Esthetician licensing examination

An esthetician is a cosmetologist who focuses on skin care. An esthetician can perform facials and microdermabrasion treatments, and apply makeup. They can also perform body wraps, wax eyebrows, as well as administer aromatherapy treatments. Generally, estheticians are involved in all aspects of caring for and beautifying a person's skin.

Requirements to obtain an esthetician license vary by state; however, all U.S. states require the applicant be at least 16 years of age.

• Many states also require a high school diploma or the GED equivalent as a prerequisite to licensure as an esthetician.
• Most states mandate a minimum of 300 hours of training in an accredited esthetician or cosmetology program before taking an esthetician licensing examination.
• Many prospective estheticians apply for a full cosmetology license in addition to an esthetician license, in order to enhance and broaden career prospects.

Questions and their respective values on the esthetician licensing examination are divided into two categories as follows:

1. Scientific concepts: 60 percent
2. Esthetics practices: 40 percent

The candidate has 90 minutes to complete the examination and can reasonably expect to answer questions on the following topics:

• Pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria
  
• Viruses
  
• Animal and plant parasites
  
• Sanitation
  
• Disinfection
  
• Sterilization
  
• Methods of infection control
  
• OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration) bloodborne pathogen standards
  
• Material safety data sheets
  
• Blood spill procedures
  
• Structure, growth, and reproduction of cells
  
• Tissues
  
• Organs
  
• The functions of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, vascular, and circulatory systems
  
• Structure and function of the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous)
  
• Sebaceous and sudoriferous glands
  
• Functions of the skin (protection, absorption, sensation, temperature regulation, excretion, and secretion)
  
• Disorders of the sebaceous and sudoriferous glands
  
• Inflammation and rashes
  
• Pigmentation
  
• Skin growth and lesions
  
• The hair follicle and its growth cycle
  
• Acidity and alkalinity
  
• Organic and inorganic chemistry
  
• The ingredients and composition of skin care products
  
• Factors that affect the skin
  
• Skin analysis and implementation procedures related to consultation, documentation, and treatment
  
• Types of skin
  
• The Fitzpatrick Scale
  
• Skin treatment protocol and contraindications
  
• Product application and removal procedures
  
• Cleansing procedures
  
• Steaming procedures
  
• Chemical and physical exfoliation procedures
  
• Extraction procedures
  
• Massage manipulations and their effects
  
• Appropriate uses for masks
  
• The use of electrical devices
  
• Hair removal procedures
  
• Color theory and makeup application
  
• Face and body treatments
  
• Terminology related to cosmetic procedures

The Esthetician exam is a challenging and comprehensive exam for men and women looking to enter this professional field. Every state has a different version of the exam, but there is significant overlap. In order to prepare for the examination, you should obtain as much information as possible about your exam version in the weeks and months before the test date. During the registration process for the esthetician exam, try to find a testing date that suits your schedule. For instance, it is a good idea to pick an exam date that follows a number of days in which you have minimal responsibility. If you can take the exam on a Monday following a free weekend, that would be a great arrangement. Most versions of the esthetician exam take about half a day, so be sure to keep your schedule clear. You should also be sure to obtain long in advance any equipment you will need for the exam. Some administrators of the esthetician exam require candidates to supply their own wigs and dummies. If you think that obtaining these items might be a problem, you should consult with the exam administrator. Above all, get in a great deal of practice with your equipment before you take the esthetician exam. You should have a high degree of comfort when it is time for you to perform.