Free Indiana Esthetician Written Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

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

1. 1Before an Indiana esthetician begins a facial, how much of the client's body should remain exposed?

   1. A. Only the area being treated
   2. B. The face, neck, and both shoulders
   3. C. All skin above the waist
   4. D. Any area not covered by the treatment chair

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Indiana states, "The customer's body should remain clothed or draped except for the areas receiving the service." Therefore only the active facial area may be exposed.

   Reference: 820 25-328 | IARP — 820 IAC 3-1-16.1(f)

2. 2Which skin layer is visible at the surface and continually forms replacement cells at its base?

   1. A. Epidermis
   2. B. Dermis
   3. C. Hypodermis
   4. D. Fascia

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NIAMS identifies the epidermis as the visible layer where new cells form to replace those that flake off. The NIAMS URL was verified through server-side access, but local curl, impersonation, and browser fetches all returned an anti-bot challenge, so no readable workDir text copy exists for a verbatim quotation.

   Reference: Keep your skin clean and hydrated — What is skin? — three main layers

3. 3Which federal cosmetic category expressly includes skin creams and lotions?

   1. A. Skin care preparations
   2. B. Eye makeup preparations
   3. C. Hair coloring preparations
   4. D. Manicuring preparations

   Answer: A

   Explanation: FDA lists "Skin care preparations, (creams, lotions, powder, and sprays)." Skin creams and lotions therefore belong to the skin-care-preparations category.

   Reference: Cosmetic Product Categories and Codes | FDA — Category 14 — Skin care preparations

4. 4An applicator touches the client's skin and more wax is needed. What is the next step?

   1. A. Discard it and use a new applicator
   2. B. Wipe it and redip once
   3. C. Use its other end in the wax
   4. D. Rinse it in warm water and redip

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Indiana states that waxing workers "shall use a new applicator for each application of wax." The applicator that touched the client cannot be redipped; a new one is used.

   Reference: 820 25-328 | IARP — 820 IAC 3-1-16.1(j)

5. 5A client asks corrective makeup to treat an underlying skin disease. What should the esthetician explain?

   1. A. Makeup may alter appearance, but disease treatment requires medical evaluation rather than a cosmetic claim
   2. B. Makeup may treat disease if its label also describes an appearance benefit
   3. C. Makeup may change skin structure if the client requests only temporary coverage
   4. D. Makeup may prevent recurrence if it is sold as a professional cosmetic

   Answer: A

   Explanation: FDA defines cosmetics as articles used "for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." It explains that treating disease is a drug purpose, so the esthetician should limit makeup to appearance and refer the treatment concern.

   Reference: Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) | FDA — How does the law define a cosmetic?

6. 6Why is a compatible conductive medium used with external electrodes during a galvanic facial procedure?

   1. A. To reduce impedance between the electrode and skin
   2. B. To sterilize the treatment room
   3. C. To replace the electrical circuit
   4. D. To increase cord resistance

   Answer: A

   Explanation: FDA describes conductive gels used with external electrodes "to reduce the impedance (resistance to alternating current) of the contact between the electrode surface and the skin." That is the medium's role.

   Reference: ZIIP, Inc. - 725870 - 05/22/2026 | FDA — Electroconductive media under 21 CFR 882.1275

7. 7After a reusable body drape has been used for one client, where should the esthetician place it?

   1. A. In a covered hamper for soiled linens
   2. B. In the closed cabinet for clean linens
   3. C. In the receptacle for sanitized implements
   4. D. In the drawer for unused disposable supplies

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Indiana states, "Soiled towels, linens, and headbands must be stored in a covered hamper." A used reusable body drape belongs with the soiled linens.

   Reference: 820 25-328 | IARP — § 820 IAC 3-1-10(b)

8. 8Which skin layer contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and oil and sweat glands?

   1. A. Epidermis
   2. B. Dermis
   3. C. Hypodermis
   4. D. Papillary layer

   Answer: B

   Explanation: NIAMS explains that the dermis lies below the epidermis and contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and oil and sweat glands. The NIAMS URL was verified through server-side access, but all local fetch backends returned an anti-bot challenge, so no readable workDir text copy exists for a verbatim quotation.

   Reference: Keep your skin clean and hydrated — What is skin? — dermis

9. 9A client wants basic cosmetic support for intact dry skin. Which product type does NIAMS recommend?

   1. A. Lotion or moisturizer
   2. B. Oil-absorbing astringent
   3. C. Acid exfoliant
   4. D. Clay-based drying mask

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NIAMS recommends using lotion or moisturizer to help intact dry skin remain hydrated. The NIAMS URL was verified server-side, but all local fetch backends returned an anti-bot challenge, so no readable workDir text copy exists for a verbatim quotation.

   Reference: Keep your skin clean and hydrated — Keep your skin clean and hydrated

10. 10Which tool setup best prevents cross-contamination during a waxing service?

    1. A. A supply of unused applicators and a separate discard container
    2. B. A supply of disinfected reusable applicators and a clean holding cup
    3. C. One unused applicator for each client and a between-client disinfectant tray
    4. D. A client-labeled reusable applicator and a covered storage receptacle

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Indiana states that waxing workers "shall use a new applicator for each application of wax." A supply of unused applicators plus a separate discard container supports that one-application workflow.

    Reference: 820 25-328 | IARP — 820 IAC 3-1-16.1(g) and (j)