Texas Esthetician License Exam Prep – Real Practice Questions, Answers &
Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026) | Skin Analysis & Facial Treatments,
Infection Control & Sanitation, Hair Removal & Waxing Techniques, Skin Disorders
& Conditions, Chemical Peels & Exfoliation, Product Chemistry, Texas TDLR Laws &
Regulations, Spa Safety, Client Consultation & Esthetics Procedures
Question 1: According to Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83, what is the
minimum number of training hours required to qualify for an esthetician license in
Texas?
A. 300 hours
B. 500 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 750 hours
Rationale: Texas law requires completion of a 750-hour esthetician course at a TDLR-
licensed school before applying for licensure. This requirement is specified in the Texas
Occupations Code Chapter 1603 and Administrative Code Chapter 83, ensuring
adequate training in sanitation, skin care, and professional practices.
Question 2: Which Texas agency is responsible for regulating and issuing
esthetician licenses?
A. Texas Board of Cosmetology
B. Texas Department of State Health Services
C. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
D. Texas Workforce Commission
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Rationale: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees
barbering and cosmetology licensing, including estheticians. TDLR enforces state laws,
administers exams through PSI, and ensures compliance with sanitation and
professional standards.
Question 3: In Texas, how long is an esthetician license valid before renewal is
required?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 years
Rationale: Texas esthetician licenses expire two years from the date of issuance.
Licensees must complete 4 hours of continuing education and submit renewal fees to
TDLR before the expiration date to maintain active status.
,Question 4: Which of the following services is within the legal scope of practice for
a Texas-licensed esthetician?
A. Administering Botox injections
B. Performing microdermabrasion with a mechanical device
C. Prescribing topical acne medications
D. Diagnosing skin cancer
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Performing microdermabrasion with a mechanical device
Rationale: Texas estheticians may perform mechanical exfoliation procedures like
microdermabrasion within their scope. However, injecting substances, prescribing
medications, or diagnosing medical conditions are outside their scope and reserved for
licensed medical professionals.
Question 5: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for an esthetician
license in Texas?
A. 16 years
B. 17 years
C. 18 years
D. 21 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 17 years
Rationale: Texas law requires applicants for an esthetician license to be at least 17
years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and complete the required 750
hours of training at a licensed school.
Question 6: Which disinfectant classification is required by TDLR for non-porous
tools that contact intact skin?
A. Low-level disinfectant
B. Intermediate-level disinfectant
C. High-level disinfectant
D. Sterilant
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Low-level disinfectant
Rationale: TDLR requires EPA-registered low-level disinfectants for non-porous tools
contacting intact skin. Intermediate-level disinfectants are required for items
contacting non-intact skin or mucous membranes, while sterilization is reserved for
surgical instruments.
Question 7: What is the required contact time for an EPA-registered hospital
disinfectant to effectively kill pathogens on salon tools?
A. 30 seconds
B. 1 minute
,C. 5 minutes
D. 10 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 10 minutes
Rationale: Most EPA-registered hospital disinfectants require a minimum 10-minute wet
contact time to achieve proper disinfection. Estheticians must follow manufacturer
instructions and ensure tools remain submerged for the full duration.
Question 8: Which of the following is the FIRST step in the decontamination
process for reusable tools?
A. Disinfection
B. Sterilization
C. Cleaning
D. Storage
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cleaning
Rationale: Cleaning with soap and water or an ultrasonic cleaner is always the first step
to remove visible debris and organic material. Disinfection or sterilization cannot be
effective if tools are not properly cleaned first.
Question 9: According to Texas sanitation rules, how often must foot spas be
disinfected when used by multiple clients?
A. After each use
B. Once daily
C. Once weekly
D. Only when visibly soiled
CORRECT ANSWER: A. After each use
Rationale: TDLR mandates that foot spas and whirlpool equipment be cleaned and
disinfected after each client use to prevent cross-contamination and transmission of
pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Question 10: Which microorganism is MOST commonly associated with folliculitis
barbae in salon settings?
A. Candida albicans
B. Staphylococcus aureus
C. Human papillomavirus
D. Pediculus humanus
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Staphylococcus aureus
Rationale: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium frequently responsible for folliculitis,
an infection of hair follicles often caused by improper sanitation of tools or hands during
hair removal services.
, Question 11: What is the primary purpose of using a barrier cream during a facial
treatment?
A. To enhance product absorption
B. To protect the esthetician's hands from irritants
C. To reduce client skin sensitivity
D. To prevent cross-contamination between products
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To protect the esthetician's hands from irritants
Rationale: Barrier creams form a protective film on the esthetician's skin, reducing
exposure to potential irritants in professional products while maintaining dexterity
during treatments.
Question 12: Which layer of the epidermis contains the melanocytes responsible
for skin pigmentation?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum lucidum
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Stratum basale
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Stratum basale
Rationale: Melanocytes are located in the stratum basale (basal layer) of the epidermis,
where they produce melanin pigment that determines skin color and provides UV
protection.
Question 13: What is the function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?
A. To regulate body temperature
B. To lubricate skin and hair and provide antimicrobial protection
C. To excrete metabolic waste
D. To synthesize vitamin D
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To lubricate skin and hair and provide antimicrobial
protection
Rationale: Sebum is an oily secretion that moisturizes skin and hair, maintains the acid
mantle, and contains antimicrobial lipids that help protect against pathogenic
microorganisms.
Question 14: Which skin type is characterized by small pores, fine texture, and
minimal oil production?
A. Oily
B. Combination
C. Dry
D. Normal
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Normal
Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026) | Skin Analysis & Facial Treatments,
Infection Control & Sanitation, Hair Removal & Waxing Techniques, Skin Disorders
& Conditions, Chemical Peels & Exfoliation, Product Chemistry, Texas TDLR Laws &
Regulations, Spa Safety, Client Consultation & Esthetics Procedures
Question 1: According to Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83, what is the
minimum number of training hours required to qualify for an esthetician license in
Texas?
A. 300 hours
B. 500 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 750 hours
Rationale: Texas law requires completion of a 750-hour esthetician course at a TDLR-
licensed school before applying for licensure. This requirement is specified in the Texas
Occupations Code Chapter 1603 and Administrative Code Chapter 83, ensuring
adequate training in sanitation, skin care, and professional practices.
Question 2: Which Texas agency is responsible for regulating and issuing
esthetician licenses?
A. Texas Board of Cosmetology
B. Texas Department of State Health Services
C. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
D. Texas Workforce Commission
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Rationale: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees
barbering and cosmetology licensing, including estheticians. TDLR enforces state laws,
administers exams through PSI, and ensures compliance with sanitation and
professional standards.
Question 3: In Texas, how long is an esthetician license valid before renewal is
required?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 years
Rationale: Texas esthetician licenses expire two years from the date of issuance.
Licensees must complete 4 hours of continuing education and submit renewal fees to
TDLR before the expiration date to maintain active status.
,Question 4: Which of the following services is within the legal scope of practice for
a Texas-licensed esthetician?
A. Administering Botox injections
B. Performing microdermabrasion with a mechanical device
C. Prescribing topical acne medications
D. Diagnosing skin cancer
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Performing microdermabrasion with a mechanical device
Rationale: Texas estheticians may perform mechanical exfoliation procedures like
microdermabrasion within their scope. However, injecting substances, prescribing
medications, or diagnosing medical conditions are outside their scope and reserved for
licensed medical professionals.
Question 5: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for an esthetician
license in Texas?
A. 16 years
B. 17 years
C. 18 years
D. 21 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 17 years
Rationale: Texas law requires applicants for an esthetician license to be at least 17
years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and complete the required 750
hours of training at a licensed school.
Question 6: Which disinfectant classification is required by TDLR for non-porous
tools that contact intact skin?
A. Low-level disinfectant
B. Intermediate-level disinfectant
C. High-level disinfectant
D. Sterilant
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Low-level disinfectant
Rationale: TDLR requires EPA-registered low-level disinfectants for non-porous tools
contacting intact skin. Intermediate-level disinfectants are required for items
contacting non-intact skin or mucous membranes, while sterilization is reserved for
surgical instruments.
Question 7: What is the required contact time for an EPA-registered hospital
disinfectant to effectively kill pathogens on salon tools?
A. 30 seconds
B. 1 minute
,C. 5 minutes
D. 10 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 10 minutes
Rationale: Most EPA-registered hospital disinfectants require a minimum 10-minute wet
contact time to achieve proper disinfection. Estheticians must follow manufacturer
instructions and ensure tools remain submerged for the full duration.
Question 8: Which of the following is the FIRST step in the decontamination
process for reusable tools?
A. Disinfection
B. Sterilization
C. Cleaning
D. Storage
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cleaning
Rationale: Cleaning with soap and water or an ultrasonic cleaner is always the first step
to remove visible debris and organic material. Disinfection or sterilization cannot be
effective if tools are not properly cleaned first.
Question 9: According to Texas sanitation rules, how often must foot spas be
disinfected when used by multiple clients?
A. After each use
B. Once daily
C. Once weekly
D. Only when visibly soiled
CORRECT ANSWER: A. After each use
Rationale: TDLR mandates that foot spas and whirlpool equipment be cleaned and
disinfected after each client use to prevent cross-contamination and transmission of
pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Question 10: Which microorganism is MOST commonly associated with folliculitis
barbae in salon settings?
A. Candida albicans
B. Staphylococcus aureus
C. Human papillomavirus
D. Pediculus humanus
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Staphylococcus aureus
Rationale: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium frequently responsible for folliculitis,
an infection of hair follicles often caused by improper sanitation of tools or hands during
hair removal services.
, Question 11: What is the primary purpose of using a barrier cream during a facial
treatment?
A. To enhance product absorption
B. To protect the esthetician's hands from irritants
C. To reduce client skin sensitivity
D. To prevent cross-contamination between products
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To protect the esthetician's hands from irritants
Rationale: Barrier creams form a protective film on the esthetician's skin, reducing
exposure to potential irritants in professional products while maintaining dexterity
during treatments.
Question 12: Which layer of the epidermis contains the melanocytes responsible
for skin pigmentation?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum lucidum
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Stratum basale
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Stratum basale
Rationale: Melanocytes are located in the stratum basale (basal layer) of the epidermis,
where they produce melanin pigment that determines skin color and provides UV
protection.
Question 13: What is the function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?
A. To regulate body temperature
B. To lubricate skin and hair and provide antimicrobial protection
C. To excrete metabolic waste
D. To synthesize vitamin D
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To lubricate skin and hair and provide antimicrobial
protection
Rationale: Sebum is an oily secretion that moisturizes skin and hair, maintains the acid
mantle, and contains antimicrobial lipids that help protect against pathogenic
microorganisms.
Question 14: Which skin type is characterized by small pores, fine texture, and
minimal oil production?
A. Oily
B. Combination
C. Dry
D. Normal
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Normal
