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Free National Esthetics Combined Practice Theory Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the National Esthetics Combined Practice Theory Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A client points out an itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rash on her forearm and says a friend called it ringworm. Despite its name, what causes ringworm?

    1. A. Fungi such as Trichophyton species
    2. B. Viruses such as herpes simplex
    3. C. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus
    4. D. Parasitic worms living under the skin

    Answer: A

    Explanation: CDC states: "Ringworm is caused by fungi (not a worm). The scientific names for the most common fungi that cause ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton." The ring shape gives the infection its name, but the agent is fungal, not a worm, bacterium, or virus.

    Reference: Ringworm Basics (CDC) — Causes section

  2. 2During a Fitzpatrick skin type assessment, a client reports that her skin always burns and never tans. Which skin type is she, and what is her UV risk?

    1. A. Type V, at the lowest risk for sunburn
    2. B. Type III, at average risk for skin cancer
    3. C. Type I, at the greatest risk for skin cancer
    4. D. Type IV, at moderate risk for sunburn

    Answer: C

    Explanation: FDA's sunlamp rulemaking explains the required warning "Skin Type I individuals (always burns, never tans) should never use sunlamp products" and notes: "This warning is based on years of published research showing that Skin Type I individuals sunburn easily and cannot tan and are therefore at the greatest risk for skin cancer."

    Reference: Sunlamp Products; Proposed Amendment to Performance Standard (Federal Register, FDA) — Section-by-section discussion of proposed 1040.20(d)(1)(iv) warning

  3. 3A client tells the esthetician that her physician diagnosed scabies after weeks of intense nighttime itching. Which organism causes human scabies?

    1. A. The dermatophyte fungus Microsporum
    2. B. The itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis
    3. C. The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes
    4. D. The adenovirus family of viruses

    Answer: B

    Explanation: CDC explains: "Human scabies is caused by the human itch mite parasite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis)." Scabies is therefore a parasitic infestation, not a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection.

    Reference: How Scabies Spreads (CDC) — Causes section

  4. 4In the Fitzpatrick skin typing system, which skin type is the darkest and least sensitive to UV radiation?

    1. A. Skin Type I
    2. B. Skin Type II
    3. C. Skin Type IV
    4. D. Skin Type VI

    Answer: D

    Explanation: FDA explains: "Under this categorization scheme, Skin Type I is the fairest and most sensitive while Skin Type VI is the darkest and least sensitive to UV radiation."

    Reference: Sunlamp Products; Proposed Amendment to Performance Standard (Federal Register, FDA) — Discussion of the Fitzpatrick skin typing system

  5. 5A child accompanying a client has crusty lesions around the nose that a doctor identified as impetigo. What kind of infection is impetigo?

    1. A. A parasitic infestation of the epidermis
    2. B. A deep fungal infection of hair follicles
    3. C. A superficial bacterial skin infection
    4. D. A viral infection of the nerve endings

    Answer: C

    Explanation: CDC clinical guidance states: "Impetigo (also called pyoderma) is a superficial bacterial skin infection caused by either S. pyogenes or S. aureus." Its causes are streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria, not fungi, viruses, or parasites.

    Reference: Clinical Guidance for Group A Streptococcal Impetigo (CDC) — Overview / causes paragraph

  6. 6A client with a darker skin type asks about a microneedling procedure. What skin-analysis concern does FDA identify for darker skin types?

    1. A. A risk that results last a shorter time than usual
    2. B. A risk that the needles cannot penetrate thicker skin
    3. C. A risk of more severe bleeding than lighter skin
    4. D. A risk of darkening or lightening of the skin afterward

    Answer: D

    Explanation: FDA lists among situations to discuss with a provider: "Have darker skin type, as there is a risk of darkening or lightening of the skin after the procedure." It adds that some authorized devices were not studied in subjects with darker skin types.

    Reference: Microneedling Devices (FDA) — Who should not use microneedling / considerations list

  7. 7Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are named in OSHA's standard as examples of which category of disease-causing microorganisms?

    1. A. Airborne pathogens
    2. B. Foodborne pathogens
    3. C. Vector-borne pathogens
    4. D. Bloodborne pathogens

    Answer: D

    Explanation: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(b) defines: "Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)." HBV and HIV are viruses carried in blood, which is why blood exposure procedures apply to them.

    Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Bloodborne pathogens (OSHA) — 1910.1030(b) Definitions - Bloodborne Pathogens

  8. 8A client's intake form shows she finished a course of oral isotretinoin 2 months ago. She requests facial waxing. What do the drug's labeling instructions advise?

    1. A. Avoid waxing for at least 6 months after treatment
    2. B. Avoid waxing for at least 2 weeks after treatment
    3. C. Waxing is fine once treatment has stopped
    4. D. Waxing is fine if a soothing oil is applied first

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Isotretinoin labeling instructs patients "To avoid wax epilation and skin resurfacing procedures (such as dermabrasion, laser) during Isotretinoin Capsules treatment and for at least 6 months thereafter due to the possibility of scarring." Two months after treatment is still within the period to avoid waxing.

    Reference: Isotretinoin Capsules prescribing information (DailyMed, NLM) — Patient Counseling Information - Additional Instructions

  9. 9A client asks how scabies is most commonly passed from one person to another. Which answer reflects CDC guidance?

    1. A. Prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person
    2. B. Inhaling droplets from an infested person's cough
    3. C. A quick handshake or hug with an infested person
    4. D. Touching a doorknob an infested person used earlier that day

    Answer: A

    Explanation: CDC states: "A quick handshake or hug will not usually spread scabies. Scabies is spread to close personal contacts with whom you have prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact or share bedding or clothing, such as sexual partners and household members." Brief contact or droplets are not the usual route.

    Reference: How Scabies Spreads (CDC) — How it spreads section

  10. 10A client's health history notes daily blood-thinning medication. According to FDA, why may microneedling not be suitable for her?

    1. A. Blood thinners make the skin too thick to puncture
    2. B. Microneedling can cause bleeding
    3. C. Blood thinners react chemically with steel needles
    4. D. Microneedling raises blood pressure

    Answer: B

    Explanation: FDA states: "Microneedling can cause bleeding so it may not be suitable for people with clotting or bleeding disorders, or who take medicine to thin their blood."

    Reference: Microneedling Devices: Getting to the Point on Benefits, Risks and Safety (FDA) — Is microneedling right for you? list

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for National Esthetics Combined Practice Theory Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • Scientific Concepts (55%)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Identify how disease and infection are caused (e.g., viral, bacterial, parasitical, fungal)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Identify how disease and infection are transmitted (e.g., direct/indirect contact, communicable, cross-contamination)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Recognize purpose and/or effect of infection control principles — Determine levels of infection control (i.e., cleansing/sanitation, disinfection, sterilization)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Recognize purpose and/or effect of infection control principles — Determine methods of infection control (e.g., chemical, heat)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Recognize purpose and/or effect of infection control principles — Demonstrate blood exposure and contact incidence and response
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Procedure environment
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Products, ingredients, and equipment
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Protocols
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Recognizing issues outside of scope of practice (e.g., diagnosing, prescribing, medical authorization)
    • Demonostrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Cells and their functions
    • Demonostrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Tissues (i.e., epithelial, connective, nerve, muscular)
    • Demonostrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Organs and their function (e.g., skin, lungs, heart)
    • Demonostrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Systems and their functions (e.g., muscular, integumentary, nervous, endocrine, skeletal)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Structure and function of the layers of the skin
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Structure and function of the glands
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Functions of the skin (e.g., protection, temperature regulation, absorption)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Disorders of the sebaceous gland (e.g., acne, milia, seborrhea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Disorders of the sudoriferous gland (e.g., hyperhidrosis, bromhydrosis, anhidrosis)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Contagious diseases (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis, herpes simplex, tinea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin inflammations (e.g., dermatitis, eczema, rosacea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin pigmentation (i.e., hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin growths (e.g., skin tags, moles, keratoma)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin cancers (i.e., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Primary and secondary skin lesions
    • Recognize intrinsic and extrinsic factors and their effects on the skin (e.g., hormonal, environmental)
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Structure of the hair and its follicle
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Growth cycles
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Abnormal hair growth (e.g., hirsutism, hypertrichosis)
    • Apply knowledge of products and ingredients — Recognize purpose and effects
    • Apply knowledge of products and ingredients — Interpret labeling
    • Knowledge of principles of electricity
    • Apply knowledge of practicing in a medical setting — Recognize purpose and effect of medical procedures (e.g., injectables, light modalities, surgery)
    • Apply knowledge of practicing in a medical setting — Define relevant medical terminology
  • SKIN CARE AND SERVICES (45%)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Conduct skin analysis (e.g., Fitzpatrick skin types/conditions/characteristics)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Identify contraindications for skin services
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Develop treatment protocol
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Collect and maintain client documentation
    • Apply knowledge of cleansing procedures
    • Apply knowledge of steaming procedures
    • Apply knowledge of massage manipulations and moisturizing
    • Apply knowledge of exfoliation procedures
    • Apply knowledge of extraction procedures — Determine method of extraction
    • Apply knowledge of extraction procedures — Competent use of implements used for extractions (e.g., comedone extractor, lancet)
    • Apply knowledge of lymphatic drainage — Recognize purpose and effect of methods and contraindications
    • Apply knowledge of lymphatic drainage — Determine method of lymphatic drainage (e.g., manual, machine-aided)
    • Apply knowledge of lymphatic drainage — Demonstrate competent lymphatic drainage
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Recognize purpose and effect of methods
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Determine considerations for body region
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Determine product selection
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Competent product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Recognize purpose and effect of methods (e.g., waxing, sugaring, electrolysis)
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Determine considerations for body region (e.g., ears, Brazilian, underarm)
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Determine product selection
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Competent product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of body treatments (e.g., body wraps, body scrubs, cellulite types and treatments, hydrotherapy) — Recognize purpose and effect of methods
    • Apply knowledge of body treatments (e.g., body wraps, body scrubs, cellulite types and treatments, hydrotherapy) — Determine product selection
    • Apply knowledge of body treatments (e.g., body wraps, body scrubs, cellulite types and treatments, hydrotherapy) — Demonstrate product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Recognize purpose and effect of methods (e.g., red and blue)
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Determine color selection
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Demonstrate product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Demonstrate competent use of machine
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Recognize purpose and effect of modalities
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Determine settings
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Demonstrate product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Demonstrate competent use of machine and applicators
    • Apply knowledge of galvanic and high frequency treatments — Recognize purpose and effect of modalities
    • Apply knowledge of galvanic and high frequency treatments — Determine settings
    • Apply knowledge of galvanic and high frequency treatments — Demonstrate product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of galvanic and high frequency treatments — Demonstrate competent use of machine and applicators
    • Apply knowledge and recognize purpose and effect of other procedures (e.g., dermaplaning, microneedling, ultrasound, algae wraps, ayurveda, etc)
    • Apply knowledge of makeup application

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These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view National Esthetics Combined Practice Theory Examination details.