Free Esthetician State Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Esthetician State Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A Minnesota license record is current, has not expired, and has not been placed in retired status. How is that license classified under Minnesota cosmetology rules?

   1. A. Active license
   2. B. Pending license
   3. C. Retired license
   4. D. Temporary permit

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0010, subp. 1a defines an active license as a current license that "has not expired and is not retired." The described record is therefore active.

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0010, subpart 1a

2. 2Before beginning work at a Minnesota salon, what license-status check is the individual esthetician responsible for making?

   1. A. That the salon has an active license
   2. B. That the DLSM holds the same license type as the esthetician
   3. C. That the salon license has at least one year before expiration
   4. D. That the salon carries the esthetician's individual liability policy

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0190, subp. 1 makes the licensee responsible for verifying that the salon or school "has an active license."

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0190, subpart 1

3. 3Before first using a new cosmetic product in services, which product-specific materials must a Minnesota esthetician review and follow?

   1. A. The distributor's sales claims, suggested pricing, and popularity data
   2. B. Client reviews, competitor comparisons, and before-and-after photographs
   3. C. Manufacturer directions, safety requirements, and contraindications
   4. D. The salon's inventory record, purchase invoice, and retail price list

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0190, subp. 1a(B) requires review and compliance with "manufacturer's directions for use, safety requirements, and contraindications."

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0190, subpart 1a(B)

4. 4When allocating inspection resources, which Minnesota salons must the Board prioritize first?

   1. A. Licensees with the greatest number of individual practitioners
   2. B. Licensees located farthest from the Board's administrative office
   3. C. Licensees selected solely through an equal-probability random drawing
   4. D. Licensees that are noncompliant or present greater public risk

   Answer: D

   Explanation: 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 119, art. 4, sec. 28 directs resources first to licensees that fail legal requirements or "present a greater risk to the public."

   Reference: Statutes155A — 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 119, article 4, section 28

5. 5A Minnesota esthetician posts an online graphic intended to attract clients to buy facial services. Does the state definition treat that post as advertising?

   1. A. No, because online graphics are excluded from advertising
   2. B. Yes, because online written or graphic sales representations are included
   3. C. Only when the online post includes a specific service price
   4. D. Only when the post appears on the licensed salon's own account

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0010, subp. 2 says advertising includes written or graphic representations designed to elicit sales "in print, on air, or online." The online promotion qualifies.

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0010, subpart 2

6. 6A Minnesota esthetician legally changes her name on April 1. By when must she provide the Board with legal documentation of the change?

   1. A. By April 11
   2. B. By May 1
   3. C. By May 31
   4. D. By July 1

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0190, subp. 2 requires documentation within 30 days. Thirty days after April 1 is May 1.

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0190, subpart 2

7. 7A Minnesota esthetician received training on a new device and continues to use it. How long must the training record be maintained?

   1. A. Until thirty days after the first service using that device
   2. B. Until one year after the manufacturer discontinues that device
   3. C. Until the next individual practitioner license renewal is completed
   4. D. For as long as the licensee uses the device

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0190, subp. 1a(C) requires the training record "for as long as the licensee is using" the product, technique, or device.

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0190, subpart 1a(C)

8. 8Which license information must a Minnesota salon conspicuously display at the reception area or primary entrance?

   1. A. Owner's individual license only
   2. B. Current salon license naming current DLSM
   3. C. Building occupancy permit only
   4. D. Expired license naming former DLSM

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0370(C) requires display of “the original salon license with the current DLSM” at reception or the primary entrance.

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0370, item C

9. 9A Minnesota business leases individual service rooms and may hold one salon license for the business or allow each room to hold its own salon license. Which Minnesota rule term describes this business?

   1. A. Mobile salon
   2. B. Residential salon
   3. C. Suite-style salon
   4. D. Cosmetology school

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0010, subp. 12a defines a suite-style salon as a business “specializing in leasing or renting individual rooms or suites to licensees,” matching this arrangement.

   Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0010, subpart 12a

10. 10After a Minnesota licensee changes her legal name, on what day does the license bearing the former name become invalid?

    1. A. The 15th day
    2. B. The 30th day
    3. C. The 31st day
    4. D. The 60th day

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Minn. R. 2105.0190, subp. 2 states: "The license in the former name is invalid on the 31st day of the new legal name."

    Reference: Rules2105 — § 2105.0190, subpart 2