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North Carolina Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Apprentice Barber

Supervised barber practice; the supervising licensed barber must remain on the premises.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners · Application information

Initial apprentice licensure

All of the following:

Application
Submit apprentice exam application and $170 fees.
Education
Complete 1528 hours at an approved barber school.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Retakes
Under 21 NCAC 06J .0108, pass a failed portion within six months of notification or retake both written and practical portions.
Supervision
Practice only under a licensed barber present on the shop premises; an apprentice cannot operate a barbershop.
Military renewal with fee maintenance extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Written extension request and North Carolina Department of Revenue extension documentation.
Eligibility
Current license in good standing, Armed Forces service and an extension to file a tax return under G.S. 105-249.2.
Maintenance scope
Timely renewal or fee-based restoration before any statutory examination-retest threshold; examination-triggering restoration is handled on its own route.
Relief
The Board must postpone or waive maintenance requirements as prescribed by G.S. 93B-15(b); Rule 06N .0114 specifically waives listed late fees for the corresponding tax-extension period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure recognition under G.S. 93B 15.3
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods.
Duration
Have been licensed in one or more listed jurisdictions for at least one year.
Effective
Applies to applications received on or after October 1, 2025; distinct recognition pathway notwithstanding other licensure law.
Eligible jurisdiction
Hold a current license in a jurisdiction expressly listed in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1) at the same or substantially equivalent practice level, as determined by the Board.
Fees
Pay applicable processing, issuance, verification and background-check fees.
Prior examination
Have passed the examination required for the current other-jurisdiction license if one was required; another jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition. The statute identifies no registered current examination by name.
Residency
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; no surrender or revocation for unprofessional conduct, no pending discipline and no disqualifying criminal history.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal before the three year retest threshold
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Renew by May 31 and pay the required fee.
Practice period
Do not practice beyond three years without retaking and passing the apprentice examination.
Supervision
License is valid only while working under a licensed barber present on the premises.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration before the three year retest threshold
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Restore immediately by paying all lapsed renewal fees and required late fee.
Practice period
This route applies before practice exceeds the three-year retest threshold.
Supervision
Only supervised apprentice practice is authorized.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued apprentice practice after three years

All of the following:

Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Supervision
The licensed barber must remain present; apprentice may not operate a shop.
Time
An apprentice may not practice longer than three years without retaking and passing the required apprentice examination.
Apprentice licensure with credited out of state barber school training

All of the following:

Application
Submit Form BAR-4 and exam fee.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Supervision
Work under an on-premises licensed barber; no independent shop operation.
Training completion
Complete the approved 1528-hour curriculum using the credit awarded by the Board.
Training credit
The Board may credit training when the out-of-state school has NACCAS accreditation and a current license if required there; certified transcripts must establish the listed North Carolina curriculum topics.

Licensed Barber

The ordinary barber license, formerly registered barber; also colloquially called master barber.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under G.S. 86B 28(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active good standing
Be an active, competent practitioner in good standing.
Board implementation
Form BAR-8 uses 1500 school hours to identify endorsement eligibility; the statute controls the substantive-equivalence requirement.
Discipline
No disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint may be pending.
Equivalence
The other licensure requirements must be substantively equivalent to North Carolina requirements.
License
Hold a current valid barber license in another state; provide that licensing agency certification letter with licensure history and disciplinary information.
Practice
Practice at least one of the five years immediately preceding application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Out of state licensure with waiver under G.S. 86B 28(b)

All of the following:

Application
Provide Form BAR-8, certification letter, school-hour evidence when applicable, employee-classification responses, criminal-history information and Board-requested fees.
Board discretion
The Board may waive the active-competent-practitioner and/or equivalence requirements. G.S. 86B-28(b)(3) permits a practical, written or oral demonstration; Form BAR-8 exercises that permission by requiring written and practical exams for applicants without 1500 school hours.
Experience
At least five years practical experience.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Other license
Meet the licensure requirements where the applicant received the license and retain the other applicable requirements of G.S. 86B-28(a).
Renewal following honorable military discharge
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Renew within 90 days of honorable discharge without the required examination.
Eligibility
Armed Forces service and barber license in force one year before entering service.
Fee
Pay current annual license fee.
Health
Provide satisfactory health certificate if required by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure following apprenticeship
North Carolina Licensed Barber Practical Examination (practice unavailable)
Apprenticeship
Complete a 12-month apprenticeship under a licensed barber and submit the supervising barber affidavit required by G.S. 86B-40(c).
Clinical results
Pass the Board clinical examination; written apprentice-exam prerequisites belong to the apprentice licensure pathway.
Exam application
Submit the Board application, required documents and $85 clinical examination fee.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
School training
Attend an approved barber school for at least 1528 hours.
Military renewal with fee maintenance extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Written extension request and North Carolina Department of Revenue extension documentation.
Eligibility
Current license in good standing, Armed Forces service and an extension to file a tax return under G.S. 105-249.2.
Maintenance scope
Timely renewal or fee-based restoration before any statutory examination-retest threshold; examination-triggering restoration is handled on its own route.
Relief
The Board must postpone or waive maintenance requirements as prescribed by G.S. 93B-15(b); Rule 06N .0114 specifically waives listed late fees for the corresponding tax-extension period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military trained licensure by proficiency examination
North Carolina Licensed Barber Practical Examination (practice unavailable)
Exam
21 NCAC 06K .0112(c) requires at least 70 percent on the clinical examination.
Fallback
If the proficiency examination is failed, the Board may require the subsection (a) conditions.
Fees
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); third parties may charge actual service costs.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Proof
Official notarized documentation such as DD-214 must substantiate military specialty certification and experience.
Military spouse endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board rule criteria
The older rule asks certification of 1500 school hours and at least one of the preceding five years licensed; if the letter does not show these, it directs the applicant to ordinary out-of-state licensure. The controlling statute governs eligibility.
Competency
Show competency by Board-determined methods, such as continuing education or recent experience for at least two of the preceding five years.
Documentation
Submit BAR-12, marriage evidence, military-service records and certification letter.
Fees
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k).
License
Hold a current other-jurisdiction license with substantially equivalent or higher requirements.
Spouse
Be the spouse of a person serving in the military.
Standing
Good standing, no disqualifying act, no discipline and no pending complaint.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military trained licensure by credentials under G.S. 93B 15.1(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board criteria
21 NCAC 06K .0112(b) uses at least 1500 training hours and practice in two of the preceding five years as its documentary threshold.
Discipline
No disqualifying act or pending complaint.
Fees
G.S. 93B-15.1(k) prohibits an initial application fee despite older fee references in the rule.
Practice
Active practice at least two of the preceding five years, crediting all relevant military experience.
Proof
Submit Form BAR-11 and military records; provide out-of-state certification when required by 21 NCAC 06K .0112(b).
Training
Military specialty, training, testing or equivalent experience and service must be substantially equivalent to or exceed the licensure requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure recognition under G.S. 93B 15.3
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods.
Duration
Have been licensed in one or more listed jurisdictions for at least one year.
Effective
Applies to applications received on or after October 1, 2025; distinct recognition pathway notwithstanding other licensure law.
Eligible jurisdiction
Hold a current license in a jurisdiction expressly listed in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1) at the same or substantially equivalent practice level, as determined by the Board.
Fees
Pay applicable processing, issuance, verification and background-check fees.
Prior examination
Have passed the examination required for the current other-jurisdiction license if one was required; another jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition. The statute identifies no registered current examination by name.
Residency
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; no surrender or revocation for unprofessional conduct, no pending discipline and no disqualifying criminal history.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Renew by May 31; license expires then and failure to renew automatically suspends it.
Health
Furnish a health certificate if required by the Board.
Renewal fee
Pay required renewal fee; barbers age 70 and older have no license or renewal charge under G.S. 86B-41.
Submission
Renew online under 21 NCAC 06N .0101(g), or obtain the Board waiver for renewal by mail or in person.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after expiration for less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Civil penalty
After expiration greater than six months the Board may impose G.S. 86B-10 civil penalties.
Expiration
Applies before the five-year clinical-examination threshold.
Fees
Pay all lapsed renewal fees and required late fee.
Health
Furnish a health certificate if required by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after five year expiration
North Carolina Licensed Barber Practical Examination (practice unavailable)
Apprenticeship
No new apprenticeship is required for reissuance.
Compliance
Take the Board clinical examination and otherwise comply with Chapter 86B before practicing.
Expiration
License expired for five years.
Fees health
Pay applicable restoration and examination fees and furnish a health certificate if required.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.

Temporary Barber Work Permit

Temporary work authorization with route-specific supervision, location and duration restrictions.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners · Application information

Temporary teaching or demonstration permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Only the specific demonstration days; invalid before and after those days.
Other license
Hold a barber license in another state.
Purpose
Come to North Carolina to teach or demonstrate barber skills.
Site
Board must inspect and approve the demonstration area unless already an approved shop or school.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary work while awaiting apprentice examination

All of the following:

Approval
The Board may grant the permit; do not work until approved.
Duration
Valid until next Board apprentice examination unless the Board grants undue-hardship relief; cannot be issued or remain valid after two apprentice-exam failures.
Graduation
Graduate from a North Carolina barber school.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Pending application
File the apprentice examination application and pay examination fees before the temporary permit.
Work
Work only in the registered shop specified in the permit under a licensed barber.
Temporary military work on partial documentation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit BAR-11 and partial military records establishing military service and barber certification or experience.
Duration
Rule .0112(e)(1) permits 90 days or until application denial, whichever is earlier.
Permanent application
This route concerns gathering credential evidence for the examination-free military path; an applicant choosing proficiency testing uses the separate proficiency-exam route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary work pending military proficiency examination
North Carolina Licensed Barber Practical Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Meet 21 NCAC 06K .0112(a) and (c)(1); the clinical examination remains pending.
Duration
Rule .0112(e)(2) states a 90-day permit, extendable on written request twice by 90 days unless the application is denied.
Fee
The statute prohibits an initial application fee.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Statutory permit
Applicants already licensed in another jurisdiction with equivalent standards may qualify for the separate statutory G.S. 93B-15.1(f) permit.
Temporary work pending ordinary out of state endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide the temporary-permit form and shop information and receive approval before working.
Eligibility
Meet the examination-free endorsement conditions; Board may grant temporary permission while the application is pending.
Other license
Licensed in another state and seeking permanent North Carolina endorsement under G.S. 86B-28(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary work pending out of state waiver examinations

All of the following:

Discretion
The Board must approve the permit and states that limitations apply to its duration and number.
Exams pending
Form BAR-8 requires written and practical examinations when the applicant has fewer than 1500 school hours.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.
Other license
Licensed in another state and seeking permanent licensure under G.S. 86B-28(b).
Work
Work under a registered/licensed barber; cannot manage a shop.
Temporary work pending barber license restoration examination
North Carolina Licensed Barber Practical Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
File application for examination to restore and pay the fee.
Approval
Board approval is required before work.
Duration
Valid until next barber examination unless the Board determines undue hardship; may be revoked or suspended.
Expiration
North Carolina license expired for more than five years.
Nonstatutory rule waiver
21 NCAC 06Y .0106 states: The Board may waive any rule in this Chapter that is not statutorily required if a licensee, or applicant for license or certification, submits a written request to the address in 21 NCAC 06A .0102. Factors the Board shall use in determining whether to grant the waiver are: (1) degree of disruption to the Board; (2) cost to the Board; (3) degree of benefit to the public; (4) whether the requesting party had control over the circumstances that required the requested waiver; (5) notice to and opposition by the public, provided that this notice does not conflict with laws that would prohibit disclosure of information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act; (6) need for the waiver; and (7) previous requests for waivers submitted from the requesting party.

North Carolina Apprentice Barber Practical Examination

Provider
North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
Format
Mannequin demonstration with assessed oral explanations and inspector questions
Time limit
20-minute shave and 45-minute haircut
Passing score
At least 70 on each portion
Examination outline
  • Shave
    • Identify the 14 shaving areas of the face and drape
    • Infection control, blood exposure, and safety precautions
    • Know strokes (14) and parts of the tool
    • Understand body positioning
    • Demonstrate holding the razor in the learned four (4) positions
    • Know the types of shaves
    • First-time-over shave
    • Second-time-over shave
    • Once-over shave
    • Close shave
    • Neck shave and outline shave
  • Tapered neckline haircut
    • Preparation of the customer (neck strips, towels, drape)
    • Tapering of the neckline
    • Guideline length
    • Outline of the haircut
Examination sources

North Carolina Rules and Regulations Portion of the Apprentice Barber Written Examination

Provider
North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
Format
Multiple-choice written questions, separately scored from NIC general theory
Exam questions
10 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
15 minutes; part of the 90-minute written session
Passing score
At least 70 on this portion
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Chapter 86B — Barber and Electrolysis Practice Act
  • Chapter 93B — Occupational Licensing Boards
  • Chapter 150B — Administrative Procedure Act
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06B — Rule-Making Procedures
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06C — Contested Cases
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06F — Barber School
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06G — Barber School Instructors
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06H — Barber School Owners and Managers
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06I — Out-of-State Transfers
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06J — Apprentice Barbers
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06K — Registered Barber
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06L — Barber Shops
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06N — Fees and Forms
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06O — Civil Penalty
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06P — Definitions
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06Q — Prohibited Practices
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06R — Advertising
  • 21 NCAC Subchapter 06Y — Continuing Education
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

North Carolina Licensed Barber Practical Examination

Provider
North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
Format
Mannequin demonstration with assessed oral explanations and inspector questions
Time limit
20-minute shave and 45-minute haircut
Passing score
At least 70 on each portion
Examination outline
  • Shave
    • Identify the 14 shaving areas of the face and drape
    • Infection control, blood exposure, and safety precautions
    • Know strokes (14) and parts of the tool
    • Understand body positioning
    • Demonstrate holding the razor in the learned four (4) positions
    • Know the types of shaves
    • First-time-over shave
    • Second-time-over shave
    • Once-over shave
    • Close shave
    • Neck shave and outline shave
  • Tapered neckline haircut
    • Preparation of the customer (neck strips, towels, drape)
    • Tapering of the neckline
    • Guideline length
    • Outline of the haircut
Examination sources