Texas Esthetician License Exam Prep – Real Practice
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026)
| Skin Analysis & Facial Treatments, Hair Removal &
Waxing Procedures, Infection Control & Sanitation
Standards, Skin Disorders & Conditions, Chemical Peels &
Exfoliation, Product Chemistry, Texas TDLR Laws &
Regulations, Spa Safety, Client Consultation &
Professional Esthetics Practice
Question 1: According to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
rules, how many hours of approved esthetics training must an applicant complete
to qualify for an esthetician license?
A. 300 hours
B. 500 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 750 hours
Rationale: Texas Administrative Code requires applicants for an esthetician license to
complete a minimum of 750 clock hours of instruction at a TDLR-licensed barbering or
cosmetology school. This requirement ensures comprehensive training in sanitation,
skin care, hair removal, and state regulations before independent practice.
Question 2: Which of the following is the MINIMUM age requirement to apply for an
esthetician license in Texas?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 17 years old
Rationale: TDLR regulations specify that an applicant must be at least 17 years of age to
apply for an esthetician license. This age requirement aligns with Texas labor laws and
ensures applicants possess sufficient maturity for professional client interactions and
adherence to health and safety protocols.
Question 3: What is the minimum passing score required on both the written and
practical components of the Texas esthetician licensing examination?
A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70%
D. 75%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 70%
,Rationale: The Texas esthetician licensing examination, administered by PSI, requires
candidates to achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the written (75 scored
questions) and practical examinations to demonstrate competency in essential esthetic
practices and Texas-specific regulations.
Question 4: Which agency administers the written and practical licensing
examinations for estheticians in Texas?
A. Texas Education Agency (TEA)
B. National Interstate Council (NIC)
C. PSI Services LLC
D. Texas Department of State Health Services
CORRECT ANSWER: C. PSI Services LLC
Rationale: PSI Services LLC is the contracted third-party vendor responsible for
administering both the written and practical examinations for Texas esthetician
licensure. TDLR oversees licensing requirements, while PSI handles exam scheduling,
administration, and scoring.
Question 5: How long is an initial Texas esthetician license valid before renewal is
required?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 years
Rationale: Texas esthetician licenses are issued for a two-year period from the date of
issuance. Licensees must complete continuing education requirements and submit
renewal applications with applicable fees before the expiration date to maintain active
licensure status.
Question 6: How many hours of continuing education must a Texas esthetician
complete for license renewal?
A. 2 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 8 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 4 hours
Rationale: TDLR requires licensed estheticians to complete four hours of approved
continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. This ensures practitioners
remain current on sanitation standards, regulatory updates, and evolving esthetic
techniques.
,Question 7: Which of the following actions is REQUIRED before an esthetician in
Texas may perform services on a client for the first time?
A. Obtain a signed liability waiver
B. Conduct a client consultation and skin analysis
C. Provide a written treatment plan
D. Collect payment in advance
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Conduct a client consultation and skin analysis
Rationale: Professional standards and TDLR rules require estheticians to perform a
thorough client consultation and skin analysis prior to initiating services. This
assessment identifies contraindications, client goals, skin type, and appropriate
treatment protocols to ensure safety and efficacy.
Question 8: According to Texas sanitation rules, what is the MINIMUM
concentration of isopropyl alcohol required for effective disinfection of non-porous
surfaces in an esthetic practice?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 70%
D. 90%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 70%
Rationale: Texas administrative rules specify that isopropyl alcohol used for disinfection
must be at least 70% concentration to effectively destroy pathogens. Lower
concentrations lack sufficient antimicrobial efficacy, while higher concentrations
evaporate too quickly for adequate contact time.
Question 9: Which of the following items must be discarded after use on a single
client and cannot be disinfected for reuse in a Texas esthetic practice?
A. Metal tweezers
B. Glass facial steamer bowl
C. Cotton pads used for product application
D. Plastic spatula used to scoop product
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cotton pads used for product application
Rationale: Porous, absorbent items such as cotton pads, gauze, and tissue cannot be
effectively disinfected because pathogens can penetrate their fibers. Texas sanitation
regulations require these single-use items to be discarded after each client to prevent
cross-contamination.
Question 10: What is the correct sequence for decontaminating reusable
implements in a Texas esthetic salon?
, A. Disinfect, clean, sterilize
B. Clean, disinfect, store
C. Sterilize, rinse, store
D. Rinse, disinfect, clean
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Clean, disinfect, store
Rationale: Texas sanitation protocols require implements to first be cleaned with soap
and water to remove organic debris, then immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for
the manufacturer-specified contact time, and finally stored in a clean, dry, covered
container to maintain sanitation until next use.
Question 11: Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for continuous cell
regeneration and contains melanocytes?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum granulosum
C. Stratum basale
D. Stratum lucidum
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Stratum basale
Rationale: The stratum basale (basal layer) is the deepest epidermal layer where
keratinocytes continuously divide to regenerate the epidermis. It also houses
melanocytes, which produce melanin to protect skin from UV radiation.
Question 12: Which of the following is a PRIMARY function of the sebaceous
glands?
A. Regulate body temperature through sweat
B. Produce melanin for UV protection
C. Secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair
D. Detect tactile sensations
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair
Rationale: Sebaceous glands are exocrine glands attached to hair follicles that secrete
sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair, provides a protective barrier
against moisture loss, and possesses mild antimicrobial properties.
Question 13: Which type of lesion is characterized by a small, raised, solid bump
less than 1 cm in diameter?
A. Macule
B. Papule
C. Vesicle
D. Nodule
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Papule
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026)
| Skin Analysis & Facial Treatments, Hair Removal &
Waxing Procedures, Infection Control & Sanitation
Standards, Skin Disorders & Conditions, Chemical Peels &
Exfoliation, Product Chemistry, Texas TDLR Laws &
Regulations, Spa Safety, Client Consultation &
Professional Esthetics Practice
Question 1: According to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
rules, how many hours of approved esthetics training must an applicant complete
to qualify for an esthetician license?
A. 300 hours
B. 500 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 750 hours
Rationale: Texas Administrative Code requires applicants for an esthetician license to
complete a minimum of 750 clock hours of instruction at a TDLR-licensed barbering or
cosmetology school. This requirement ensures comprehensive training in sanitation,
skin care, hair removal, and state regulations before independent practice.
Question 2: Which of the following is the MINIMUM age requirement to apply for an
esthetician license in Texas?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 17 years old
Rationale: TDLR regulations specify that an applicant must be at least 17 years of age to
apply for an esthetician license. This age requirement aligns with Texas labor laws and
ensures applicants possess sufficient maturity for professional client interactions and
adherence to health and safety protocols.
Question 3: What is the minimum passing score required on both the written and
practical components of the Texas esthetician licensing examination?
A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70%
D. 75%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 70%
,Rationale: The Texas esthetician licensing examination, administered by PSI, requires
candidates to achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the written (75 scored
questions) and practical examinations to demonstrate competency in essential esthetic
practices and Texas-specific regulations.
Question 4: Which agency administers the written and practical licensing
examinations for estheticians in Texas?
A. Texas Education Agency (TEA)
B. National Interstate Council (NIC)
C. PSI Services LLC
D. Texas Department of State Health Services
CORRECT ANSWER: C. PSI Services LLC
Rationale: PSI Services LLC is the contracted third-party vendor responsible for
administering both the written and practical examinations for Texas esthetician
licensure. TDLR oversees licensing requirements, while PSI handles exam scheduling,
administration, and scoring.
Question 5: How long is an initial Texas esthetician license valid before renewal is
required?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 years
Rationale: Texas esthetician licenses are issued for a two-year period from the date of
issuance. Licensees must complete continuing education requirements and submit
renewal applications with applicable fees before the expiration date to maintain active
licensure status.
Question 6: How many hours of continuing education must a Texas esthetician
complete for license renewal?
A. 2 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 8 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 4 hours
Rationale: TDLR requires licensed estheticians to complete four hours of approved
continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. This ensures practitioners
remain current on sanitation standards, regulatory updates, and evolving esthetic
techniques.
,Question 7: Which of the following actions is REQUIRED before an esthetician in
Texas may perform services on a client for the first time?
A. Obtain a signed liability waiver
B. Conduct a client consultation and skin analysis
C. Provide a written treatment plan
D. Collect payment in advance
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Conduct a client consultation and skin analysis
Rationale: Professional standards and TDLR rules require estheticians to perform a
thorough client consultation and skin analysis prior to initiating services. This
assessment identifies contraindications, client goals, skin type, and appropriate
treatment protocols to ensure safety and efficacy.
Question 8: According to Texas sanitation rules, what is the MINIMUM
concentration of isopropyl alcohol required for effective disinfection of non-porous
surfaces in an esthetic practice?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 70%
D. 90%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 70%
Rationale: Texas administrative rules specify that isopropyl alcohol used for disinfection
must be at least 70% concentration to effectively destroy pathogens. Lower
concentrations lack sufficient antimicrobial efficacy, while higher concentrations
evaporate too quickly for adequate contact time.
Question 9: Which of the following items must be discarded after use on a single
client and cannot be disinfected for reuse in a Texas esthetic practice?
A. Metal tweezers
B. Glass facial steamer bowl
C. Cotton pads used for product application
D. Plastic spatula used to scoop product
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cotton pads used for product application
Rationale: Porous, absorbent items such as cotton pads, gauze, and tissue cannot be
effectively disinfected because pathogens can penetrate their fibers. Texas sanitation
regulations require these single-use items to be discarded after each client to prevent
cross-contamination.
Question 10: What is the correct sequence for decontaminating reusable
implements in a Texas esthetic salon?
, A. Disinfect, clean, sterilize
B. Clean, disinfect, store
C. Sterilize, rinse, store
D. Rinse, disinfect, clean
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Clean, disinfect, store
Rationale: Texas sanitation protocols require implements to first be cleaned with soap
and water to remove organic debris, then immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for
the manufacturer-specified contact time, and finally stored in a clean, dry, covered
container to maintain sanitation until next use.
Question 11: Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for continuous cell
regeneration and contains melanocytes?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum granulosum
C. Stratum basale
D. Stratum lucidum
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Stratum basale
Rationale: The stratum basale (basal layer) is the deepest epidermal layer where
keratinocytes continuously divide to regenerate the epidermis. It also houses
melanocytes, which produce melanin to protect skin from UV radiation.
Question 12: Which of the following is a PRIMARY function of the sebaceous
glands?
A. Regulate body temperature through sweat
B. Produce melanin for UV protection
C. Secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair
D. Detect tactile sensations
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair
Rationale: Sebaceous glands are exocrine glands attached to hair follicles that secrete
sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair, provides a protective barrier
against moisture loss, and possesses mild antimicrobial properties.
Question 13: Which type of lesion is characterized by a small, raised, solid bump
less than 1 cm in diameter?
A. Macule
B. Papule
C. Vesicle
D. Nodule
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Papule
