010-0075? OAR 817-010-0075(3)
  • What must any device used in a field of practice meet under OAR 817-015-0025(1)? OAR 817-015-0025(1)
  • What must the surface of equipment such as a back-bar be made of under OAR 817-010-0101? OAR 817-010-0101(1)
  • When must tools and implements be disinfected or sterilized under OAR 817-010-0068(1)? OAR 817-010-0068(1)

Product knowledge and chemistry 17

  • A sunscreen bottle says "waterproof." What is FDA's position on that word? FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
  • A sunscreen is labeled "water resistant." What must its label also state? FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
  • Besides exfoliation, for what chemical purpose does FDA say AHAs are sometimes used in cosmetics? FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
  • Does "natural" or "organic" on an aromatherapy product mean a different safety rule applies, according to FDA? FDA, Aromatherapy
  • How are sunscreens regulated, according to FDA? FDA, Cosmetic Tanning Products
  • pH is reported in logarithmic units. What does each whole number on the scale represent? USGS Water Science School, pH and Water
  • What controls the microorganisms that fingers add to a jar of product, until it breaks down over time? FDA, Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics
  • What does a pH of less than 7 indicate? USGS Water Science School, pH and Water
  • What does FDA say about a regulatory definition of "essential oils"? FDA, Fragrances in Cosmetics
  • What does the word "cosmeceutical" mean under federal law? FDA, "Cosmeceutical"
  • What is an emulsion, in FDA's page on cosmetic shelf life? FDA, Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics
  • What must be true of any color additive used in makeup, according to FDA? FDA, Makeup
  • Which kind of cosmetics does MedlinePlus say to use on oily skin? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Oily skin
  • Which product does MedlinePlus suggest for oily skin when frequent face washing causes irritation? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Oily skin
  • Which word names an agent that lowers the surface tension of water, a wetting agent found in many disinfectants? CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, glossary
  • Why may a product labeled "unscented" still contain fragrance ingredients? FDA, Fragrances in Cosmetics
  • Why may a professional-only exfoliant carry no ingredient declaration, according to FDA? FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Safety and infection control 8

  • A device an esthetician uses is unsafe or causes harm. What may that amount to under OAR 817-015-0040(8)? OAR 817-015-0040(8)
  • A facility's written plan for limiting staff exposure to blood was last revised three years ago. What does 29 CFR 1910.1030 require? 29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)
  • What is the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant, in the CDC guideline? CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization, Definition of Terms
  • When soap and water are not available, the CDC says to use a hand sanitizer with at least how much alcohol? CDC, Hand Sanitizer Guidelines and Recommendations
  • Which federal agency regulates hand sanitizers, according to the EPA? EPA, the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize and clean
  • Which supplies must be on the facility premises at all times when services are performed, under OAR 817-010-0060(7)? OAR 817-010-0060(7)
  • Who has the legal responsibility to ensure that a cosmetic is safe, according to FDA? FDA, FDA Authority Over Cosmetics
  • Who is responsible for determining whether a device to be used on clients is prohibited by law, under OAR 817-015-0040(7)? OAR 817-015-0040(7)

How this list was compiled: Outline: the Esthetics Examination Information Bulletin of the Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology (examination implemented January 1, 2016; https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Documents/COS_Esthetics_Examination_Information_Bulletin.pdf). Facts: Oregon Administrative Rules chapter 817 in the Health Licensing Office's own copy of the Board of Cosmetology rules, marked unofficial, permanent rules effective July 1, 2024 (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Rules/COS-Rules.pdf), ORS 690.005 on the Oregon Legislature's site, the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard, and public pages of the CDC, the EPA, the FDA, the U.S. Geological Survey, MedlinePlus and the National Cancer Institute. Each question names its rule 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 Oregon esthetician practice test has 100 of our own questions, divided the way the Health Licensing Office's esthetics examination bulletin divides its 100. It is not affiliated with the Office or its Board of Cosmetology and takes nothing from the real examination.

Read the full guide

What the Oregon esthetics examination asks

The Office's Esthetics Examination Information Bulletin, opened on October 9, 2026, sets out six domains: anatomy and physiology 21 questions, microbiology 4, esthetic services 42, implements, tools and equipment 8, product knowledge and chemistry 17, safety and infection control 8.

Where the answers come from

The bulletin names two textbooks and OAR chapter 817 as references. This bank uses the rules, ORS 690.005 and public pages of the FDA, CDC, OSHA, MedlinePlus and the National Cancer Institute, never the textbooks. Massage movements, masks and the hair growth cycle have no such source and are not asked.

  • An Oregon esthetician's devices work within the epidermis; a deeper response counts only as a natural physiological effect (OAR 817-015-0045).
  • Galvanic current, high-frequency, microcurrents, LED therapy and microdermabrasion are on the device list; lasers and intense pulse light are not (OAR 817-015-0040).
  • On a first peel, dermaplaning or device visit the client signs; on later visits for the same procedure, initials are enough (OAR 817-015-0065).

Questions and answers

Is this an Oregon esthetics state board practice test?

It is practice for the written esthetics examination that the Oregon Health Licensing Office gives for its Board of Cosmetology, in the six domains of the Office's bulletin. It is unofficial, and the Office did not write or review it.

How many questions are on the Oregon esthetics exam?

The Office's bulletin lists 100 questions, a 90-minute time limit and a passing score of at least 75 percent. The examination was implemented January 1, 2016. Check the Office's own site before you test.

Does this cover the Oregon Laws and Rules exam?

No. That is a separate written examination on ORS chapter 690 and the whole of OAR chapter 817, and it has its own page on this site. Here, only the rules particular to esthetics are asked, inside the domains they belong to.

Are these the real Oregon exam questions?

No. This site has never seen the examination. The questions were written from Oregon's rules and from public pages of federal agencies, and each one links to the text it was written from.

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