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Montana Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Barber

License to practice barbering including chemical services.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Licensure by apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Apprenticeship
Complete a Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program apprenticeship with certificate of completion: 2200 hours under ARM 24.121.621.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Test Eligibility
The Registered Apprenticeship Program may authorize testing at 90 percent completion for applicants meeting 37-31-304(1)(a).
Licensure with the disability training examination exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disability Training
Physical disability and training to practice by the Department of Public Health and Human Services; that department certifies successful completion of required school training.
Exemption Period
Apply within one year immediately after graduation; examination and statutory license fees are exempt under 37-31-308.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure where the other jurisdiction lacks substantial equivalency

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other License
Hold an active license in good standing in a jurisdiction not determined substantially equivalent, and do not qualify for the statutory examination-free route in 37-31-304(1)(c).
Work Experience
ARM 24.121.616 requires attestation of 2200 hours of licensed work if a qualifying course or apprenticeship was not completed.
Licensure without examination based on an out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
The Board determines the other jurisdiction's course-hour requirement equals or exceeds Montana's 1100-hour requirement.
Other License
Current license in another state; no pending or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by substantial equivalency endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Determination
ARM 24.121.615 adopts the Board's 2025 substantial-equivalency list; such applications are routine as to education, examination and experience, but may be nonroutine on other bases.
Other License
Active license in good standing from a jurisdiction whose current qualifications are substantially equivalent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation within two years after renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Window
Within two years after renewal; satisfy accrued applicable certification and education, submit renewal form and pay late penalty and current renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with foreign education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Document Evaluation
ARM 24.121.606 requires certification of foreign documents by a credential-evaluating service, delivery directly to the department, and applicant payment of evaluation costs.
Education
Foreign training must meet the 1100-hour licensed course requirements and required scope of training.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Reactivation within 45 days after renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Window
Within 45 days after renewal; submit renewal form, applicable certification and education, late penalty and current renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military related reciprocity with equivalent qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Determination
The Board determines the licensing requirements are substantially equivalent under 37-1-147(2)(a).
Military Eligibility
Meet the military-member, military-spouse, veteran, relocation or transfer circumstances in 37-1-147(1).
Other License
License in good standing in another state or United States territory; no pending charges or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after activated reservist service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discharge Review
Submit discharge documents; the Board evaluates duties, licensing requirements and length of service and may restore, impose retention conditions, suspend or revoke the license under 37-1-138(4)-(5).
Military Service
An activated reservist requested inactive status during federal active duty lasting at least 90 consecutive days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The 2025 adoption notice confirms continuing education is not required for practicing barbers.
Renewal
Submit the renewal form, applicable certification and education requirements, and renewal fee; individual renewal ends March 1.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after school training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
Complete a 1100-hour course and receive a diploma from an authorized school; training must meet ARM 24.121.604 and 24.121.807.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Test Eligibility
A Montana school may authorize testing at 90 percent completion; completion remains a condition for licensure.
Licensure after a supplemental barbering course

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Prior License
Hold an appropriate prior license in Montana or another jurisdiction; ARM 24.121.604(a)(viii) expressly addresses a Montana-licensed cosmetologist.
Supplemental Training
ARM 24.121.807(8), as amended in 2025, describes 50 hours of clipper cuts and 100 hours of facial, neck and outline shaving in a licensed school offering barbering or nonchemical barbering. The statute still states the full course-hour qualification; the applicant should confirm eligibility with the Board.
New original license after automatic termination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
Satisfy the applicable 1100-hour course qualification or accepted equivalent training.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Termination
An unrenewed license ordinarily terminates after two years; it cannot be reactivated. This route reapplies under the ordinary examination pathway; an applicant qualifying for an examination-free initial route instead uses that route.

Temporary license to practice barbering

Temporary military-related reciprocity license under 37-1-147(2)(b), while completing specific Board requirements.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Military related temporary licensure with qualification deficiencies

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Military Eligibility
Meet 37-1-147(1) and hold a license in good standing; qualifications are not substantially equivalent.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Temporary Conditions
The Board may issue the temporary license while specific requirements are completed. Apply the named NIC theory and practical exams under ARM 24.121.616 and 24.121.611 to an examination deficiency; Board conditions and any statutory examination exemption remain applicant conditions.
Work Experience
If training is insufficient, ARM 24.121.616 uses 2200 hours of licensed work.

Provisional license to practice barbering

Provisional form of the practice license under 37-1-144; department discretion and pending licensing conditions govern its duration.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending verification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Discretion
37-1-144 permits provisional issuance while license or criminal/action verification remains pending. The Board website describes a 60-day reservation-of-rights license when all other requirements are met.
Endorsement
Qualify for the examination-free endorsement in 37-31-304(1)(c); license and disciplinary verifications remain pending.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional licensure pending examination or other conditions

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Duration
Valid until regular issuance or a statutory terminating event; failure to timely meet the condition, failing inspection or inconsistent discipline/criminal history makes it inactive without appeal.
Education
Meet the underlying 1100-hour course or qualifying apprenticeship requirements; department discretion controls issuance.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Provisional Eligibility
The department initially determines eligibility except for examination passage, supervised work or education, license verification, or relevant criminal/action verification under 37-1-144(1).

Barber Nonchemical

License to practice barbering excluding chemicals used to wave, straighten, color, bleach or highlight hair.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Licensure by apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Apprenticeship
Complete a Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program apprenticeship with certificate of completion: 2000 hours under ARM 24.121.621.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Test Eligibility
The Registered Apprenticeship Program may authorize testing at 90 percent completion for applicants meeting 37-31-304(1)(a).
Licensure with the disability training examination exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disability Training
Physical disability and training to practice by the Department of Public Health and Human Services; that department certifies successful completion of required school training.
Exemption Period
Apply within one year immediately after graduation; examination and statutory license fees are exempt under 37-31-308.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure where the other jurisdiction lacks substantial equivalency

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other License
Hold an active license in good standing in a jurisdiction not determined substantially equivalent, and do not qualify for the statutory examination-free route in 37-31-304(1)(c).
Work Experience
ARM 24.121.616 requires attestation of 1800 hours of licensed work if a qualifying course or apprenticeship was not completed.
Licensure without examination based on an out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
The Board determines the other jurisdiction's course-hour requirement equals or exceeds Montana's 900-hour requirement.
Other License
Current license in another state; no pending or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by substantial equivalency endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Determination
ARM 24.121.615 adopts the Board's 2025 substantial-equivalency list; such applications are routine as to education, examination and experience, but may be nonroutine on other bases.
Other License
Active license in good standing from a jurisdiction whose current qualifications are substantially equivalent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation within two years after renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Window
Within two years after renewal; satisfy accrued applicable certification and education, submit renewal form and pay late penalty and current renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with foreign education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Document Evaluation
ARM 24.121.606 requires certification of foreign documents by a credential-evaluating service, delivery directly to the department, and applicant payment of evaluation costs.
Education
Foreign training must meet the 900-hour licensed course requirements and required scope of training.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Reactivation within 45 days after renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Window
Within 45 days after renewal; submit renewal form, applicable certification and education, late penalty and current renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military related reciprocity with equivalent qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Determination
The Board determines the licensing requirements are substantially equivalent under 37-1-147(2)(a).
Military Eligibility
Meet the military-member, military-spouse, veteran, relocation or transfer circumstances in 37-1-147(1).
Other License
License in good standing in another state or United States territory; no pending charges or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after activated reservist service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discharge Review
Submit discharge documents; the Board evaluates duties, licensing requirements and length of service and may restore, impose retention conditions, suspend or revoke the license under 37-1-138(4)-(5).
Military Service
An activated reservist requested inactive status during federal active duty lasting at least 90 consecutive days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The 2025 adoption notice confirms continuing education is not required for practicing barbers.
Renewal
Submit the renewal form, applicable certification and education requirements, and renewal fee; individual renewal ends March 1.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after school training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
Complete a 900-hour course and receive a diploma from an authorized school; training must meet ARM 24.121.604 and 24.121.807.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Test Eligibility
A Montana school may authorize testing at 90 percent completion; completion remains a condition for licensure.
Licensure after a supplemental barbering course

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Prior License
Hold an appropriate prior license in Montana or another jurisdiction; ARM 24.121.604(a)(viii) expressly addresses a Montana-licensed cosmetologist.
Supplemental Training
ARM 24.121.807(8), as amended in 2025, describes 50 hours of clipper cuts and 100 hours of facial, neck and outline shaving in a licensed school offering barbering or nonchemical barbering. The statute still states the full course-hour qualification; the applicant should confirm eligibility with the Board.
New original license after automatic termination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
Satisfy the applicable 900-hour course qualification or accepted equivalent training.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Termination
An unrenewed license ordinarily terminates after two years; it cannot be reactivated. This route reapplies under the ordinary examination pathway; an applicant qualifying for an examination-free initial route instead uses that route.

Temporary license to practice barbering nonchemical

Temporary military-related reciprocity license under 37-1-147(2)(b), while completing specific Board requirements.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Military related temporary licensure with qualification deficiencies

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Military Eligibility
Meet 37-1-147(1) and hold a license in good standing; qualifications are not substantially equivalent.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Temporary Conditions
The Board may issue the temporary license while specific requirements are completed. Apply the named NIC theory and practical exams under ARM 24.121.616 and 24.121.611 to an examination deficiency; Board conditions and any statutory examination exemption remain applicant conditions.
Work Experience
If training is insufficient, ARM 24.121.616 uses 1800 hours of licensed work.

Provisional license to practice barbering nonchemical

Provisional form of the practice license under 37-1-144; department discretion and pending licensing conditions govern its duration.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending verification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Discretion
37-1-144 permits provisional issuance while license or criminal/action verification remains pending. The Board website describes a 60-day reservation-of-rights license when all other requirements are met.
Endorsement
Qualify for the examination-free endorsement in 37-31-304(1)(c); license and disciplinary verifications remain pending.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional licensure pending examination or other conditions

All of the following:

Application
Submit the application and fee; disclose personal history and supply official verification of professional licenses held.
Character
Good moral character.
Duration
Valid until regular issuance or a statutory terminating event; failure to timely meet the condition, failing inspection or inconsistent discipline/criminal history makes it inactive without appeal.
Education
Meet the underlying 900-hour course or qualifying apprenticeship requirements; department discretion controls issuance.
Equivalent Examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the rule does not identify any additional specific examination, so that open approval remains an applicant condition.
Exam Scores
Minimum 75 percent in theory and 75 percent in practical under ARM 24.121.611(1)(a).
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction; the Board may grant an exception under 37-31-304(1)(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Provisional Eligibility
The department initially determines eligibility except for examination passage, supervised work or education, license verification, or relevant criminal/action verification under 37-1-144(1).

National Barber Styling Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in 9 timed or variably timed core domain sections evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; candidates bring their own supply kit; model or mannequin requirements follow state guidelines; a straight razor must be used
Examination sources

National Barber Styling Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply principles of infection control: Sanitation/Cleansing; Disinfection; Sterilization; Contamination and cross-contamination
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies (e.g., CDC, OSHA, EPA)
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify bones related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Understand the functions of body systems: Nervous system; Circulatory system; Endocrine system; Integumentary system
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to skin: Types; Treatments
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to hair: Types; Treatments
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand the chemical pH scale
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand purpose and effects of products, ingredients, and their interactions
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand interactions among chemicals
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn, inhalation)
  • Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering (10% of items) (10%)
    • Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drape, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g. clippers, blow dryers)
    • Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
  • Hair Care Services (40% of items) (40%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Analyze condition of client’s hair and scalp (i.e., assessment)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Determine hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Document and maintain client records for hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, hair cutting)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for scalp treatments and scalp massage/manipulation
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair cutting: Shaping; Outlining; Neck shave
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures and safety of hair styling: Wet styling; Blowdry styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding, locks)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair enhancements
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of preparation, procedures, and safety for head shaving
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Understand preliminary tests (e.g., purposes, uses, applications): Predisposition; Strand test
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair coloring (including facial hair)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair lightening
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Foiling
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical hair relaxing/restructuring and curl reduction: Hydroxide; Thio; Keratin
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical waving/texturizing: Alkaline; Acid; Non-thio
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15% of items) (15%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Evaluate client’s skin (e.g., type, condition)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Identify contraindications: Disorders; Diseases
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Determine facial hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Document and maintain client records for facial hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Apply knowledge of draping for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Complete shave service with required strokes
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial hair design
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial (e.g., cleansing, steaming, mask)
    • Electrotherapy and light therapy — Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Examination sources

National Barber 1 (No Chemical) Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in 5 timed or variably timed core domain sections evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; candidates bring their own supply kit; model or mannequin requirements follow state guidelines; a straight razor must be used
Examination sources

National Barber 1 (No Chemical) Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
60 items, of which 50 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (40% of items) (40%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply principles of infection control: Sanitation/Cleansing; Disinfection; Sterilization; Contamination and cross-contamination
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies related to public protection (e.g., CDC, OSHA, EPA)
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify bones related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Understand the functions of body systems: Nervous system; Circulatory system; Endocrine system; Integumentary system
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to skin: Types; Treatments
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to hair: Types; Treatments
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand purpose and effects of products, ingredients, and their interactions
  • Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering (10% of items) (10%)
    • Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drape, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g. clippers, blow dryers)
    • Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
  • Hair Care Services (30% of items) (30%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Analyze condition of client’s hair and scalp (i.e., assessment)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Determine hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Document and maintain client records for hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, hair cutting)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for scalp treatments and scalp massage/manipulation
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair cutting: Shaping; Outlining; Neck shave
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures and safety of hair styling: Wet styling; Blowdry styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding, locks)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair enhancements
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of preparation, procedures, and safety for head shaving
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (20% of items) (20%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Evaluate client’s skin (e.g., type, condition)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Identify contraindications: Disorders; Diseases
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Determine services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Document and maintain client records for facial hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Apply knowledge of draping for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Complete shave service with required strokes
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial hair design
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial (e.g., cleansing, steam towel massage)
    • Electrotherapy and light therapy — Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Examination sources