Oregon Esthetician Law Exam | Oregon Esthetics State
Board Exam Study Guide & License Exam Prep
2026/2027 | Oregon Esthetician Licensing Laws,
Oregon Laws & Rules, OAR Chapter 817, ORS Chapter
690, Sanitation & Safety, Scope of Practice, Esthetics
Procedures, Client Protection, Facility Rules,
Professional Conduct, Recordkeeping, Licensing
Requirements, Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: Under Oregon law, as defined in ORS 690.005, which of the
following is a core component of the legal definition of "esthetics"?
A. Performing medical diagnosis of skin diseases
B. The temporary removal of hair via methods such as waxing, tweezing, or depilatories
C. The use of lasers for permanent hair reduction
D. Performing surgical procedures on the face
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The temporary removal of hair via methods such as
waxing, tweezing, or depilatories
Rationale: ORS 690.005(6)(b) specifically includes the temporary removal of hair by
using lotion, cream, an appliance, wax, thread, sugar, tweezers, or a depilatory within
the definition of esthetics . The statute explicitly excludes lasers and intense pulsed
light, and the practice of esthetics is explicitly not for medical diagnosis or treatment of
disease .
Question 2: According to ORS 690.046, what must an applicant complete to
qualify for certification as an esthetics practitioner in Oregon?
A. A 500-hour apprenticeship under a licensed esthetician
B. A curriculum adopted by the Board of Cosmetology and approved by the Health
Licensing Office, plus successful passage of the certification examination
C. A high school diploma and 500 hours of continuing education
D. Only a written examination approved by the Board
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A curriculum adopted by the Board of Cosmetology
and approved by the Health Licensing Office, plus successful passage of the
certification examination
Rationale: ORS 690.046(1)(a) requires completion of curriculum requirements adopted
by the Board of Cosmetology and approved by the Health Licensing Office, along with
successful passage of the certification examination . Oregon does not recognize
apprenticeship as a pathway to esthetics certification, and continuing education is
required for renewal, not initial certification .
Question 3: An esthetician licensed in another state with 600 hours of training
wishes to practice in Oregon. Under ORS 690.046, what must they do?
,A. Complete Oregon's full 500-hour esthetics program regardless of prior training
B. Demonstrate substantially equivalent education/training, hold an active license
without disciplinary action, and pay applicable fees
C. Pass only the Oregon laws and rules examination
D. Work under supervision for six months before independent practice
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Demonstrate substantially equivalent
education/training, hold an active license without disciplinary action, and pay
applicable fees
Rationale: ORS 690.046(2) allows the Health Licensing Office to waive requirements for
applicants from other jurisdictions who demonstrate substantially equivalent education
or training, hold active authorization, and have no disciplinary action . Full retraining is
unnecessary if the out-of-state program is deemed equivalent .
Question 4: Which device is expressly EXCLUDED from the definition of
"mechanical or electrical apparatus" that an Oregon esthetician may use under
ORS 690.005?
A. High-frequency devices
B. LED therapy devices
C. Galvanic current devices
D. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems
Rationale: ORS 690.005(6)(c)(B) specifically excludes "lasers, intense pulsed light, or
devices defined by the Board of Cosmetology by rule" from the esthetics definition .
High-frequency, LED therapy, and galvanic current are permitted under the statute. IPL
requires advanced nonablative esthetics certification or medical supervision .
Question 5: Under ORS 676.640, which of the following is required to obtain an
advanced nonablative esthetics certificate in Oregon?
A. Completion of any 40-hour advanced esthetics workshop
B. Being at least 18 years old, holding esthetician certification in good standing,
completing an approved advanced education program, and passing an examination
C. Two years of documented esthetics work experience
D. Recommendation from three licensed physicians
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Being at least 18 years old, holding esthetician
certification in good standing, completing an approved advanced education
program, and passing an examination
Rationale: ORS 676.640(2) establishes four requirements: minimum age of 18, current
esthetician certification in good standing, completion of an approved advanced
education program, and passage of an examination . The statute does not specify
required work experience or physician recommendations .
,Question 6: An individual who wishes to practice esthetics outside of a
licensed facility in Oregon must obtain which specific type of authorization?
A. A facility license
B. A temporary facility permit
C. A freelance license
D. An independent contractor registration
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A freelance license
Rationale: A freelance license is a written authorization that allows a practitioner to
practice outside or away from a licensed facility . OAR and statute prohibit performing
services outside a licensed facility unless the person holds a freelance license .
Question 7: According to Oregon law, which of the following statements is
TRUE regarding a demonstration permit?
A. It is issued to a certified esthetician to operate a facility on a temporary basis.
B. It allows a person not certified in Oregon to practice and teach a field of practice for
up to 30 days.
C. It is required for students to perform services as part of their training.
D. It is valid for a period of one year and is renewable.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It allows a person not certified in Oregon to practice
and teach a field of practice for up to 30 days.
Rationale: A demonstration permit is for a person not certified in Oregon who wishes to
practice, demonstrate, and teach a field of practice for up to 30 days . The permit
specifies the purpose, period (not to exceed 30 days), and time and place of practice .
Question 8: Under ORS 690.155, how many members serve on the Oregon
Board of Cosmetology, and what is their composition?
A. Five members, all of whom must be practitioners with active certificates
B. Seven members, six of whom must be practitioners with active certificates and one
public member
C. Nine members, a mix of practitioners, public members, and state officials
D. Ten members, representing each field of practice equally
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Seven members, six of whom must be practitioners
with active certificates and one public member
Rationale: ORS 690.155(1) establishes the Board of Cosmetology with seven members.
Six members must be practitioners with active certificates, and one member must be a
public member who is not a practitioner .
Question 9: What is the term of office for a member of the Oregon Board of
Cosmetology?
A. Two years
B. Three years
, C. Four years
D. Six years
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Four years
Rationale: ORS 690.155(2) states that the term of office of each member of the board is
four years . If a person serves two consecutive full terms, a period of at least four years
must elapse before they are again eligible for appointment .
Question 10: Which of the following is a prohibited practice under Oregon law
regarding the operation of a facility or practice?
A. Displaying a sign advertising services without first obtaining a certification or license
B. Performing services in a field of practice without an active authorization
C. Knowingly making a false statement on an application for renewal
D. All of the above
CORRECT ANSWER: D. All of the above
Rationale: Oregon law prohibits performing services without authorization, operating a
facility without a license, displaying a sign advertising services without proper
authorization, and knowingly making a false statement on an application . All of these
are statutory violations subject to penalties .
Question 11: An Oregon esthetician who suspects a client has a communicable
disease should observe and follow current standards for public service
workers regarding personal protection set by which agency?
A. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
B. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
C. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
D. OHLA (Oregon Health Licensing Agency)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Rationale: Practitioners who diagnose a communicable disease must observe and follow
current standards for public service workers regarding personal protection set by the
CDC . This is consistent with standard infection control practices and guidelines.
Question 12: All facilities in Oregon must provide adequate ventilation as
required by which Act?
A. Oregon Safe Employment Act
B. Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act
C. State Plumbing Act
D. Public Decency Act
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act
Rationale: The Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act is the legislation that requires all facilities to
provide adequate ventilation . Adequate ventilation is defined as ventilation by natural
Board Exam Study Guide & License Exam Prep
2026/2027 | Oregon Esthetician Licensing Laws,
Oregon Laws & Rules, OAR Chapter 817, ORS Chapter
690, Sanitation & Safety, Scope of Practice, Esthetics
Procedures, Client Protection, Facility Rules,
Professional Conduct, Recordkeeping, Licensing
Requirements, Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: Under Oregon law, as defined in ORS 690.005, which of the
following is a core component of the legal definition of "esthetics"?
A. Performing medical diagnosis of skin diseases
B. The temporary removal of hair via methods such as waxing, tweezing, or depilatories
C. The use of lasers for permanent hair reduction
D. Performing surgical procedures on the face
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The temporary removal of hair via methods such as
waxing, tweezing, or depilatories
Rationale: ORS 690.005(6)(b) specifically includes the temporary removal of hair by
using lotion, cream, an appliance, wax, thread, sugar, tweezers, or a depilatory within
the definition of esthetics . The statute explicitly excludes lasers and intense pulsed
light, and the practice of esthetics is explicitly not for medical diagnosis or treatment of
disease .
Question 2: According to ORS 690.046, what must an applicant complete to
qualify for certification as an esthetics practitioner in Oregon?
A. A 500-hour apprenticeship under a licensed esthetician
B. A curriculum adopted by the Board of Cosmetology and approved by the Health
Licensing Office, plus successful passage of the certification examination
C. A high school diploma and 500 hours of continuing education
D. Only a written examination approved by the Board
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A curriculum adopted by the Board of Cosmetology
and approved by the Health Licensing Office, plus successful passage of the
certification examination
Rationale: ORS 690.046(1)(a) requires completion of curriculum requirements adopted
by the Board of Cosmetology and approved by the Health Licensing Office, along with
successful passage of the certification examination . Oregon does not recognize
apprenticeship as a pathway to esthetics certification, and continuing education is
required for renewal, not initial certification .
Question 3: An esthetician licensed in another state with 600 hours of training
wishes to practice in Oregon. Under ORS 690.046, what must they do?
,A. Complete Oregon's full 500-hour esthetics program regardless of prior training
B. Demonstrate substantially equivalent education/training, hold an active license
without disciplinary action, and pay applicable fees
C. Pass only the Oregon laws and rules examination
D. Work under supervision for six months before independent practice
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Demonstrate substantially equivalent
education/training, hold an active license without disciplinary action, and pay
applicable fees
Rationale: ORS 690.046(2) allows the Health Licensing Office to waive requirements for
applicants from other jurisdictions who demonstrate substantially equivalent education
or training, hold active authorization, and have no disciplinary action . Full retraining is
unnecessary if the out-of-state program is deemed equivalent .
Question 4: Which device is expressly EXCLUDED from the definition of
"mechanical or electrical apparatus" that an Oregon esthetician may use under
ORS 690.005?
A. High-frequency devices
B. LED therapy devices
C. Galvanic current devices
D. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems
Rationale: ORS 690.005(6)(c)(B) specifically excludes "lasers, intense pulsed light, or
devices defined by the Board of Cosmetology by rule" from the esthetics definition .
High-frequency, LED therapy, and galvanic current are permitted under the statute. IPL
requires advanced nonablative esthetics certification or medical supervision .
Question 5: Under ORS 676.640, which of the following is required to obtain an
advanced nonablative esthetics certificate in Oregon?
A. Completion of any 40-hour advanced esthetics workshop
B. Being at least 18 years old, holding esthetician certification in good standing,
completing an approved advanced education program, and passing an examination
C. Two years of documented esthetics work experience
D. Recommendation from three licensed physicians
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Being at least 18 years old, holding esthetician
certification in good standing, completing an approved advanced education
program, and passing an examination
Rationale: ORS 676.640(2) establishes four requirements: minimum age of 18, current
esthetician certification in good standing, completion of an approved advanced
education program, and passage of an examination . The statute does not specify
required work experience or physician recommendations .
,Question 6: An individual who wishes to practice esthetics outside of a
licensed facility in Oregon must obtain which specific type of authorization?
A. A facility license
B. A temporary facility permit
C. A freelance license
D. An independent contractor registration
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A freelance license
Rationale: A freelance license is a written authorization that allows a practitioner to
practice outside or away from a licensed facility . OAR and statute prohibit performing
services outside a licensed facility unless the person holds a freelance license .
Question 7: According to Oregon law, which of the following statements is
TRUE regarding a demonstration permit?
A. It is issued to a certified esthetician to operate a facility on a temporary basis.
B. It allows a person not certified in Oregon to practice and teach a field of practice for
up to 30 days.
C. It is required for students to perform services as part of their training.
D. It is valid for a period of one year and is renewable.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It allows a person not certified in Oregon to practice
and teach a field of practice for up to 30 days.
Rationale: A demonstration permit is for a person not certified in Oregon who wishes to
practice, demonstrate, and teach a field of practice for up to 30 days . The permit
specifies the purpose, period (not to exceed 30 days), and time and place of practice .
Question 8: Under ORS 690.155, how many members serve on the Oregon
Board of Cosmetology, and what is their composition?
A. Five members, all of whom must be practitioners with active certificates
B. Seven members, six of whom must be practitioners with active certificates and one
public member
C. Nine members, a mix of practitioners, public members, and state officials
D. Ten members, representing each field of practice equally
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Seven members, six of whom must be practitioners
with active certificates and one public member
Rationale: ORS 690.155(1) establishes the Board of Cosmetology with seven members.
Six members must be practitioners with active certificates, and one member must be a
public member who is not a practitioner .
Question 9: What is the term of office for a member of the Oregon Board of
Cosmetology?
A. Two years
B. Three years
, C. Four years
D. Six years
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Four years
Rationale: ORS 690.155(2) states that the term of office of each member of the board is
four years . If a person serves two consecutive full terms, a period of at least four years
must elapse before they are again eligible for appointment .
Question 10: Which of the following is a prohibited practice under Oregon law
regarding the operation of a facility or practice?
A. Displaying a sign advertising services without first obtaining a certification or license
B. Performing services in a field of practice without an active authorization
C. Knowingly making a false statement on an application for renewal
D. All of the above
CORRECT ANSWER: D. All of the above
Rationale: Oregon law prohibits performing services without authorization, operating a
facility without a license, displaying a sign advertising services without proper
authorization, and knowingly making a false statement on an application . All of these
are statutory violations subject to penalties .
Question 11: An Oregon esthetician who suspects a client has a communicable
disease should observe and follow current standards for public service
workers regarding personal protection set by which agency?
A. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
B. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
C. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
D. OHLA (Oregon Health Licensing Agency)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Rationale: Practitioners who diagnose a communicable disease must observe and follow
current standards for public service workers regarding personal protection set by the
CDC . This is consistent with standard infection control practices and guidelines.
Question 12: All facilities in Oregon must provide adequate ventilation as
required by which Act?
A. Oregon Safe Employment Act
B. Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act
C. State Plumbing Act
D. Public Decency Act
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act
Rationale: The Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act is the legislation that requires all facilities to
provide adequate ventilation . Adequate ventilation is defined as ventilation by natural
