Guides / Esthetician state board written exam: what to know
How many questions are on the esthetician state board exam?
Esthetician exam totals vary by state, with scored and unscored questions, time limits, and passing scores to check before test day.
Updated October 18, 2026
How many questions are on the esthetician state board exam?
California’s esthetician state board exam has 85 questions for the Esthetician license. Of these, 75 are scored and 10 are pretest questions. You have 90 minutes.
California’s experimental questions do not affect your score. They still use some of your exam time.
California assigns 40% of its esthetician exam to safety and infection control. That topic has 30 questions.
If you fail in California, your notice includes a subject breakdown. It also gives your score and the correct-answer count needed to pass.
How many questions does Texas have?
Texas’s esthetician state board exam has 82 questions for the Esthetician license. The total includes 75 scored questions and 7 pretest questions.
Texas allows 105 minutes for scored questions, plus 10 minutes for unscored questions. You need 70% correct on the scored portion.
Texas’s unscored questions help develop future exams. Their answering time is added to the time allowed.
After failing in Texas, wait 24 hours before scheduling another attempt. A same-day retake is not allowed.
How many questions does Georgia have?
Georgia’s esthetician state board exam has 85 questions for the Esthetician license.
Georgia gives you 90 minutes. Its esthetician exam includes 75 scored questions and 10 unscored experimental questions.
Georgia’s esthetician theory passing score is 70%.
How many questions does Michigan have?
Michigan’s esthetician state board exam has 85 questions for the Esthetician license.
Michigan’s guide lists 75 scored questions and 10 unscored experimental questions. The time limit is 90 minutes.
Michigan requires at least 56 points out of 75 to pass esthetician theory.
How should you practice?
Practice answering esthetician questions with a timer. Include cleaning, disinfection, skin analysis, facials, and hair removal. Rework missed questions until you can explain your answer without looking.
The numbers on this page are read from each state's own candidate bulletin and were checked on 2026-10-18.
Common questions
- How much time do I get for the esthetician exam in Texas?
- Texas allows 105 minutes for scored questions, plus 10 minutes for unscored questions. You need 70% correct on the scored portion.
- What does my score notice show if I fail in California?
- If you fail in California, your notice includes a subject breakdown. It also gives your score and the correct-answer count needed to pass.
- How much of California's esthetician exam is about safety?
- California assigns 40% of its esthetician exam to safety and infection control. That topic has 30 questions.