Esthetician State Board Practice Exam
Part 1 (Questions 1–100) – Complete
Answer Key & Explanations | 2025
Edition
1. What is the primary function of the epidermis?
A. Temperature regulation
B. Protection
C. Oil production
D. Sensory reception
Rationale: The epidermis acts as a protective barrier against
environmental damage, pathogens, and water loss.
2. Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum basale
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Stratum lucidum
Rationale: Melanocytes, which produce melanin, are located in
the basal layer (stratum basale) of the epidermis.
3. What is the main purpose of exfoliation?
A. To increase oil production
B. To remove dead skin cells
C. To shrink pores
D. To lighten skin color
Rationale: Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin’s surface,
promoting cell renewal and smoothness.
4. Which type of bacteria cause pustules and boils?
A. Staphylococci
B. Streptococci
, C. Diplococci
D. Bacilli
Rationale: Staphylococci are pus-forming bacteria that cause
abscesses, pustules, and boils.
5. What is the proper procedure after using a metal extraction tool?
A. Wipe with alcohol and reuse immediately
B. Wash, disinfect, and store in a clean container
C. Rinse with water only
D. Air dry without disinfecting
Rationale: Metal tools must be cleaned and fully disinfected
before reuse to prevent infection.
6. Which muscle extends along the side of the neck?
A. Frontalis
B. Masseter
C. Sternocleidomastoid
D. Platysma
Rationale: The sternocleidomastoid muscle extends along the
side of the neck and helps rotate the head.
7. What is the term for the study of small organisms, including
bacteria and viruses?
A. Histology
B. Microbiology
C. Anatomy
D. Physiology
Rationale: Microbiology studies microorganisms like bacteria,
fungi, and viruses.
8. Which type of skin is characterized by small pores and lack of oil?
A. Oily skin
B. Dry skin
, C. Combination skin
D. Normal skin
Rationale: Dry skin produces less sebum and often has small
pores and flakiness.
9. What is the purpose of a patch test?
A. To evaluate pH balance
B. To determine allergic reactions
C. To measure hydration
D. To test exfoliation results
Rationale: A patch test helps identify allergic reactions to
products before full application.
10. What does SPF stand for?
A. Sun Protection Factor
B. Skin Protective Formula
C. Sunlight Prevention Filter
D. Surface Protection Film
Rationale: SPF indicates how effectively a sunscreen protects
against UVB rays.
11. What is the largest organ of the body?
A. Heart
B. Liver
C. Skin
D. Lungs
Rationale: The skin is the body’s largest organ, serving as a
protective barrier and sensory organ.
12. What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Wearing gloves
B. Hand washing
Part 1 (Questions 1–100) – Complete
Answer Key & Explanations | 2025
Edition
1. What is the primary function of the epidermis?
A. Temperature regulation
B. Protection
C. Oil production
D. Sensory reception
Rationale: The epidermis acts as a protective barrier against
environmental damage, pathogens, and water loss.
2. Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum basale
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Stratum lucidum
Rationale: Melanocytes, which produce melanin, are located in
the basal layer (stratum basale) of the epidermis.
3. What is the main purpose of exfoliation?
A. To increase oil production
B. To remove dead skin cells
C. To shrink pores
D. To lighten skin color
Rationale: Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin’s surface,
promoting cell renewal and smoothness.
4. Which type of bacteria cause pustules and boils?
A. Staphylococci
B. Streptococci
, C. Diplococci
D. Bacilli
Rationale: Staphylococci are pus-forming bacteria that cause
abscesses, pustules, and boils.
5. What is the proper procedure after using a metal extraction tool?
A. Wipe with alcohol and reuse immediately
B. Wash, disinfect, and store in a clean container
C. Rinse with water only
D. Air dry without disinfecting
Rationale: Metal tools must be cleaned and fully disinfected
before reuse to prevent infection.
6. Which muscle extends along the side of the neck?
A. Frontalis
B. Masseter
C. Sternocleidomastoid
D. Platysma
Rationale: The sternocleidomastoid muscle extends along the
side of the neck and helps rotate the head.
7. What is the term for the study of small organisms, including
bacteria and viruses?
A. Histology
B. Microbiology
C. Anatomy
D. Physiology
Rationale: Microbiology studies microorganisms like bacteria,
fungi, and viruses.
8. Which type of skin is characterized by small pores and lack of oil?
A. Oily skin
B. Dry skin
, C. Combination skin
D. Normal skin
Rationale: Dry skin produces less sebum and often has small
pores and flakiness.
9. What is the purpose of a patch test?
A. To evaluate pH balance
B. To determine allergic reactions
C. To measure hydration
D. To test exfoliation results
Rationale: A patch test helps identify allergic reactions to
products before full application.
10. What does SPF stand for?
A. Sun Protection Factor
B. Skin Protective Formula
C. Sunlight Prevention Filter
D. Surface Protection Film
Rationale: SPF indicates how effectively a sunscreen protects
against UVB rays.
11. What is the largest organ of the body?
A. Heart
B. Liver
C. Skin
D. Lungs
Rationale: The skin is the body’s largest organ, serving as a
protective barrier and sensory organ.
12. What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Wearing gloves
B. Hand washing
