Free New York State Esthetics Written Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

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

1. 1A New York esthetician is offered payment to perform services before receiving an individual license. What is the controlling rule?

   1. A. The services are allowed if supervised by a business owner
   2. B. The services are allowed for up to three months
   3. C. The services may not be performed without the required individual license
   4. D. The services are allowed if no products are sold

   Answer: C

   Explanation: General Business Law §401 states: “No person shall engage in the practice of ... esthetics ... without having received a license.” Payment and supervision do not replace the individual license.

   Reference: Ny Dos Appearance Enhancement Law Current — General Business Law §401(1), page 3

2. 2Which group consists entirely of recognized classes of infectious agents?

   1. A. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
   2. B. Bacteria, viruses, allergens, and irritants
   3. C. Fungi, parasites, toxins, and ultraviolet radiation
   4. D. Viruses, prions, corrosives, and sensitizers

   Answer: A

   Explanation: CDC identifies pathogen classes that include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions.

   Reference: Fda Microneedling Devices — Information for Patients About Microneedling Devices

3. 3Which epidermal cell is responsible for producing the pigment melanin?

   1. A. Fibroblast
   2. B. Melanocyte
   3. C. Adipocyte
   4. D. Lymphocyte

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The NCBI skin histology source states that melanocytes in the basal layer produce melanin, which contributes to skin color.

   Reference: NBK 537325 — Structure, stratum basale

4. 4Which general eating pattern best supports adequate nutrient intake for skin and body health?

   1. A. A varied pattern supplying protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fluids
   2. B. A single-food pattern supplying calories but offering little nutrient variety
   3. C. A supplement-centered pattern replacing most ordinary foods and meals
   4. D. A restrictive pattern excluding an entire nutrient class without medical direction

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NIH advises that a balanced diet helps ensure the body receives all needed nutrients and that amino acids help build skin and organs.

   Reference: Protein and amino acids — Food, nutrients, and balanced diet

5. 5During the New York practical facial, which areas must be analyzed under the magnifying lamp?

   1. A. Face only
   2. B. Face and scalp
   3. C. Face, entire neck, and décolleté
   4. D. Hands and forearms

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The current task list requires analysis of “the entire face and neck” and turning the head to view the neck and décolleté.

   Reference: Ny Dos Esthetics Practical Tasks 2025 10 — Part III, Facial, task 8

6. 6Which statement correctly distinguishes an element from a compound?

   1. A. An element contains one kind of atom; a compound contains chemically combined elements
   2. B. A compound can never be separated chemically
   3. C. An element is always a liquid
   4. D. A compound contains only one atom

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NIST defines elements by atomic number and compounds as substances formed from chemically combined elements.

   Reference: Chemical elements and compounds — Chemical elements and compounds

7. 7Which set lists workplace dangers that OSHA's electrical standards are designed to address?

   1. A. Electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions
   2. B. Skin sensitivity, cosmetic allergy, product spoilage, and staining
   3. C. Muscle fatigue, postural strain, repetitive motion, and lifting injury
   4. D. Pathogen transmission, contaminated implements, sharps, and blood exposure

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA states that its electrical standards address “electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.”

   Reference: Electrical - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Overview of electrical hazards

8. 8Why should a client consultation occur before product selection?

   1. A. To identify history, observations, and contraindications before choosing a service
   2. B. To complete a medical diagnosis before cosmetic treatment begins
   3. C. To select products before reading their directions and warnings
   4. D. To determine employment and payroll terms for the appointment

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Subject 12 lists “Skin Analysis, Product Selection and Treatment Recommendations,” supporting analysis before an individualized recommendation.

   Reference: Ny Dos Appearance Enhancement Law Current — 19 NYCRR §162.2, Subject 12, page 15

9. 9A licensed New York esthetician wants to open a fixed-location studio and assumes the individual license also authorizes the business. What additional authority is required?

   1. A. An appearance enhancement business license
   2. B. A waxing-only operator license
   3. C. A cosmetology instructor certificate
   4. D. A temporary operator permit

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The controlling text says: “No person shall own, control or operate ... an appearance enhancement business without having received a license for such business.” The individual esthetics license is separate.

   Reference: Ny Dos Appearance Enhancement Law Current — General Business Law §§400(8), 401(2), page 3

10. 10Which paid service falls within New York's statutory definition of esthetics?

    1. A. Needle electrolysis of facial hair
    2. B. Injecting a dermal filler
    3. C. Diagnosing a facial rash
    4. D. Enhancing facial appearance with lotions and manual procedures

    Answer: D

    Explanation: General Business Law §400(6) includes services using “tonics, lotions, waxes, sanding and tweezing” by manual, mechanical, chemical, or electrical means, while expressly excluding electrology.

    Reference: Ny Dos Appearance Enhancement Law Current — General Business Law §400(6), page 3