Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Electricity and equipment practice questions

5 free electricity and equipment questions for the cosmetology and esthetics written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   Galvanic current, used for desincrustation and iontophoresis, is:

   AOrdinary alternating wall currentBA direct current that flows one wayCA rapidly oscillating Tesla currentDStatic electricity from friction
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   Answer: B. A direct current that flows one way

   Galvanic current is a constant direct current (DC) that flows in one direction and creates chemical reactions in the skin. It is used for desincrustation and iontophoresis.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: electrical equipment

2. Question 2

   A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet protects against shock by:

   ARaising the voltage to the toolBTurning wall current into DCCCutting power when current leaksDStoring power for use in outages
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   Answer: C. Cutting power when current leaks

   A GFCI compares the current going out with the current coming back. If some is leaking, possibly through a person, it shuts off power in a fraction of a second.

   CPSC: GFCI fact sheet

3. Question 3

   Alternating current (AC), the type supplied by wall outlets, is current that:

   ASwitches direction rapidlyBIs made by static frictionCIs produced by a rectifierDFlows steadily in one direction
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   Answer: A. Switches direction rapidly

   Alternating current reverses direction many times per second; US outlets supply 60 cycles a second. Direct current flows steadily in one direction.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: electrical equipment

4. Question 4

   Which of these materials is a good insulator?

   ASalt waterBSilverCCopperDRubber
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   Answer: D. Rubber

   Insulators such as rubber, glass, plastic and dry wood resist the flow of electricity. Metals and water with dissolved salts conduct it.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: electrical equipment

5. Question 5

   The volt is the unit that measures:

   AThe amount of current flowingBEnergy used each secondCResistance to the flow of currentDThe pressure that pushes current
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   Answer: D. The pressure that pushes current

   A volt measures electrical pressure, the force that pushes current through a circuit. Amps measure the amount of current, ohms measure resistance and watts measure power.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: electrical equipment

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.