OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

West Virginia Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

US-WV · License preparation

469 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

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.

Barber Professional License

One professional license with 1200-hour nonchemical and 1500-hour chemical-service levels; apprenticeship is an alternative training pathway.

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Initial licensure after barber apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application fee
Submit the Board application, applicable fee, required identification, Social Security card, photograph and training verification.
Chemical services
Chemical texture and hair-coloring instruction is optional in Table 1; separate chemical-service level authorization follows §30-27-8b(b).
Curriculum
Complete the 3CSR13 curriculum and required theory before mannequin work; use a Milady or Pivot Point barbering textbook published within the last five years.
Employment eligibility
United States citizenship or eligibility for employment in the United States.
Exam waiver
Under §30-27-8(a)(5), the Board may recognize a certificate or similar license in place of an examination or part of it.
General education
High school diploma, GED, or federally approved ability-to-benefit test.
Health certificate
Certificate of health from a licensed physician; the current application accepts a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and requires submission within one year of the physical examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age.
Moral character
Good moral character under W. Va. Code §30-27-8(a)(2).
Other board requirements
Fulfill other requirements specified by the Board.
Supervision
Practice only under direct supervision during apprenticeship.
Training hours
Complete 2400 hours with an approved apprenticeship provider, alone or with a school or Board-approved online theory program.
Training records
Maintain hours, services and educational-progress records; retain chapter examinations for two years and keep program records available for inspection.
Training reviews
Pass each training chapter review examination with at least 70%; these training assessments are applicant conditions, not independent licensing examinations.
Training time limit
Complete the apprenticeship within 30 months.
Work permit
Obtain a work permit after training while registered for the upcoming examination; renewable once.
Upgrade from 1200 hour to 1500 hour chemical service licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional training
Complete a 300-clock-hour certification program in chemical services.
Existing training
Previously completed a 1200-clock-hour barber training program.
Resulting level
The Board issues 1500-clock-hour level barber licensure; §30-27-8b(b) prescribes training rather than a further examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Election to practice solely as a barber
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing qualifications
Already qualified by education and experience as both barber and cosmetologist or as barber/cosmetologist crossover.
Notice application
Notify and apply to the Board to elect barber licensure without other designation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military barber reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military evidence
Military barber reciprocity with DD214; submit required Board licensure documentation.
Waiver
The statute recognizes reciprocity for the barber state examination; it does not identify a separate currently required exam for this pathway.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of current license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
Must hold a current active license.
Request fee
Submit signed Inactive Request and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Lapsed license reinstatement when the Board requires examination (without chemical services)

All of the following:

Approval
Application must be reviewed and approved before examination scheduling.
Board discretion
§30-1-8a permits consideration of reinstatement based on ability to resume with reasonable skill and safety. The current Prov bulletin expressly accepts reinstating applicants who are required to test; the Board determines whether testing is required.
Fees
Pay applicable reinstatement and examination fees.
Prior scope
Previously licensed at the corresponding nonchemical or chemical-service barber level.
Lapsed license reinstatement when the Board requires examination (with chemical services)

All of the following:

Approval
Application must be reviewed and approved before examination scheduling.
Board discretion
§30-1-8a permits consideration of reinstatement based on ability to resume with reasonable skill and safety. The current Prov bulletin expressly accepts reinstating applicants who are required to test; the Board determines whether testing is required.
Fees
Pay applicable reinstatement and examination fees.
Prior scope
Previously licensed at the corresponding nonchemical or chemical-service barber level.
Late renewal of an existing professional barber license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed renewal application and required information.
Fees
January grace period; beginning February 1 the FAQ adds $10 per month, capped at $205 for individual license and instructor certification fees.
Prior license
Previously issued professional barber license; use the Board renewal process while eligible for late renewal.
Testing cases
Cases the Board instead processes as lapsed-license reinstatement with testing use the separately retained reinstatement routes.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive or suspended status under 3CSR11 §6
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for reinstatement.
Continuing education
3CSR11 §6.1(b) requires its continuing education; the Board implementation page says this requirement ceased for active licensees in 2022. Confirm the condition with the Board.
Fee
Pay the applicable reinstatement fee.
Reasonable skill
Show ability to resume practice with reasonable skill and safety under §30-1-8a(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual professional license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application fee
Complete the Board form, pay renewal fee and submit information required by the Board.
Continuing education
3CSR11 retains continuing-education language; the Board states that active barbers no longer complete continuing education effective May 8, 2022. This applicant-condition difference does not add an examination.
Deadline
Renew on or before January 1.
Late renewal
January grace period followed by monthly late fees described in the Board FAQ.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of a revoked license under §30 1 8a
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may consider reinstatement after revocation; it is not an automatic entitlement.
Case conditions
Comply with applicable Board disciplinary orders and application procedures; the statute identifies no particular examination for this restoration route.
Prior license
Previously held this West Virginia professional license.
Reasonable skill
Show ability to resume practicing with reasonable skill and safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of provisional to full barber license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Complaints
No complaints filed during the provisional year.
Employment eligibility
United States citizenship or employment eligibility.
Fees
Pay applicable provisional and full license fees.
General education
High school diploma, GED or approved ability-to-benefit test.
Health other requirements
Provide physician certificate of health and satisfy other requirements specified by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18.
Supervised year
Work for one year under someone with a valid West Virginia license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity under §30 27 9(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application fee
Submit the application and applicable fee.
Discipline
No charges pending and no prior revocation of the qualifying license or authorization.
Documentation
License certification and training verification must be sent directly by the relevant state licensing boards; school transcripts are not accepted for reciprocity.
Employment eligibility
United States citizenship or eligibility for employment.
Existing license
Hold a valid license or authorization in the same field from another state, issued after that state’s educational requirements.
General education
High school diploma, GED or federally approved ability-to-benefit test.
Health certificate
Supply the required certificate of health.
Minimum age
At least 18.
Moral character
Good moral character.
Other board requirements
Fulfill other requirements specified by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by school education and examination (without chemical services)

All of the following:

Application fee
Submit the Board application, applicable fee, required identification, Social Security card, photograph and training verification.
Employment eligibility
United States citizenship or eligibility for employment in the United States.
Exam waiver
Under §30-27-8(a)(5), the Board may recognize a certificate or similar license in place of an examination or part of it.
General education
High school diploma, GED, or federally approved ability-to-benefit test.
Health certificate
Certificate of health from a licensed physician; the current application accepts a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and requires submission within one year of the physical examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age.
Moral character
Good moral character under W. Va. Code §30-27-8(a)(2).
Other board requirements
Fulfill other requirements specified by the Board.
Professional training
Complete 1200 clock hours in an approved barbering school program without chemical services.
Initial licensure by school education and examination (with chemical services)

All of the following:

Application fee
Submit the Board application, applicable fee, required identification, Social Security card, photograph and training verification.
Employment eligibility
United States citizenship or eligibility for employment in the United States.
Exam waiver
Under §30-27-8(a)(5), the Board may recognize a certificate or similar license in place of an examination or part of it.
General education
High school diploma, GED, or federally approved ability-to-benefit test.
Health certificate
Certificate of health from a licensed physician; the current application accepts a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and requires submission within one year of the physical examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age.
Moral character
Good moral character under W. Va. Code §30-27-8(a)(2).
Other board requirements
Fulfill other requirements specified by the Board.
Professional training
Complete 1500 clock hours in an approved barbering school program with chemical services.
Universal professional licensing (military spouse)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant status
Be married to an active-duty United States armed-forces member and accompany the member on permanent assignment to a West Virginia military installation.
Criminal history
No disqualifying criminal history.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender while under investigation; other discipline must be resolved and corrected to the Board’s satisfaction.
Education experience
Other state verifies satisfaction of its minimum education and, if applicable, work-experience and clinical-supervision requirements.
Fee
Pay applicable fees.
Good standing
Good standing in all licensing states.
Prior examinations
Previously passed examinations required by the other state; that generic slot does not identify a specific national barber examination or another state examination for this route.
Same discipline
Currently licensed, registered or certified in another state in the same discipline and at the same practice level determined by the Board.
State law discretion
§30-1-27(d) permits a Board administering a state-law examination to require it; the current barber reciprocity application and instructions exercise no such requirement and identify no examination for this route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal professional licensing (resident)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant status
Establish residence in West Virginia.
Criminal history
No disqualifying criminal history.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender while under investigation; other discipline must be resolved and corrected to the Board’s satisfaction.
Education experience
Other state verifies satisfaction of its minimum education and, if applicable, work-experience and clinical-supervision requirements.
Fee
Pay applicable fees.
Good standing
Good standing in all licensing states.
Prior examinations
Previously passed examinations required by the other state; that generic slot does not identify a specific national barber examination or another state examination for this route.
Same discipline
Currently licensed, registered or certified in another state in the same discipline and at the same practice level determined by the Board.
State law discretion
§30-1-27(d) permits a Board administering a state-law examination to require it; the current barber reciprocity application and instructions exercise no such requirement and identify no examination for this route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barber Work Permit

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Work permit after completing barber apprenticeship

All of the following:

Completed training
Complete the apprenticeship hours.
Registration
Register for the upcoming examination.
Renewal
The work permit may be renewed once.
Supervision
Practice under the supervision required for work permits.
Graduate work permit while awaiting examination (without chemical services)

All of the following:

Documentation
Submit signed and notarized application, training and general-education verification where required, health certificate and employment eligibility evidence.
Employment supervision
Have employment in the examination field under a professional licensee’s general supervision.
Fee
Pay work-permit fee.
Graduation
Completed approved barber training corresponding to the examination level.
Registration
Be scheduled for the Board testing administrator’s examinations.
Term
Expires at the statutory time after the next examination; may be renewed once.
Graduate work permit while awaiting examination (with chemical services)

All of the following:

Documentation
Submit signed and notarized application, training and general-education verification where required, health certificate and employment eligibility evidence.
Employment supervision
Have employment in the examination field under a professional licensee’s general supervision.
Fee
Pay work-permit fee.
Graduation
Completed approved barber training corresponding to the examination level.
Registration
Be scheduled for the Board testing administrator’s examinations.
Term
Expires at the statutory time after the next examination; may be renewed once.

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

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