Illinois Esthetics State Board Exam (2026/2027) |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Esthetics State Board
Licensing Examination | Core Domains: Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail
Technology Act and Rules, Skin Histology & Physiology, Skin Disorders & Diseases, Facial
Treatments & Techniques (Cleansing, Steaming, Extractions, Massage), Hair Removal
(Waxing, Tweezing), Makeup Application & Color Theory, Facial Machines & Electricity,
Sanitation, Disinfection & Safety (OSHA Standards), and Business Practices & Ethics |
Esthetician Licensure Focus | State-Specific Practical & Written Exam Format
Exam Structure
The Illinois Esthetics State Board Exam for the 2026/2027 licensure cycle is a 120-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) written examination, in addition to a separate practical skills
examination.
Introduction
This Illinois Esthetics State Board Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle prepares candidates for
the licensure examination required to practice esthetics in Illinois. The content tests knowledge
of state-specific laws, scientific skin theory, practical treatment procedures, and stringent safety
and sanitation protocols as mandated by the IDFPR.
Answer Format
All correct answers and esthetic principles must be presented in bold and green, followed by
detailed rationales that cite specific Illinois statutes (225 ILCS 410), reference skin science,
explain correct treatment procedures, and justify sanitation practices in accordance with state
board rules.
Full 120-Question
Question 1: According to the Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail
Technology Act (225 ILCS 410), how often must an esthetician license be renewed?
(A) Every year
(B) Every two years
,(C) Every three years
(D) Every five years
(E) Only once after initial issuance
Correct Answer: (B) Every two years
Rationale: Per 225 ILCS 410/15-10, all licenses issued by the IDFPR—including esthetician
licenses—must be renewed biennially (every two years). Failure to renew on time results in late
fees or license lapse, requiring reinstatement. Renewal requires completion of continuing
education hours as specified by rule. This ensures practitioners remain current on sanitation,
safety, and technique standards.
Question 2: Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for producing new skin cells through
mitosis?
(A) Stratum corneum
(B) Stratum lucidum
(C) Stratum granulosum
(D) Stratum spinosum
(E) Stratum basale
Correct Answer: (E) Stratum basale
Rationale: The stratum basale (basal layer) is the deepest layer of the epidermis and contains
keratinocyte stem cells that continuously divide via mitosis to replenish the epidermis. As cells
mature, they move upward through the layers (spinosum → granulosum → lucidum →
,corneum) in a process called keratinization. Understanding skin histology is essential for
selecting appropriate treatments (e.g., avoiding aggressive exfoliation on thin or compromised
skin).
Question 3: A client presents with small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face without comedones.
Which condition is most likely present?
(A) Acne vulgaris
(B) Rosacea
(C) Seborrheic dermatitis
(D) Impetigo
(E) Milia
Correct Answer: (B) Rosacea
Rationale: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition typically affecting adults aged 30–60,
characterized by facial erythema, telangiectasia, and papules/pustules—but notably absent of
comedones (blackheads/whiteheads), which distinguishes it from acne vulgaris. Triggers include
heat, alcohol, spicy foods, and UV exposure. Estheticians must avoid aggressive treatments (e.g.,
extractions, steam) and refer to a dermatologist if severe. Treatment includes gentle skincare,
sun protection, and topical/oral medications prescribed by a physician.
Question 4: During a facial, when should extractions be performed?
(A) Before cleansing
(B) After applying moisturizer
, (C) After steaming and softening the skin
(D) At the end of the service
(E) Only if the client requests them
Correct Answer: (C) After steaming and softening the skin
Rationale: Extractions should only be performed after the skin has been thoroughly cleansed
and softened with warm steam or towels to open pores and loosen sebum. This minimizes
trauma, pain, and risk of scarring. Never extract inflamed, cystic, or unripe lesions. Always use
clean gloves or cotton-wrapped fingers, apply gentle pressure, and follow with an antiseptic and
soothing product. Improper extraction can lead to infection or post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation—especially in darker skin tones.
Question 5: What is the proper method to disinfect non-porous tools such as metal spatulas
and tweezers between clients in Illinois?
(A) Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol
(B) Soak in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the manufacturer’s recommended
contact time
(C) Rinse with hot water
(D) Place in UV sanitizer for 5 minutes
(E) Spray with Lysol
Correct Answer: (B) Soak in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the
manufacturer’s recommended contact time
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Esthetics State Board
Licensing Examination | Core Domains: Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail
Technology Act and Rules, Skin Histology & Physiology, Skin Disorders & Diseases, Facial
Treatments & Techniques (Cleansing, Steaming, Extractions, Massage), Hair Removal
(Waxing, Tweezing), Makeup Application & Color Theory, Facial Machines & Electricity,
Sanitation, Disinfection & Safety (OSHA Standards), and Business Practices & Ethics |
Esthetician Licensure Focus | State-Specific Practical & Written Exam Format
Exam Structure
The Illinois Esthetics State Board Exam for the 2026/2027 licensure cycle is a 120-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) written examination, in addition to a separate practical skills
examination.
Introduction
This Illinois Esthetics State Board Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle prepares candidates for
the licensure examination required to practice esthetics in Illinois. The content tests knowledge
of state-specific laws, scientific skin theory, practical treatment procedures, and stringent safety
and sanitation protocols as mandated by the IDFPR.
Answer Format
All correct answers and esthetic principles must be presented in bold and green, followed by
detailed rationales that cite specific Illinois statutes (225 ILCS 410), reference skin science,
explain correct treatment procedures, and justify sanitation practices in accordance with state
board rules.
Full 120-Question
Question 1: According to the Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail
Technology Act (225 ILCS 410), how often must an esthetician license be renewed?
(A) Every year
(B) Every two years
,(C) Every three years
(D) Every five years
(E) Only once after initial issuance
Correct Answer: (B) Every two years
Rationale: Per 225 ILCS 410/15-10, all licenses issued by the IDFPR—including esthetician
licenses—must be renewed biennially (every two years). Failure to renew on time results in late
fees or license lapse, requiring reinstatement. Renewal requires completion of continuing
education hours as specified by rule. This ensures practitioners remain current on sanitation,
safety, and technique standards.
Question 2: Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for producing new skin cells through
mitosis?
(A) Stratum corneum
(B) Stratum lucidum
(C) Stratum granulosum
(D) Stratum spinosum
(E) Stratum basale
Correct Answer: (E) Stratum basale
Rationale: The stratum basale (basal layer) is the deepest layer of the epidermis and contains
keratinocyte stem cells that continuously divide via mitosis to replenish the epidermis. As cells
mature, they move upward through the layers (spinosum → granulosum → lucidum →
,corneum) in a process called keratinization. Understanding skin histology is essential for
selecting appropriate treatments (e.g., avoiding aggressive exfoliation on thin or compromised
skin).
Question 3: A client presents with small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face without comedones.
Which condition is most likely present?
(A) Acne vulgaris
(B) Rosacea
(C) Seborrheic dermatitis
(D) Impetigo
(E) Milia
Correct Answer: (B) Rosacea
Rationale: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition typically affecting adults aged 30–60,
characterized by facial erythema, telangiectasia, and papules/pustules—but notably absent of
comedones (blackheads/whiteheads), which distinguishes it from acne vulgaris. Triggers include
heat, alcohol, spicy foods, and UV exposure. Estheticians must avoid aggressive treatments (e.g.,
extractions, steam) and refer to a dermatologist if severe. Treatment includes gentle skincare,
sun protection, and topical/oral medications prescribed by a physician.
Question 4: During a facial, when should extractions be performed?
(A) Before cleansing
(B) After applying moisturizer
, (C) After steaming and softening the skin
(D) At the end of the service
(E) Only if the client requests them
Correct Answer: (C) After steaming and softening the skin
Rationale: Extractions should only be performed after the skin has been thoroughly cleansed
and softened with warm steam or towels to open pores and loosen sebum. This minimizes
trauma, pain, and risk of scarring. Never extract inflamed, cystic, or unripe lesions. Always use
clean gloves or cotton-wrapped fingers, apply gentle pressure, and follow with an antiseptic and
soothing product. Improper extraction can lead to infection or post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation—especially in darker skin tones.
Question 5: What is the proper method to disinfect non-porous tools such as metal spatulas
and tweezers between clients in Illinois?
(A) Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol
(B) Soak in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the manufacturer’s recommended
contact time
(C) Rinse with hot water
(D) Place in UV sanitizer for 5 minutes
(E) Spray with Lysol
Correct Answer: (B) Soak in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the
manufacturer’s recommended contact time
