← California Esthetician State Board Exam — Client Consultation & Business

Free California Esthetician State Board Exam — Client Consultation & Business Practice Test (2026)

85 questions · 90 min · 75% to pass

85 Questions · 90 Minutes · 75% to Pass

Question 1 of 5

Sample Questions

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an intake form during an esthetician client consultation?

Answer: An intake form collects essential client health history, current medications, allergies, and skin concerns before treatment begins. This information allows the esthetician to identify contraindications and customize the service safely.

Question 2

What key elements must be included in an informed consent form for esthetic treatments in California?

Answer: A valid informed consent form must describe the treatment, its expected benefits, potential risks and side effects, alternatives, and the client's right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time. It should also include the client's signature, date, and the esthetician's name and license number for legal documentation.

Question 3

What information should be recorded on a client treatment card following each esthetic service in California?

Answer: Each treatment card entry should include the date, services performed, products used (including professional brands and concentrations), skin observations, client reactions, and any home care recommendations given. This ongoing record ensures safe, consistent treatment planning and provides legal documentation of care provided.

Question 4

What is the primary difference between a booth renter and an employee in a California esthetics salon?

Answer: A booth renter is self-employed, pays rent to use salon space, sets their own prices and hours, and is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business expenses. An employee works under the salon owner's direction, receives wages with taxes withheld, and is entitled to benefits and labor law protections under California law.

Question 5

How should an esthetician ethically approach recommending retail products to a client after a facial service?

Answer: Ethical product recommendations should be based on the client's specific skin type, conditions identified during skin analysis, and treatment goals—not on sales quotas or personal commission incentives. The esthetician should explain the purpose of each product and limit recommendations to what the client genuinely needs to avoid overwhelming or pressuring them.