Free Utah Basic Esthetics Integrated Competency Assessment (ICA) Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Utah Basic Esthetics Integrated Competency Assessment (ICA) practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which implement does the Utah ICA direct the candidate to use for the simulated manual extractions on the right cheek?

   1. A. Disposable lancet
   2. B. Wax applicator
   3. C. Comedone extractor
   4. D. Facial spatula

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The extraction performance criteria specify a comedone extractor for the simulated extractions on the right cheek. The bulletin states: “Performs manual extractions with a comedone extractor on the cheek.”

   Reference: Basic Esthetics Utah Permit Cib — Linked Basic Esthetics CIB https://prov-testing.github.io/final_cib/basic_esthetics_utah_permit_english.html — Section 3, skill/action 22; exact controlling criterion: “Comedone extractor”

2. 2During skin analysis, which layer should be identified as the outer tough protective layer?

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

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The National Cancer Institute identifies the epidermis as the outer, tough protective layer of the skin. The controlling text states: “The outer layer is called the epidermis; it is a tough protective layer”.

   Reference: Anatomy of the Skin | SEER Training — Anatomy of the Skin, paragraph describing the three layers

3. 3Before beginning a licensed esthetics service, what hand-hygiene action is required?

   1. A. Apply lotion and put on gloves
   2. B. Wipe hands with a dry towel
   3. C. Wash thoroughly with soap and water and dry appropriately
   4. D. Rinse fingertips with warm water only

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Utah's sanitation rule requires thorough handwashing with soap and water before any licensed client service. The controlling text states: “operators shall thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water”.

   Reference: Utah State Bulletin 2025 16 — 392-702-6(1)(b)

4. 4Which group consists only of materials Utah says chlorine bleach may not be stored near?

   1. A. Acrylic monomers, alcohol, and ammonia
   2. B. Fragrances, thickeners, and foaming agents
   3. C. Towels, hair caps, and headbands
   4. D. Cabinets, containers, and shelves

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Utah prohibits placing or storing bleach near listed chlorine-reactive chemicals or near flame. The controlling text states: “chlorine bleach is not placed or stored near other chlorine-reactive chemicals used in cosmetology facilities including acrylic monomers, alcohol, ammonia, or other disinfecting products, or near flame”.

   Reference: Utah State Bulletin 2025 16 — 392-702-6(10)(d)

5. 5Before the soft-wax eyebrow procedure begins, what condition must the candidate verify about reusable implements?

   1. A. They are still warm from disinfection
   2. B. They are wrapped in soiled linen
   3. C. They are visibly clean
   4. D. They have product on the working edge

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The soft-wax performance criteria begin by requiring all implements to be visibly clean. The bulletin states: “Implements are visibly clean.”

   Reference: Basic Esthetics Utah Permit Cib — Linked Basic Esthetics CIB https://prov-testing.github.io/final_cib/basic_esthetics_utah_permit_english.html — Section 6, skill/action 1; exact controlling criterion: “They are visibly clean”

6. 6How should a wax pot be kept when it is not actively being accessed during a large-area service?

   1. A. Open to release heat
   2. B. Covered
   3. C. Wrapped in a cloth towel
   4. D. Placed under the treatment table

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Utah requires wax pots and paraffin warmers to be kept covered. The controlling text states: “Wax pots and paraffin warmers shall be kept covered and the exterior cleaned daily.”.

   Reference: Utah State Bulletin 2025 16 — 392-702-6(14)(a)

7. 7Which personal protective measure is required during any type of esthetic extraction?

   1. A. Wear gloves
   2. B. Wear a face shield for every extraction
   3. C. Use two cloth towels as hand covers
   4. D. Apply hand lotion immediately beforehand

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The Utah esthetics sanitation section expressly requires gloves during any type of extraction. The controlling text states: “Estheticians shall wash their hands with soap and water before performing any licensed services on a client. Gloves shall be worn during any type of extraction.”.

   Reference: Utah State Bulletin 2025 16 — 392-702-9(1)

8. 8What condition must all implements meet before the basic-facial service begins?

   1. A. Temperature-tested
   2. B. Stored in original packaging
   3. C. Visibly clean
   4. D. Replaced with clean items for the client

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The basic-facial performance criteria require all implements to be visibly clean before use. The bulletin states: “Implements are visibly clean.”

   Reference: Basic Esthetics Utah Permit Cib — Linked Basic Esthetics CIB https://prov-testing.github.io/final_cib/basic_esthetics_utah_permit_english.html — Section 3, skill/action 1; exact controlling criterion: “They must be visibly clean”

9. 9If immersion is unsuitable for a non-electric multi-use implement, which alternative chemical-disinfection method does Utah allow?

   1. A. Spray or wipe it with chemical disinfectant
   2. B. Clean it with detergent and water only
   3. C. Rinse it with water only
   4. D. Dry it before storing

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Utah permits spray-or-wipe chemical disinfection as the alternative to immersion. The controlling text states: “spraying or wiping the implement or tool with a chemical disinfectant according to manufacturer's directions”.

   Reference: Utah State Bulletin 2025 16 — 392-702-6(4)(d)(ii)

10. 10Which skin layer contains nerve endings, sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles?

    1. A. Stratum corneum
    2. B. Epidermis only
    3. C. Dermis
    4. D. Subcutaneous fat only

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The NCI anatomy reference places nerve endings, sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles in the dermis. The controlling text states: “The second layer (located under the epidermis) is called the dermis; it contains nerve endings, sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles.”.

    Reference: Anatomy of the Skin | SEER Training — Anatomy of the Skin, dermis description