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Free Practice Questions for SC Esthetician

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Sample SC Esthetician Practice Questions

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1How many training hours are required to become a licensed esthetician in South Carolina?
A.300 hours
B.450 hours
C.500 hours
D.600 hours
Explanation: South Carolina Regulation 35-3(C) requires completion of a 450-hour Board-approved esthetics curriculum to qualify for the licensing examination.
2Which board or agency oversees esthetician licensing in South Carolina?
A.South Carolina Board of Health
B.South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
C.South Carolina Department of Education
D.South Carolina Board of Skin Care
Explanation: The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology oversees esthetician licensing in South Carolina.
3What is the minimum passing score for the South Carolina esthetician examination?
A.65%
B.70%
C.75%
D.80%
Explanation: A passing score of 75% or higher is required on the esthetician examination in South Carolina.
4What exams must be passed for esthetician licensure in South Carolina?
A.Written exam only
B.Practical exam only
C.Written and practical exams
D.Oral examination only
Explanation: South Carolina requires passing written and practical exams for esthetician licensure.
5What is the educational prerequisite for an esthetician license in South Carolina?
A.No education required
B.8th grade education
C.High school diploma or GED
D.10th grade or equivalent
Explanation: South Carolina requires 10th grade or equivalent to apply for an esthetician license.
6Who administers the esthetician exams in South Carolina?
A.Pearson VUE
B.PSI Services
C.Prov
D.Prometric
Explanation: South Carolina contracts with Prov to administer the NIC written (theory) and practical esthetician examinations. The Board of Cosmetology licenses candidates after they pass both parts.
7How often must esthetician licenses be renewed in South Carolina?
A.Annually
B.Every two years
C.Every three years
D.Every four years
Explanation: In South Carolina, esthetician licenses must be renewed biennially.
8Does South Carolina require continuing education for esthetician license renewal?
A.Yes, 4 hours per cycle
B.Yes, 16 hours per cycle
C.No CE required
D.Yes, 24 hours per cycle
Explanation: Per S.C. Code Regs. 35-23 and the SC Board of Cosmetology CE page, estheticians must complete 4 contact hours of Board-approved CE each biennial renewal (laws/regulations, client safety, and/or infection control). First renewal is exempt.
9When do South Carolina esthetician licenses expire for renewal?
A.Every year on the licensee birthday
B.March 10 of every odd-numbered year
C.December 31 of every even-numbered year
D.July 1 of every year
Explanation: SC Board of Cosmetology licenses for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and instructors renew every odd year and expire March 10 at 11:59 pm.
10Which services are within the scope of practice for a licensed esthetician in South Carolina?
A.Botox injections and dermal fillers
B.Facials, skin care, waxing, and makeup application
C.Hair cutting and styling
D.Nail services and pedicures
Explanation: Licensed estheticians in South Carolina may perform facials, skin care treatments, hair removal (waxing), makeup application, and other non-invasive skin care services.

About the SC Esthetician Exam

The South Carolina Esthetician licensing examination tests competency across infection control, human anatomy, skin histology, skin disorders, cosmetic chemistry, facial treatment protocols, electrotherapy modalities, hair removal, makeup, and South Carolina cosmetology statutes and sanitation regulations.

Exam sponsor: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (SC LLR); examinations developed by NIC and administered by Prov, Inc.. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

110 questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

75 on each part

Exam / Certification Fees

$167 ($78 written + $89 practical, paid to Prov)

Exam sponsor website

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

55%

Scientific Concepts

Microbiology, levels of infection control, blood exposure procedures, anatomy and physiology, skin histology, skin disorders and diseases, hair biology, and cosmetic chemistry.

45%

Skin Care and Services

Client consultation, skin analysis, facial cleansing and exfoliation, massage movements, mask therapy, electrotherapy modalities, hair removal, makeup, and South Carolina board regulations.

Preparing for the SC Esthetician Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75 on each part
  • Exam length: 110 questions
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $167 ($78 written + $89 practical, paid to Prov) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 369 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours are required for an esthetician license in South Carolina?

S.C. Code Section 40-13-230(B)(2) requires at least 450 hours in classes in skin care in a reliable school approved by the Board, or comparable training approved by the Board. Regulation 35-3(C) sets the subject breakdown: Professional Practices 50, Sciences 120, Facial Treatments 125, Hair Removal 50, Makeup 50, Body Wraps 40, and State Law 15. House Bill 4186, which proposed raising the minimum to 600 hours, was referred to committee in March 2025 and was not enacted.

What is the passing score for the South Carolina esthetician exam?

Regulation 35-5(D) requires a minimum score of 75 on each part of the two-part examination. Prov states the requirement as an overall passing score of 75.00 on both the written and practical examinations. Regulation 35-5(E) provides that a candidate who fails either part retakes only the part failed.

What testing format does the South Carolina esthetician written exam use?

South Carolina uses the NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination, delivered by computer at Prov testing centers. It contains 110 items, of which 100 are weighted and contribute to the final score, with a 90-minute time limit. The content outline is Scientific Concepts (55%) and Skin Care and Services (45%).

What does the South Carolina esthetician practical examination cover?

Per the South Carolina Prov Candidate Information Bulletin, estheticians are examined on the NIC Core Practical Sections plus Particle Microdermabrasion, Eyelash Enhancement, and Hair Removal on the Upper Lip with Hard Wax. Practical examinations are offered at three Prov testing centers in South Carolina.

How often must a South Carolina esthetician license be renewed?

Licenses renew biennially. LLR states that renewal for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and instructors is every odd year, ending on March 10th at 11:59 pm, so licenses expire in odd-numbered years such as 2027 and 2029. The esthetician renewal fee is $52.