Esthetician State Board Practice Test

The NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination is the written exam for estheticians in NIC states. It has 110 four-option questions in 90 minutes; 100 are scored. Its outline took effect September 1, 2025.

110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes · 75% to pass

Take the full esthetician practice exam

110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the NIC Esthetics format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try a free esthetician topic drill
Free sample · Question 1 of 3Anatomy and disorders

Excessive hair growth on areas of the body that normally have only fine, downy hair is called

NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination format

Regulator
Your state board of cosmetology
Exam provider
PSI, Prov or D&S, depending on the state
Questions
110 multiple-choice items, of which 100 are scored
Time
90 minutes
Pass mark
Set by each state: 75 in South Carolina
Outline
Scientific Concepts 55%, Skin Care and Services 45% (effective September 1, 2025)
Line drawing of an esthetician treatment room with a facial bed, a steamer, a wax warmer, a magnifying lamp and a trolley of cream jars
  • The September 2025 outline replaced the 2020 esthetics outline. It puts more than half the exam on science: microbiology, infection control, skin histology, skin disorders and chemistry.
  • California gives its own PSI esthetician exam (85 items, 90 minutes) and Texas its own PSI esthetician exam; Florida registers facial specialists without an exam.

Esthetician content outline

Content areaWeight
I. Scientific Concepts: microbiology, infection control, safety, anatomy and physiology, skin histology, skin disorders, hair, chemistry55%
II. Skin Care and Services: consultation, facial procedures, massage, extraction, devices, masks, hair removal, makeup45%

Source: NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin, effective September 1, 2025 (revised March 1, 2026).

Our Esthetician practice exam

Our esthetics mock uses the real count and clock: 110 questions in 90 minutes, 61 on scientific concepts and 49 on skin care services. Every question is scored against 75%. Every answer comes with an explanation, and your result shows a score for each topic.

Sit the full exam under the real clock

Take the full esthetician practice exam

110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the NIC Esthetics format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try a free esthetician topic drill

Free esthetician topic drills

These topic drills hold the questions written for the NIC Esthetics exam alongside the shared infection control, safety and anatomy questions. Each drill’s first attempt is free with a free account.

Infection controlBacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, cleaning versus disinfection versus sterilization, EPA-registered disinfectants, single-use and multi-use items, Standard Precautions and the blood exposure procedure.10 questions · UntimedSafety, chemistry and electricityOSHA and Safety Data Sheets, chemical storage and ventilation, first aid, electrical safety and electricity basics, the pH scale, acids and alkalis, and how salon chemicals react.10 questions · UntimedAnatomy and disordersStructure of the hair, skin and nails, bones, muscles, nerves and circulation of the head, arms and feet, and the hair, scalp, skin and nail disorders you may treat or must refer.10 questions · UntimedSkin care, hair removal and makeupSkin analysis and contraindications, the basic facial, massage movements, facial devices, waxing and other hair removal, and makeup application.10 questions · Untimed

Common questions

How many questions are on the esthetician state board written exam?

The NIC Esthetics Theory exam has 110 questions in 90 minutes, of which 100 are scored. California’s PSI esthetician exam has 85 questions (75 scored) in 90 minutes.

What is on the NIC esthetics exam?

Scientific Concepts 55%: microbiology, infection control, safety, anatomy and physiology, skin histology, skin disorders and diseases, hair and basic chemistry. Skin Care and Services 45%: consultation, facial procedures, massage, extraction, devices, masks, hair removal and makeup.

Take the full esthetician practice exam

110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the NIC Esthetics format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try a free esthetician topic drill

Sources

Checked November 7, 2026. Boards update their bulletins and fees; confirm details with your state board of cosmetology before you schedule.

Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, your state board of cosmetology or any state board. All exams · Texas · California · Florida · Nail technician · NIC mock