Esthetician Practice Test 2026

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Source: NIC National Esthetics Theory Content OutlineLast verified: Unknown · Not yet verified

Written from the official NIC National Esthetics Theory Content Outline· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

🎯 Practice by Topic

Infection Control, Safety & Microbiology

NIC Area I.A-C — Microbiology (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), infection-control levels & methods, Standard Precautions, bloodborne pathogens, single-use vs multi-use, EPA/OSHA/CDC, SDS & chemical safety.

62 questions→

Anatomy & Physiology

NIC Area I.D — Cells & metabolism (anabolism/catabolism, mitosis), the four tissue types, the body systems (esp. integumentary, muscular, nervous, circulatory), bones of the skull/face/neck, muscles of the head/face/neck, cranial nerves (5th trigeminal = sensory, 7th facial = motor) and facial circulation.

42 questions→

Skin Histology & Physiology

NIC Area I.E — Skin layers (epidermis & its 5 strata, dermis papillary/reticular, subcutaneous), keratinization & cell turnover, melanocytes & melanin, the skin's functions & acid mantle, sebaceous & sudoriferous glands, sensory receptors, and skin aging/photoaging.

45 questions→

Disorders & Diseases of the Skin

NIC Area I.F — Primary & secondary lesions, sebaceous gland disorders (acne, comedones, milia, rosacea), sweat gland disorders, inflammations (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis), pigmentation disorders, growths, skin cancers (BCC/SCC/melanoma, ABCDE) and the esthetician's refer-vs-service rule for contagious/inflamed conditions.

55 questions→

Basic Chemistry & Hair/Follicle Science

NIC Area I.G/H — Matter & chemistry fundamentals, solutions/suspensions/emulsions (O/W vs W/O) & surfactants, the pH scale & acid mantle, cosmetic ingredients (humectants, AHA/BHA, antioxidants, preservatives, INCI), oxidation-reduction, and hair/follicle science (shaft cuticle/cortex/medulla, growth cycle, vellus vs terminal, hirsutism).

44 questions→

Client Consultation, Skin Analysis & Contraindications

NIC Area II.A-E — Client consultation & intake/health history, confidentiality & physician release, draping & client protection, skin analysis (Fitzpatrick I-VI, skin types & conditions, magnifying/Wood's lamp), contraindications (isotretinoin, active infection, waxing over retinoids/AHA, pacemaker, pregnancy) and treatment planning.

52 questions→

Facial Treatments — Cleansing, Steaming, Exfoliation, Extraction & Masks

NIC Area II.F-K — The facial cleansing sequence, steaming (purpose & contraindications), mechanical vs chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA/enzymes, superficial-only scope), the classic massage movements (effleurage, petrissage…), safe extraction technique, and mask types (clay, gel, cream, alginate, paraffin) by skin type.

60 questions→

Facial Machines, Electrotherapy, Makeup & Facial Conclusion

NIC Area II.L-N — Facial machines & electrotherapy (galvanic desincrustation/iontophoresis, high-frequency, microcurrent, LED, vacuum, microdermabrasion) with electrical safety & contraindications (pacemaker, epilepsy, pregnancy), makeup (color theory, corrective, undertones, sanitation), and concluding a facial (moisturizer, SPF, home care).

50 questions→

Hair Removal, Lash/Brow & Other Skin-Care Services

NIC Area II.O — Temporary vs permanent hair removal (depilation vs epilation, waxing with/against the grain & the no-double-dip rule, tweezing, sugaring, threading, electrolysis), waxing contraindications, lash & brow shaping/tinting (patch test), and body treatments & aromatherapy safety.

40 questions→

Jobs and next steps

Can help you move up

Shampooer / Salon Assistant

Shampooer hair/scalp support work is occupationally related to skincare specialists in O*NET; esthetician is a distinct licensed next path, with no claim that shampooer work qualifies the user.

Requirements vary by state and locality. Check the authority for where you plan to work.

View Shampooer / Salon Assistant job guide

Why this is linked: Shampooer / Salon Assistant