, Question 1
After performing extractions on a client with active herpes simplex lesions,
which sequence best meets 2026 CDC/EPA-aligned infection control
standards?
A. Discard single-use items, spray disinfectant on all surfaces, then wash
hands.
B. Wash hands, remove gloves, disinfect implements with an
EPA-registered hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant, then wash
hands again.
C. Rinse implements under water, wipe with 70% alcohol, and store in a
closed container.
D. Place implements in a UV sterilizer for 10 minutes and reuse without
further disinfection.
Correct Answer: B - Wash hands, remove gloves, disinfect
implements with an EPA-registered hospital-grade tuberculocidal
disinfectant, then wash hands again.
RATIONALE
CDC and EPA standards require hand hygiene before and after glove
removal and use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with
tuberculocidal claim for implements contacting blood/body fluids.
Alcohol and UV cabinets do not meet the required kill claims for
bloodborne pathogens.
Question 2
Which statement correctly distinguishes a comedo from a milium?
A. A comedo is a closed sebaceous cyst; a milium is an open pore.
B. A comedo is a hair follicle plugged with sebum and keratin; a milium
is a small keratin-filled cyst.
C. A comedo is caused by a bacterium; a milium is caused by a fungus.
D. A comedo is always inflammatory; a milium is always infectious.
Page 2
,Correct Answer: B - A comedo is a hair follicle plugged with
sebum and keratin; a milium is a small keratin-filled cyst.
RATIONALE
A comedo is a non-inflammatory impaction of sebum and keratin
within a follicle (open or closed), while a milium is a tiny keratin cyst
just beneath the epidermis. Neither is primarily infectious, and
comedones are not sebaceous cysts.
Question 3
When performing laser hair removal on a client with dark skin, which
parameter adjustment is most critical to prevent epidermal damage?
A. Increase pulse duration and use longer wavelength with cooling.
B. Decrease wavelength and increase fluence.
C. Use a continuous wave mode without cooling.
D. Increase number of passes without adjusting settings.
Correct Answer: A - Increase pulse duration and use longer
wavelength with cooling.
RATIONALE
For darker skin, longer wavelengths (e.g., 1064 nm Nd:YAG) bypass
epidermal melanin, and longer pulse durations with cooling protect the
epidermis while targeting the follicle. Shorter wavelengths and higher
fluence increase burn risk.
Question 4
Which ingredient functions as a chelating agent in a skin care formulation?
A. Sodium lauryl sulfate
B. Disodium EDTA
C. Glycerin
D. Dimethicone
Correct Answer: B - Disodium EDTA
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Disodium EDTA binds metal ions that can destabilize formulations,
acting as a chelator. Surfactants, humectants, and emollients serve
different functions.
Question 5
During a facial, a client reports a sudden feeling of faintness and dizziness.
Which action should the esthetician take first?
A. Elevate the client's legs and offer water.
B. Continue the service and monitor.
C. Apply a cold compress to the forehead.
D. Ask the client to sit up quickly.
Correct Answer: A - Elevate the client's legs and offer water.
RATIONALE
Faintness during a facial may indicate hypotension; elevating legs
improves venous return. Continuing or sitting up quickly can worsen
symptoms.
Question 6
Which statement accurately reflects a 2026 state board regulation regarding
estheticians' scope of practice?
A. Estheticians may perform deep chemical peels under indirect
supervision.
B. Estheticians may diagnose skin cancer and prescribe topical
antibiotics.
C. Estheticians may perform superficial treatments and must refer
medical conditions to a physician.
D. Estheticians may perform laser surgery for skin resurfacing.
Correct Answer: C - Estheticians may perform superficial
treatments and must refer medical conditions to a physician.
Page 4
After performing extractions on a client with active herpes simplex lesions,
which sequence best meets 2026 CDC/EPA-aligned infection control
standards?
A. Discard single-use items, spray disinfectant on all surfaces, then wash
hands.
B. Wash hands, remove gloves, disinfect implements with an
EPA-registered hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant, then wash
hands again.
C. Rinse implements under water, wipe with 70% alcohol, and store in a
closed container.
D. Place implements in a UV sterilizer for 10 minutes and reuse without
further disinfection.
Correct Answer: B - Wash hands, remove gloves, disinfect
implements with an EPA-registered hospital-grade tuberculocidal
disinfectant, then wash hands again.
RATIONALE
CDC and EPA standards require hand hygiene before and after glove
removal and use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with
tuberculocidal claim for implements contacting blood/body fluids.
Alcohol and UV cabinets do not meet the required kill claims for
bloodborne pathogens.
Question 2
Which statement correctly distinguishes a comedo from a milium?
A. A comedo is a closed sebaceous cyst; a milium is an open pore.
B. A comedo is a hair follicle plugged with sebum and keratin; a milium
is a small keratin-filled cyst.
C. A comedo is caused by a bacterium; a milium is caused by a fungus.
D. A comedo is always inflammatory; a milium is always infectious.
Page 2
,Correct Answer: B - A comedo is a hair follicle plugged with
sebum and keratin; a milium is a small keratin-filled cyst.
RATIONALE
A comedo is a non-inflammatory impaction of sebum and keratin
within a follicle (open or closed), while a milium is a tiny keratin cyst
just beneath the epidermis. Neither is primarily infectious, and
comedones are not sebaceous cysts.
Question 3
When performing laser hair removal on a client with dark skin, which
parameter adjustment is most critical to prevent epidermal damage?
A. Increase pulse duration and use longer wavelength with cooling.
B. Decrease wavelength and increase fluence.
C. Use a continuous wave mode without cooling.
D. Increase number of passes without adjusting settings.
Correct Answer: A - Increase pulse duration and use longer
wavelength with cooling.
RATIONALE
For darker skin, longer wavelengths (e.g., 1064 nm Nd:YAG) bypass
epidermal melanin, and longer pulse durations with cooling protect the
epidermis while targeting the follicle. Shorter wavelengths and higher
fluence increase burn risk.
Question 4
Which ingredient functions as a chelating agent in a skin care formulation?
A. Sodium lauryl sulfate
B. Disodium EDTA
C. Glycerin
D. Dimethicone
Correct Answer: B - Disodium EDTA
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Disodium EDTA binds metal ions that can destabilize formulations,
acting as a chelator. Surfactants, humectants, and emollients serve
different functions.
Question 5
During a facial, a client reports a sudden feeling of faintness and dizziness.
Which action should the esthetician take first?
A. Elevate the client's legs and offer water.
B. Continue the service and monitor.
C. Apply a cold compress to the forehead.
D. Ask the client to sit up quickly.
Correct Answer: A - Elevate the client's legs and offer water.
RATIONALE
Faintness during a facial may indicate hypotension; elevating legs
improves venous return. Continuing or sitting up quickly can worsen
symptoms.
Question 6
Which statement accurately reflects a 2026 state board regulation regarding
estheticians' scope of practice?
A. Estheticians may perform deep chemical peels under indirect
supervision.
B. Estheticians may diagnose skin cancer and prescribe topical
antibiotics.
C. Estheticians may perform superficial treatments and must refer
medical conditions to a physician.
D. Estheticians may perform laser surgery for skin resurfacing.
Correct Answer: C - Estheticians may perform superficial
treatments and must refer medical conditions to a physician.
Page 4
