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California esthetician practice test: State board quiz

Quick, free esthetician state board practice exam with instant feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kyan DavisUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration quiz elements skin layers exfoliation tools CA state esthetician board exam on teal background

This quiz helps you check your knowledge for the California esthetician state board-skin structure, exfoliation, safety, and hair removal-so you know where to study next. Work through timed questions with clear explanations and instant scoring. If you're also reviewing, try our cosmetology state board practice test or explore the barber state board exam for more hands-on practice.

Which layer of the epidermis contains actively dividing keratinocytes responsible for new cell production?
Stratum granulosum
Stratum basale (germinativum)
Stratum corneum
Stratum lucidum
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Sebaceous glands are primarily attached to which skin structure?
Meissner corpuscle
Arrector pili muscle
Hair follicle
Eccrine sweat duct
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On the pH scale, which value represents a neutral solution at room temperature?
5.5
3
7
9
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What is the primary purpose of the client intake and consultation form before a facial service?
Identify contraindications and customize the service plan
Determine salon pricing for the client
Serve as a sales contract for retail products
Replace the need for post-care instructions
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Which skin type is characterized by visible pores in the T-zone, occasional breakouts, and normal-to-dry cheeks?
Sensitive
Dry
Combination
Oily
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Which Fitzpatrick skin type most easily burns and rarely tans?
Type III
Type V
Type I
Type IV
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Which exfoliation method uses a vacuum and abrasive crystals or diamond tips to mechanically remove stratum corneum cells?
Microdermabrasion
Enzymatic peel
Ultrasonic spatula
Glycolic acid chemical peel
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According to standard infection control, what is the minimum contact time typically required for an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant unless label directions state otherwise?
Follow the manufacturer label; times vary by product
1 minute for all products
10 seconds for all products
30 minutes for all products
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Which of the following is a complete inactivation of all microbial life, including spores, on nonporous instruments?
Sanitation
Antisepsis
Sterilization
Disinfection
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What is the recommended first step if a blood exposure incident occurs during a service?
Rinse the area with hot water only
Ask the client to self-treat the wound
Continue the service and apply a bandage at the end
Stop the service and put on gloves
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In galvanic desincrustation, what solution is typically applied to help soften sebum and comedones?
Alkaline, saponifying solution
Oil-based emollient
Acidic vitamin C serum
Neutral buffered saline
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Which lesion is a small elevation containing fluid, commonly seen in herpes simplex outbreaks?
Vesicle
Papule
Crust
Nodule
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Which of the following is a contraindication for microdermabrasion?
Mild comedonal acne
Keratosis pilaris on arms
Active pustular acne or open lesions
Enlarged pores
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What is the correct order for the basic facial procedure after cleansing?
Analyze, extract, exfoliate, mask, massage, SPF
Analyze, exfoliate, extract as indicated, massage, mask, tone, moisturize, SPF
Mask, massage, exfoliate, extract, tone, moisturize, SPF
Exfoliate, cleanse again, mask, extract, moisturize, SPF
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During iontophoresis, which pole is typically used to drive acidic (positively charged) solutions into the skin?
No pole is used in iontophoresis
Alternating both poles rapidly
Positive pole (cataphoresis)
Negative pole (anaphoresis)
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For a chemical exfoliation service, which factor most strongly influences the depth of peel penetration?
Fragrance of the solution
Color of the solution
pH of the solution
Brand name of the product
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Which of the following is an indication to use desincrustation prior to extractions?
Inflamed cystic acne with open lesions
Impact of hardened sebum and comedones
Fresh postoperative skin
Active eczema flare
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A client on isotretinoin (Accutane) should avoid which service until medically cleared after completion of therapy?
Basic hydrating facial
Hand massage
Chemical peels and aggressive exfoliation
Brow trimming with scissors
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Which of the following is characteristic of tinea corporis on the skin?
Autoimmune disorder causing butterfly rash
Fungal infection presenting as ring-shaped lesions
Viral infection with grouped vesicles
Bacterial infection with honey-colored crusts
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What is the proper dilution method rule when mixing concentrated disinfectants?
Mix by eye without measuring
Add water to concentrate to prevent splashing
Add concentrate to water per label directions
Use hot water to speed activation regardless of label
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Skin Anatomy -

    After completing the quiz, you will be able to identify the layers, structures, and functions of the skin, building a strong foundation for esthetician state board practice exam california success.

  2. Apply Exfoliation Techniques -

    You will learn to distinguish between mechanical and chemical exfoliation methods and select the appropriate technique based on skin type and condition.

  3. Recall State Board Regulations -

    You will master key california state board esthetics rules and guidelines to ensure compliance and confidence during your esthetician test california.

  4. Analyze Skin Types and Conditions -

    You will be able to evaluate different skin types, recognize common disorders, and choose suitable treatments in alignment with professional standards.

  5. Diagnose Contraindications -

    You will identify contraindications to esthetic procedures and understand when to refer clients to other healthcare professionals.

  6. Evaluate Client Safety Protocols -

    You will assess sanitation, disinfection, and safety practices to maintain a professional and hygienic esthetician workspace.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Skin Structure and Epidermal Layers -

    According to Milady Standard Esthetics, the epidermis has five layers: stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum and basale. Remember the mnemonic "Come, Let's Get Some Beer" to recall Corneum, Lucidum, Granulosum, Spinosum, Basale and understand each layer's barrier and regenerative roles.

  2. Fitzpatrick Skin Typing -

    The Fitzpatrick scale (Types I - VI) classifies skin's UV reaction and guides treatment plans; use "I Always Bring Cold Cream Soft" to remember I - VI. Reference American Academy of Dermatology guidelines when selecting peels or laser settings on the california esthetician state board practice exam.

  3. Exfoliation Techniques and Chemical Peels -

    Differentiate mechanical (e.g., crystal microdermabrasion) vs chemical exfoliation (AHAs/BHAs like 10% glycolic acid at pH 3.5 - 4.0), as outlined by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Recall that the safest approach uses the lowest effective acid concentration to prevent over-exfoliation.

  4. Hair Growth Cycles -

    Master the anagen, catagen and telogen phases (ACT) for waxing and laser hair removal success. Studies from the National Library of Medicine show treatments during the anagen phase yield the best results, so timing services is critical on the esthetician state board practice exam california.

  5. California Board Sanitation and Scope of Practice -

    Review California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology rules: use EPA-registered, broad-spectrum disinfectants with a 10-minute wet time for all non-porous tools. Know your scope - facials, hair removal and safe exfoliation are allowed, but diagnosing skin diseases or injecting substances is not.

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