If you need help studying for the National Esthetics Theory Examination or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free Esthetician practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 110 questions total, but only 100 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 10 unscored questions on the exam are added to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the exam.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 90 minutes (1.5 hours). There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the two sections of the exam.
1. SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS
55% of the exam
- SDSM
- Chemical handling
- Hair and follicle structure
- Hair growth cycles
- Abnormal hair growth
- Basic chemistry
- Cell functions
- Organ functions
- Tissues
- Basic microbiology
- Infection control procedures
- Standard precautions
- Blood exposure procedures
- Body systems
- Structure and function of skin layers
- Structure and function of glands
- Skin disorders and diseases
2. SKIN CARE AND SERVICES
45% of the exam
- Client protection
- The concluding processes of facial services
- Electrical equipment used in skin services
- Makeup knowledge
- Skin analysis
- Contraindications
- Treatment protocol
- Cleansing procedures
- Eyelash and eyebrow services
- Steaming procedures
- Exfoliation procedures
- Massage movements
- Hair removal methods
- Extraction methods
- Functions and applications of various masks
- Body treatments
How to Register
To register, you’ll need to contact your state’s licensing board and determine what eligibility requirements you need to meet. Then, if you meet those requirements, you can submit an application and the testing fee, which will vary from state to state.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be given information on how to register a testing appointment.
Esthetician Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
The passing score varies from state to state, but you’ll usually need a score of 75 to pass the test.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! Check with your state’s licensing board to see what their retake policy is.
Keep in mind that you will likely have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the Esthetician exam?
The exam contains 110 questions.
What is a passing score for the Esthetician exam?
You’ll generally need to get a final scaled score of at least 75 to pass.
What is the time limit for the Esthetician exam?
The exam is timed at 1.5 hours.
How much does the Esthetician exam cost?
The testing fee varies from state to state.