Scientific concepts: infection control and safety 22
A client is nicked during a service. What may be used to check the bleeding in Virginia?18VAC41-70-270(D)(9)
A cordless tool needs charging between clients. What does 18VAC41-70-270 allow?18VAC41-70-270(B)(4)
A lotion splashes into a co-worker's eye. Which section of the product's Safety Data Sheet gives the first-aid instructions?OSHA Brief, Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
After immersion, where may Virginia implements be kept?18VAC41-70-270(B)(2)(e)
As used in health care, the CDC glossary says the word microorganisms generally refers to which group?CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, glossary
For how long must a cleaned implement stay fully immersed in wet disinfectant solution in Virginia?18VAC41-70-270(B)(2)(d)
How does Virginia require a disposable item that touched blood to be discarded?18VAC41-70-270(D)(10)
How does Virginia treat a multiuse tool that cannot be cleansed or disinfected?18VAC41-70-270(D)(1)
How does Virginia's esthetics regulation define a wet disinfection unit?18VAC41-70-10(B)
How must flammable chemicals be kept in a Virginia spa?18VAC41-70-270(E)(3)
How must soiled towels and robes be stored in a Virginia spa that has no separate laundry room?18VAC41-70-270(D)(8)
Oxidizers, catalysts and solvents could react with one another. What does Virginia require in storage?18VAC41-70-270(E)(4)
Show all 110 questions (98 more)
Scientific concepts: infection control and safety, continued
Virginia asks for a disinfectant that is bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal. In the CDC glossary, what does a virucide do?CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, glossary
What is the first step in Virginia's procedure for disinfecting a multiuse implement?18VAC41-70-270(B)(2)
What must a wet disinfection unit have, under 18VAC41-70-270?18VAC41-70-270(B)(1)
When does 18VAC41-70-270 require gloves during a service?18VAC41-70-270(F)(2)
When must soiled implements leave the top of a work station in a Virginia spa?18VAC41-70-270(D)(2)
Where must a Virginia spa keep its Safety Data Sheets?18VAC41-70-270(E)(1)
Which items does 18VAC41-70-270 name as examples of multiuse articles that are prohibited because they cannot be disinfected by full immersion?18VAC41-70-270(D)(4)
Which list matches the minimum contents of the blood spill clean-up kit in 18VAC41-70-270?18VAC41-70-270(E)(2)
Which two viruses does the OSHA standard name in its definition of bloodborne pathogens?29 CFR 1910.1030(b)
Why does the CDC guideline call thorough cleaning essential before disinfection?CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization, Definition of Terms
Scientific concepts: cells, tissues and body systems 11
About how much of the body's heat comes from muscle contraction?NCI SEER Training Modules, Muscular System
Every cell is enclosed by a plasma membrane. What does that membrane control?NCI SEER Training Modules, Cell Structure
In the nervous system, what are muscles and glands called because they act on its signals?NCI SEER Training Modules, Nervous System
Mitochondria, ribosomes and lysosomes are examples of what?NCI SEER Training Modules, Cell Structure
The muscles of chewing are among the strongest in the body. To which bone do all of them connect?NCI SEER Training Modules, Muscles of the Head and Neck
What are the chemical messengers of the endocrine system called?NCI SEER Training Modules, Endocrine System
Which cells of nervous tissue do not transmit impulses but support the activities of the neurons?NCI SEER Training Modules, Nervous Tissue
Which three cell types are among the most common in connective tissue?NCI SEER Training Modules, Connective Tissue
Which two are the obvious, superficial muscles of the neck?NCI SEER Training Modules, Muscles of the Head and Neck
Which two contractile proteins are found in muscle tissue?NCI SEER Training Modules, Muscle Tissue
Which word covers all the chemical reactions that occur in the body?NCI SEER Training Modules, Body Functions and Life Process
Scientific concepts: the skin and its disorders 16
A client has thick red patches with silver-white scales and says it is psoriasis. Can it spread to you?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Psoriasis
About how much of the thickness of the skin does the dermis make up?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Excessive sweating with no other disease behind it is called what?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hyperhidrosis
Hives swell the surface of the skin into welts with clearly defined edges. What is the name for these welts?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hives
Impetigo is a contagious infection of the skin's outermost layer. What causes it?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Impetigo
In acne, a blocked pore is known as a plug or comedone. What is it called when the plug has a white top?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Acne
In the ABCDE features of melanoma, what does E stand for?National Cancer Institute, Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma
Keratinocytes leaving the spiny layer are pushed up through which two thin layers before they reach the surface layer?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
On which part of the body does the epidermis measure 1.5 mm, its greatest thickness?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
The skin with its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat glands, oil glands) is which body system?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Skin layers
What happens in the skin when vitiligo develops?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Vitiligo
What is a pacinian corpuscle?NCI SEER Training Modules, Anatomy of the Skin
What is the fatty layer beneath the epidermis and dermis called?NCI SEER Training Modules, Anatomy of the Skin
What is the first stage of squamous cell skin cancer called?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Squamous cell skin cancer
Which glands secrete a milky sweat that encourages the growth of the bacteria behind body odor?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Which is the thickest layer of the epidermis?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Scientific concepts: hair and chemistry 6
A cosmetic sold at retail to consumers has no ingredient declaration. How does FDA regard it?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
Heavy shedding of scalp hair after physical or emotional stress is called what?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hair loss
On the pH scale, what does a reading greater than 7 indicate?USGS Water Science School, pH and Water
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which purposes define a cosmetic?FDA, Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both?
What is the hair follicle?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Why does a pure oil have no pH?USGS Water Science School, pH and Water
Skin care and services: consultation and facials 24
A bowl is used during a skin care service. When must it be cleaned and disinfected?18VAC41-70-270(B)(6)
A client asks an esthetician to treat a medical skin disease. What does Virginia's definition of esthetics say?Code of Virginia 54.1-700
A client blames fried food for oily skin. What plays the key role in whether skin is oily?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Oily skin
A client has used the same cream for two years without trouble. Can an allergic contact reaction still appear?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Contact dermatitis
A client thinks SPF 15 means fifteen times longer in the sun. What does FDA say SPF relates to?FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
A client with rosacea asks what to limit to prevent flare-ups. Which list is right?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Rosacea
A dermatologist shines a Wood lamp on healthy skin. What is the normal result?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Wood lamp examination
A new use for a product is popular online but FDA disapproves of it. May a Virginia spa use the product that way?18VAC41-70-270(F)(4)
A sponge made for use on one client was used in a facial. What happens to it next in Virginia?18VAC41-70-270(B)(3)
Before services to each client, what must every employee who provides client services do?18VAC41-70-270(F)(1)
For home care of dry skin, when do moisturizers work best?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Dry skin - self-care
How must cream be taken from a jar in a Virginia spa?18VAC41-70-270(D)(5)
How must lotions, ointments, creams and powders be kept in a Virginia spa?18VAC41-70-270(D)(5)
Loss of strength and elasticity in aging skin, most noticeable in sun-exposed areas, is known as what?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in skin
On the skin type table FDA prints, which type is pale white and always burns, never tans?FDA, Your Skin
Virginia's definition of esthetics covers care of the skin by electrical, mechanical or manual means, using which kind of device?Code of Virginia 54.1-700
What does 18VAC41-70-270 require for applying creams, lotions and powders?18VAC41-70-270(D)(5)
What does the Virginia safety standard say about the electrical cords of facial machines?18VAC41-70-270(C)(5)
What does Virginia require of the towels, robes and linens used to drape a client?18VAC41-70-270(D)(8)
When sun sensitivity would be expected from a salicylic acid product, what did the industry review panel say its directions should include?FDA, Beta Hydroxy Acids
Which kind of product is among the things that may trigger acne?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Acne
Which sunscreen does FDA advise using regularly?FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Why does Virginia require the spa area to be sufficiently ventilated?18VAC41-70-270(C)(7)
With which alpha hydroxy acid products does FDA say the more serious adverse reactions appear to occur most often?FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Skin care and services: makeup, hair removal and more 21
A client booked for lashes has inflamed, itchy, reddened eyelids with dandruff-like debris at the base of the lashes. Which condition does that describe?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Blepharitis
A color additive is approved for cosmetics in general. Does that make it approved for eye makeup?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
An aromatherapy oil is sold with a claim that it treats anxiety. Does its plant origin keep it from being regulated as a drug?FDA, Aromatherapy
By which means may a Virginia esthetician remove unwanted hair?Code of Virginia 54.1-700
During a spray tan, which area must be protected because DHA is not permitted for use there?FDA, Sunless Tanners and Bronzers
For chemical exfoliation by a licensed master esthetician, what limit does Virginia set on trichloracetic acid?18VAC41-70-250(B)
For how long, at most, are professional silver nitrate brow and lash coloring products intended to be applied?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
How does FDA describe bronzers such as tinted moisturizers and brush-on powders?FDA, Sunless Tanners and Bronzers
How does FDA describe what microneedling devices do to the skin?FDA, Microneedling Devices
How does the Code of Virginia define waxing?Code of Virginia 54.1-700
In a Virginia spa, may a stick stand in the wax between clients?18VAC41-70-270(B)(5)
Virginia's definition of esthetics includes lightening hair on the body, with one exception. Which?Code of Virginia 54.1-700
What does 18VAC41-70-270 require of the area immediately surrounding the wax pot?18VAC41-70-270(B)(5)
What is a stye?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Eyelid bump
When hair follicles are damaged, for example by shaving or friction, which organisms most often infect them and cause folliculitis?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Folliculitis
Which cosmetics tend to have shorter shelf lives than other products?FDA, Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics
Which hair removal method uses electrical current to permanently damage individual hair follicles?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Excessive or unwanted hair in women
Which lash product is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Contact dermatitis
Which three practices does a Virginia master esthetician add to the practice of esthetics?Code of Virginia 54.1-700
Why does FDA warn about a mascara wand or other applicator slipping near the eye?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
With what must wax pots be cleaned and disinfected in Virginia?18VAC41-70-270(B)(5)
Virginia laws and regulations 10
A candidate passes the written examination but not the practical. Within what time must both be passed to avoid retaking the one already passed?18VAC41-70-40(B)
After a change of name or address, what deadline does 18VAC41-70-280 give for written notice to the Board?18VAC41-70-280(9)
After passing both examinations, how long does a candidate have to apply for the initial license before both must be retaken?18VAC41-70-40(D)
How long does a Virginia esthetician temporary license remain in force?18VAC41-70-70(B)
How often must a spa inspect itself, and how long is the form kept?18VAC41-70-270(I)
In Virginia's esthetics curriculum, what is the minimum instruction in skin care?18VAC41-70-190(B)
What does 18VAC41-70-160 say once two years have passed after expiration without renewal?18VAC41-70-160(B)
When does a Virginia esthetician license expire?18VAC41-70-140
Where must current licenses be displayed in a Virginia spa?18VAC41-70-260(A)
Which person is exempt from Virginia's licensing chapter?Code of Virginia 54.1-701
How this list was compiled: Outline: the National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), effective September 1, 2025 (https://prov-testing.github.io/nic_cib/esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html), which the Candidate Information Bulletin of the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (dated March 5, 2026, posted at https://provexam.com/test-information/) links as the written examination for estheticians. Facts: the Esthetics Regulations, 18VAC41-70, and Chapter 7 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia on the Virginia General Assembly's law site (https://law.lis.virginia.gov), the OSHA bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication standards, and public pages of the CDC, the FDA, the U.S. Geological Survey, 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, the sample questions in its bulletin, a testing vendor, a textbook or a prep course.
How it works
This unofficial Virginia esthetician practice test follows the NIC national theory outline and adds ten questions on Virginia's own rules. It is not affiliated with the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) or the test administrator.
Read the full guide
What Virginia's written esthetician exam covers
The Board's Candidate Information Bulletin (March 5, 2026) names the written exam as the NIC Esthetics theory examination. NIC's bulletin, effective September 1, 2025 and opened October 9, 2026, weights Scientific Concepts at 55 percent (infection control, anatomy, the skin and its disorders, hair, chemistry) and Skin Care and Services at 45 percent (consultation, facials, makeup, hair removal, other services).
Virginia rules to know cold
18VAC41-70-270 sets the disinfection steps, single-use items, wax pots, linens and the blood spill kit. Code of Virginia 54.1-700 defines esthetics and what a master esthetician adds.
Disinfection order in 18VAC41-70-270: remove debris, wash with hot water and soap, rinse and dry, immerse at least 10 minutes, rinse, dry, store.
No stick stands in the wax pot at any time, and wood implements are single-use (18VAC41-70-270).
Lymphatic drainage, chemical exfoliation and microdermabrasion belong to the master esthetician license (Code of Virginia 54.1-700).
Questions and answers
Is this a Virginia practice test for esthetician licensing?
For the written part, yes. Virginia gives the NIC theory examination with ten Virginia questions added, and this bank is split the same way. The practical examination, scored on tasks performed in person, is not covered.
Is this esthetician online practice test for Virginia free, and are the questions real?
It is free online, with no sign-up. The questions are our own, written from 18VAC41-70, Chapter 7 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and public federal pages such as OSHA's, FDA's and MedlinePlus. None comes from the examination or the bulletin's sample questions.
How many questions are on the Virginia esthetician written exam?
NIC's bulletin gives 110 items, 100 of them scored, and allows 90 minutes. The Board's bulletin adds that 10 Virginia State questions from 18VAC41-70 are included. Neither bulletin prints a pass mark.