Scientific concepts: infection control and safety 20
A client is cut during a service. What must the licensee who goes on serving that client wear under WAC 308-20-110(17)?WAC 308-20-110(17)(e)
A disposable sharp object has touched blood. What kind of container does WAC 308-20-110 require for it?WAC 308-20-110(5)(d)
A tool must be free of every microbe, bacterial spores included. Which level of infection control is that, in the CDC guideline?CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization, Definition of Terms
For how long does the CDC say to scrub the hands when washing them?CDC, About Handwashing
How are contaminated objects discarded after a blood spill under WAC 308-20-110(17)?WAC 308-20-110(17)(f)
How are electrical tools disinfected after service on each client under WAC 308-20-110(8)?WAC 308-20-110(8)
How does WAC 308-20-110 say an EPA approved disinfectant is recognized?WAC 308-20-110(6)
How must towels, linens, capes and robes be laundered under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(14)
How often must disinfecting solutions be changed under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(6)(d)
In the CDC guideline, what does disinfection not reliably eliminate?CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization, Definition of Terms
In WAC 308-20-110(7), what step comes between washing a tool with soap or detergent and water and disinfecting it?WAC 308-20-110(7)(a)
Show all 110 questions (99 more)
Scientific concepts: infection control and safety, continued
In Washington's blood spill procedure, what comes right after the service is stopped?WAC 308-20-110(17)
Under WAC 308-20-110(4), what must be kept away from potential sources of ignition?WAC 308-20-110(4)(c)
What does WAC 308-20-110 say about bar soap and a common towel for hand washing?WAC 308-20-110(1)(d)
What is a fungicide, in the CDC glossary?CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, glossary
What is an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer used for under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(6)(c)
When may a client's own tools be used in a Washington establishment?WAC 308-20-110(7)(d)
Where must Safety Data Sheets for the chemical products in use be available under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(4)(b)
Which of these must a Washington establishment's first-aid kit hold at a minimum?WAC 308-20-110(18)
Which section of a Safety Data Sheet gives the precautions for safe handling and the conditions for safe storage?OSHA Brief, Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
Scientific concepts: cells, tissues and body systems 9
Glands are made mostly of the same tissue that covers the surfaces of the body. Which of the four tissue types is it?NCI SEER Training Modules, Epithelial Tissue
What are the four main tissue types in the body?NCI SEER Training Modules, Body Tissues
What are the three parts of a generalized cell?NCI SEER Training Modules, Cell Structure
What is homeostasis?NCI SEER Training Modules, Body Functions and Life Process
Which body system returns excess interstitial fluid to the blood and defends against invading microorganisms?NCI SEER Training Modules, Lymphatic System
Which of these is a muscle of facial expression?NCI SEER Training Modules, Muscles of the Head and Neck
Which part of the cell is its control center?NCI SEER Training Modules, Cell Structure
Which tissue binds structures together, forms a framework and support for organs, and stores fat?NCI SEER Training Modules, Connective Tissue
Why are endocrine glands called ductless glands?NCI SEER Training Modules, Endocrine System
Scientific concepts: the skin and its disorders 16
A common, harmless skin growth sticks out from the skin on a short, narrow stalk. What is it?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Cutaneous skin tag
A growth of extra scar tissue forms where skin healed after being injured. What is it called?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Keloids
A person sweats excessively and unpredictably, even at rest in a cool room. What is the condition called?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hyperhidrosis
A small fluid-filled blister is a vesicle. What is a larger blister called?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Vesicles
After a first infection with herpes simplex, where does the virus stay dormant?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Herpes - oral
Flaky, white to yellowish scales on oily areas (scalp, face, inside the ear) describe which condition?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Seborrheic dermatitis
How long does complete cell turnover of the epidermis take in young adults?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
What are liver spots?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Liver spots
What does "pink eye" most often refer to, according to MedlinePlus?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Conjunctivitis or pink eye
What does the subcutis (hypodermis) do?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
When skin is exposed to cold, what do the blood vessels in the dermis do?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Skin layers
Where are apocrine sweat glands found?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Which condition is a long-term skin disorder with scaly and itchy rashes, and is a type of eczema?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Atopic dermatitis
Which form of cancer is most common in the United States?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Basal cell skin cancer
Which protein lets the skin spring back into place when it is stretched?NCI SEER Training Modules, Layers of the Skin
Which skin cancer does MedlinePlus call the most dangerous type?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Melanoma
Scientific concepts: hair and chemistry 10
A product has a pH of exactly 7. On the scale of 0 to 14, what does that make it?USGS Water Science School, pH and Water
Does U.S. law require an expiration date on a cosmetic label?FDA, Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics
In what order must a cosmetic label declare its ingredients?FDA, Cosmetics Labeling Guide
Too much of which hormones can cause unwanted coarse hair growth in women?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Excessive or unwanted hair in women
What federal standard governs the word "hypoallergenic" on a cosmetic?FDA, "Hypoallergenic" Cosmetics
What happens when the arrector pili muscle contracts?NCI SEER Training Modules, Anatomy of the Skin
What is the hair shaft?NCI SEER Training Modules, Anatomy of the Skin
What is the medical word for partial or complete loss of hair?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hair loss
Which are the most common alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetic products?FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Which are the two most important laws for cosmetics marketed in the United States?FDA, FDA Authority Over Cosmetics
Skin care and services: consultation and facials 25
A client arrives with a visible rash where the service would be given. What does WAC 308-20-110 say?WAC 308-20-110(1)(e)
A cream is sold only to make lines and wrinkles less noticeable by moisturizing the skin. How does FDA class it?FDA, Wrinkle Treatments and Other Anti-aging Products
A licensee knows they have symptoms of a contagious skin disorder. What does WAC 308-20-110 require?WAC 308-20-110(1)(f)
A sunscreen's SPF value is primarily an indicator of protection against which radiation?FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
According to FDA, which age groups are generally more sensitive to the harmful effects of UV?FDA, Your Skin
An item touched the client's skin and does not require disinfecting. What does WAC 308-20-110(2) require?WAC 308-20-110(2)(b)
Besides before each client, when does WAC 308-20-110 require a licensee to wash their hands?WAC 308-20-110(1)(k)
How long before sun exposure does FDA say to apply sunscreen?FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
How many times may a towel or robe be used before it is laundered under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(13)
How must a client's skin be prepared before a service under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(1)(l)
How must a treatment table be kept under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(11)(c)
How must liquids be dispensed under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(1)(i)
How wide is a common mole, usually?National Cancer Institute, Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma
In FDA's description of products with alpha hydroxy acids, what is exfoliation?FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
In FDA's skin type table, which type is described as "never burns, tans profusely"?FDA, Your Skin
The industry's Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded that glycolic and lactic acid products are safe for consumers at what AHA concentration?FDA, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Medium depth peels belong to which Washington licence?RCW 18.16.020(32)
What are pustules?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Pustules
What does "broad spectrum" on a sunscreen label mean?FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
What does WAC 308-20-110 say about putting a used applicator back into a jar of cream?WAC 308-20-110(1)(i)
What does Washington's definition of the practice of esthetics say about injections?RCW 18.16.020(30)
What produces oily skin?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Oily skin
Which depth of peel is within the practice of esthetics in Washington?RCW 18.16.020(30)
Which device is outside the practice of esthetics in Washington's definition?RCW 18.16.020(30)
Which microneedling product does FDA say would generally not be a medical device?FDA, Microneedling Devices
Skin care and services: makeup, hair removal and more 20
A foundation is labeled with an SPF number. How is it regulated, according to FDA?FDA, Makeup
A massage oil is sold with the claim that it relieves aches. How does FDA treat that claim?FDA, Aromatherapy
At what temperature must paraffin and depilatory wax be kept under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(3)(a)
DHA is approved for external application only. What does that rule out?FDA, Sunless Tanners and Bronzers
How does dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in a sunless tanner darken the skin?FDA, Sunless Tanners and Bronzers
How does FDA say tanning beds and booths are regulated?FDA, Cosmetic Tanning Products
How soon after purchase do manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
Permanent hair reduction with medical devices such as lasers belongs to which practice in Washington?RCW 18.16.020(32)
Wax has touched a client's skin. What does WAC 308-20-110 say about it?WAC 308-20-110(3)(c)
What does FDA advise doing before using the adhesives that hold false eyelashes or extensions in place?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
What does FDA say permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
What does WAC 308-20-110 require of a pencil cosmetic and its sharpener?WAC 308-20-110(1)(j)
What does WAC 308-20-110 say about leaving an applicator in the wax pot?WAC 308-20-110(3)(d)
What happens to a cosmetic make-up sponge after it is used on a client under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(6)(a)
What should never be added to dried-up mascara, according to FDA?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
When is double-dipping into wax allowed under WAC 308-20-110?WAC 308-20-110(3)(b)(iv)
Which lash and brow services are in Washington's definition of the practice of esthetics?RCW 18.16.020(30)
Which means of hair removal are in Washington's definition of the practice of esthetics?RCW 18.16.020(30)
Which way of taking depilatory wax from the pot does WAC 308-20-110 approve?WAC 308-20-110(3)(b)
Why does FDA say not to use a lip liner as an eye liner?FDA, Eye Cosmetic Safety
Washington licence law 10
A licence has not been renewed within one year after its expiration date. What happens under RCW 18.16.110?RCW 18.16.110(2)(b)
An esthetician wants a master esthetician licence by the school route. How many more hours of training does the statute list?RCW 18.16.020
How long do Washington examination results stay valid toward a first licence?WAC 308-20-120(6)
How many hours does a Washington school curriculum for an esthetician require?RCW 18.16.020
How often may an applicant take a Washington examination?WAC 308-20-122
How old must an applicant be before the director issues an esthetician licence under RCW 18.16.100?RCW 18.16.100(1)(a)
What does WAC 308-20-550 say about displaying a licence issued by another state in a Washington salon?WAC 308-20-550(8)
What is the minimum passing score on the Washington written and performance examinations?WAC 308-20-120(5)
What must be attached to the original operator licence posted at a work station under WAC 308-20-550?WAC 308-20-550(2)
When does a Washington esthetician licence expire?RCW 18.16.170(1)(c)
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 Washington Department of Licensing's candidate bulletin of July 10, 2026 links as the written examination for estheticians. Facts: chapter 18.16 RCW and chapter 308-20 WAC on the Washington Legislature's site (https://app.leg.wa.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 the bulletin, a testing vendor, a textbook or a prep course.
How it works
This unofficial Washington esthetics practice test follows the outline of the National Esthetics Theory Examination, the written exam Washington uses. It is not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Licensing or the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
Read the full guide
What Washington's written esthetics exam is
The Department of Licensing's candidate bulletin (July 10, 2026) sends esthetician candidates to the NIC theory examination. NIC's bulletin, effective September 1, 2025 and opened October 9, 2026, splits the scored items between two domains: Scientific Concepts 55 percent, Skin Care and Services 45 percent.
How this bank is split
Four groups cover Scientific Concepts and two cover Skin Care and Services: 100 questions in the outline's proportions. Ten more ask chapter 18.16 RCW and chapter 308-20 WAC, which the outline does not list. Washington's safety rule, WAC 308-20-110, answers many of the infection control questions.
Blood spill order in WAC 308-20-110(17): stop, gloves on, clean the wound, bandage, double-bag what is contaminated, disinfect tools, wash hands.
Superficial and light peels are esthetics; medium depth peels and lasers belong to master esthetics (RCW 18.16.020).
Double-dipping is allowed only from a single-client container of wax, never from the main pot (WAC 308-20-110(3)).
Questions and answers
Is this an esthetician state board practice test for Washington?
For the written part, yes. Washington's Department of Licensing uses the NIC national theory examination, and this bank is split by that outline. The separate practical examination is not covered here.
How many questions are on the Washington esthetics written exam?
NIC's bulletin gives 110 items, of which 100 are weighted and count toward the score, and allows 90 minutes.
What score passes the Washington esthetician exam?
WAC 308-20-120 sets the minimum passing score for both the written and the performance examination at a scaled score of 75. A scaled score is not a percentage, so the result here shows your score and no verdict.
Is this Washington esthetics practice test free, and are the questions real?
It is free and needs no sign-up. The questions are our own, written from Washington law and public federal pages. None comes from the examination or from the sample questions printed in NIC's bulletin.