Washington State Esthetician Written Exam 2026 –
Brand-New Actual Exam with Verified Questions &
Correct Answers
1. What is the primary purpose of a primary treatment for a comedogenic skin type?
A. To soothe and calm
B. To hydrate and nourish
C. To deeply cleanse and unclog pores ✓
D. To provide anti-aging benefits
2. The muscle responsible for raising the eyebrows and creating horizontal forehead lines is
the:
A. Corrugator muscle
B. Procerus muscle
C. Frontalis muscle ✓
D. Orbicularis oculi muscle
3. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and sweat glands?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis ✓
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
4. In Washington State, how often must an esthetician's license be renewed?
A. Annually ✓
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
5. A product that causes the contraction of skin cells and tissues after cleansing is known as
a(n):
A. Emollient
B. Astringent ✓
C. Humectant
D. Surfactant
6. Which of the following is a contraindication for most facial treatments and requires a
doctor's note?
,A. Oily skin
B. Comedones
C. Impetigo ✓
D. Dehydration
7. The technical term for a lack of melanin is:
A. Hyperpigmentation
B. Leukoderma ✓
C. Erythema
D. Chloasma
8. What is the primary function of sebum?
A. To produce sweat
B. To provide sensory perception
C. To lubricate and protect the skin ✓
D. To generate new skin cells
9. Which instrument uses a blackhead extractor on the opposite end of a lancet?
A. Frasch
B. Comedone ✓
C. Rotary brush
D. High-frequency electrode
10. The term "T-Zone" on the face refers to the:
A. Cheeks and jawline
B. Forehead, nose, and chin ✓
C. Under-eye area and temples
D. Neck and décolletage
11. A chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by persistent redness and dilated
capillaries is:
A. Acne Vulgaris
B. Rosacea ✓
C. Psoriasis
D. Eczema
12. Which of the following is an example of an ampoule?
A. A large jar of moisturizer
B. A concentrated serum in a single-use vial ✓
,C. A spray-on toner
D. A foaming cleanser
13. The main active ingredient in chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid is:
A. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) ✓
B. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
C. Salicylic Acid
D. Hyaluronic Acid
14. Before performing an extraction, what should an esthetician do to prepare the pore?
A. Apply a moisturizer
B. Apply a high-frequency current
C. Steam the face ✓
D. Use a vacuum suction
15. According to Washington State law, a disinfectant must be:
A. An antiseptic
B. EPA-registered as a hospital-grade disinfectant ✓
C. A natural, herbal solution
D. A high-proof alcohol
16. The body's first line of defense against infection is:
A. The immune system
B. Healthy, intact skin ✓
C. White blood cells
D. Antibodies
17. What is the primary benefit of a humectant like Hyaluronic Acid?
A. It adds oil to the skin.
B. It draws moisture from the air into the skin. ✓
C. It forms a protective barrier on the skin.
D. It exfoliates dead skin cells.
18. A small, discolored spot or patch on the skin, such as a freckle, is called a:
A. Papule
B. Macule ✓
C. Pustule
D. Nodule
19. Which gland is responsible for regulating body temperature?
A. Sebaceous gland
, B. Sudoriferous gland (Eccrine) ✓
C. Apocrine gland
D. Endocrine gland
20. The term "asepsis" means:
A. The presence of bacteria
B. The absence of disease-causing microorganisms ✓
C. The process of cleaning with soap and water
D. The state of being infected
21. Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?
A. Absorption
B. Protection
C. Excretion
D. Pumping blood ✓
22. A client with a history of cold sores (Herpes Simplex) may need a prophylactic treatment
before a facial to prevent an outbreak. What ingredient is commonly used for this?
A. Benzoyl Peroxide
B. Salicylic Acid
C. An antiviral medication like Acyclovir ✓
D. Glycolic Acid
23. The Fitzpatrick Scale is used to classify:
A. Skin types based on oil production
B. Skin types based on sensitivity
C. Skin types based on response to UV light ✓
D. Skin conditions based on acne severity
24. What is the recommended minimum SPF for daily wear?
A. SPF 8
B. SPF 15
C. SPF 30 ✓
D. SPF 50
25. In Washington State, an establishment license must be displayed:
A. In a private office
B. In a conspicuous place where it is easily visible to the public ✓
C. Kept on the owner's person at all times
D. Filed with the county records
Brand-New Actual Exam with Verified Questions &
Correct Answers
1. What is the primary purpose of a primary treatment for a comedogenic skin type?
A. To soothe and calm
B. To hydrate and nourish
C. To deeply cleanse and unclog pores ✓
D. To provide anti-aging benefits
2. The muscle responsible for raising the eyebrows and creating horizontal forehead lines is
the:
A. Corrugator muscle
B. Procerus muscle
C. Frontalis muscle ✓
D. Orbicularis oculi muscle
3. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and sweat glands?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis ✓
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
4. In Washington State, how often must an esthetician's license be renewed?
A. Annually ✓
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
5. A product that causes the contraction of skin cells and tissues after cleansing is known as
a(n):
A. Emollient
B. Astringent ✓
C. Humectant
D. Surfactant
6. Which of the following is a contraindication for most facial treatments and requires a
doctor's note?
,A. Oily skin
B. Comedones
C. Impetigo ✓
D. Dehydration
7. The technical term for a lack of melanin is:
A. Hyperpigmentation
B. Leukoderma ✓
C. Erythema
D. Chloasma
8. What is the primary function of sebum?
A. To produce sweat
B. To provide sensory perception
C. To lubricate and protect the skin ✓
D. To generate new skin cells
9. Which instrument uses a blackhead extractor on the opposite end of a lancet?
A. Frasch
B. Comedone ✓
C. Rotary brush
D. High-frequency electrode
10. The term "T-Zone" on the face refers to the:
A. Cheeks and jawline
B. Forehead, nose, and chin ✓
C. Under-eye area and temples
D. Neck and décolletage
11. A chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by persistent redness and dilated
capillaries is:
A. Acne Vulgaris
B. Rosacea ✓
C. Psoriasis
D. Eczema
12. Which of the following is an example of an ampoule?
A. A large jar of moisturizer
B. A concentrated serum in a single-use vial ✓
,C. A spray-on toner
D. A foaming cleanser
13. The main active ingredient in chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid is:
A. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) ✓
B. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
C. Salicylic Acid
D. Hyaluronic Acid
14. Before performing an extraction, what should an esthetician do to prepare the pore?
A. Apply a moisturizer
B. Apply a high-frequency current
C. Steam the face ✓
D. Use a vacuum suction
15. According to Washington State law, a disinfectant must be:
A. An antiseptic
B. EPA-registered as a hospital-grade disinfectant ✓
C. A natural, herbal solution
D. A high-proof alcohol
16. The body's first line of defense against infection is:
A. The immune system
B. Healthy, intact skin ✓
C. White blood cells
D. Antibodies
17. What is the primary benefit of a humectant like Hyaluronic Acid?
A. It adds oil to the skin.
B. It draws moisture from the air into the skin. ✓
C. It forms a protective barrier on the skin.
D. It exfoliates dead skin cells.
18. A small, discolored spot or patch on the skin, such as a freckle, is called a:
A. Papule
B. Macule ✓
C. Pustule
D. Nodule
19. Which gland is responsible for regulating body temperature?
A. Sebaceous gland
, B. Sudoriferous gland (Eccrine) ✓
C. Apocrine gland
D. Endocrine gland
20. The term "asepsis" means:
A. The presence of bacteria
B. The absence of disease-causing microorganisms ✓
C. The process of cleaning with soap and water
D. The state of being infected
21. Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?
A. Absorption
B. Protection
C. Excretion
D. Pumping blood ✓
22. A client with a history of cold sores (Herpes Simplex) may need a prophylactic treatment
before a facial to prevent an outbreak. What ingredient is commonly used for this?
A. Benzoyl Peroxide
B. Salicylic Acid
C. An antiviral medication like Acyclovir ✓
D. Glycolic Acid
23. The Fitzpatrick Scale is used to classify:
A. Skin types based on oil production
B. Skin types based on sensitivity
C. Skin types based on response to UV light ✓
D. Skin conditions based on acne severity
24. What is the recommended minimum SPF for daily wear?
A. SPF 8
B. SPF 15
C. SPF 30 ✓
D. SPF 50
25. In Washington State, an establishment license must be displayed:
A. In a private office
B. In a conspicuous place where it is easily visible to the public ✓
C. Kept on the owner's person at all times
D. Filed with the county records
