Esthetics state board · NIC theory exam
The NIC esthetics exam: what's on the 2025 outline
NIC's esthetics theory exam is the written state board exam for estheticians in many states. Its current outline took effect on September 1, 2025. Here's what it covers, how it works and what changed from the 2020 outline, from NIC's own bulletins.
- questions, 100 of them scored
- 110questions, 100 of them scored
- minutes
- 90minutes
- options per question
- 4options per question
- to pass in all 6 states we cover
- 75%to pass in all 6 states we cover
I. Scientific Concepts: 55%
- Microbiology: bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungiPractice: infection control
- Infection control: sanitation, disinfection and sterilization, by heat or chemicalsPractice: infection control
- Safety: standard precautions, blood exposure, Safety Data Sheets and handling chemicalsPractice: infection control
- Anatomy and physiology: cells, tissues, organs and body systemsPractice: anatomy and physiology
- The skin: its layers, glands and functionsPractice: skin structure and disorders
- Skin disorders and diseases: gland disorders, contagious diseases, inflammations, pigmentation, growths, skin cancers and lesionsPractice: skin structure and disorders
- Hair: structure, growth cycles and abnormal growthPractice: hair and scalp science
- Basic chemistry: ingredients, labels, what products do, and pHPractice: chemistry and pH
II. Skin Care and Services: 45%
- Consultation and records, draping, skin analysis (Fitzpatrick types), contraindications and treatment plansPractice: facials and skin care
- Basic facial procedures: cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, massage, extraction and masksPractice: facials and skin care
- Finishing the facial: treatment products, sun protection and home carePractice: facials and skin care
- Electrical equipment used in skin servicesPractice: electricity and equipment
- Makeup: color theory, products, application, safety and hygienePractice: makeup
- Other services: aromatherapy, pre- and post-medical treatments, body treatments, lash and brow services, hair removal and wellnessPractice: hair removal, lashes and brows
- New in 2025Advanced topics and treatments, such as dermaplaning, nano infusion and microdermabrasionPractice: advanced esthetics and body treatments
What changed from the 2020 outline
- Same format and split: 110 questions in 90 minutes, with Scientific Concepts at 55% and Skin Care and Services at 45%.
- Scientific Concepts didn't change: the same eight areas, from microbiology to pH.
- New: advanced topics and treatments, with dermaplaning, nano infusion and microdermabrasion as the examples.
- New: basic facial procedures now have their own line.
- Masks: the 2020 outline named six kinds (clay or mud, gel, rubberized, cream, sheet and thermal masks such as paraffin). The 2025 outline names cream, gel and clay or mud.
- Finishing the facial: "moisturize" became "treat/moisturize", with treatment creams and serums as the examples.
- Client protection, skin analysis, contraindications and treatment protocol now sit under the consultation.
- Electrical equipment, makeup and the other services (aromatherapy, body treatments, lash and brow services, hair removal, wellness) didn't change.
Practice on the 2025 outline
Slay the Board's esthetics questions follow NIC's 2025 outline, weighted 55/45 like the real test. Start with the free practice test, or get all 690 questions and timed 110-question exams.
Where you'll take it
Hours, fees and test companies for the states we've checked:
- North Carolina600 hours · 110 questions · $84 through Prov
- Virginia600 hours · 120 questions · $99 through Prov
- South Carolina450 hours · 110 questions · $78 through Prov
- Missouri750 hours · 110 questions · $90 through Prov
- Oklahoma600 hours · 110 questions · $65 through Prov
- Arizona600 hours · 110 questions · $100 through PCS
Questions about the NIC esthetics exam
How many questions are on the NIC esthetics exam?
110 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, each with four options. 100 of them count toward your score.
What score do you need to pass the NIC esthetics exam?
Each state sets its own pass mark. It's 75% in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arizona.
What changed on the NIC esthetics exam in 2025?
The split stayed the same: 55% Scientific Concepts and 45% Skin Care and Services. The 2025 outline adds advanced topics and treatments (such as dermaplaning, nano infusion and microdermabrasion) and basic facial procedures, names fewer kinds of masks, and adds treatment products such as serums to the end of the facial.
Is dermaplaning on the esthetics state board exam?
On NIC's exam, yes. The 2025 outline lists dermaplaning, nano infusion and microdermabrasion as examples of advanced topics and treatments, part of Skin Care and Services.
Which states use the NIC esthetics exam?
Many states do, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arizona. Virginia's version has 120 questions, about 9% of them on Virginia law. California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas use other exams.
Which textbooks is the NIC esthetics exam based on?
NIC's bulletin lists Milady Standard Esthetics Fundamentals and Foundations (12th edition) and Pivot Point Fundamentals: Esthetics as its standard references, and Milady Standard Advanced Esthetics as a supplemental one.
Sources
Checked on November 1, 2026. The topic lists above summarize NIC's outline in our words; read the bulletin for the full wording. Slay the Board isn't affiliated with NIC or any state board.