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Wyoming Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Barber (No Chemicals) License

Licensing authority: Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners · Application information

Licensure by examination cosmetologist crossover

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Cross Reference
Chapter 4, Section 7 cites Chapter 8, Section 5(a); Chapter 8 itself separately publishes the complete cosmetologist and hairstylist crossover curricula. The applicable complete curriculum is retained as a condition.
Examination
Meet other application requirements and pass the Barber Examination named by Chapter 4, Section 7 and W.S. 33-7-209(a)(iii).
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior License
Hold a current cosmetologist license.
Training
Complete the approved crossover course; Chapter 8, Section 5 specifies 150 course hours.
Licensure by examination hairstylist crossover

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Cross Reference
Chapter 4, Section 7 cites Chapter 8, Section 5(a); Chapter 8 itself separately publishes the complete cosmetologist and hairstylist crossover curricula. The applicable complete curriculum is retained as a condition.
Examination
Meet other application requirements and pass the Barber Examination named by Chapter 4, Section 7 and W.S. 33-7-209(a)(iii).
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior License
Hold a current hairstylist license.
Training
Complete the approved crossover course; Chapter 8, Section 6 specifies 200 course hours.
Licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Certifications
Provide official certifications from original and current licensing jurisdictions and request records from every jurisdiction in which licensed.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Hold a current registered barber certificate or relevant barber license in another state or country and show qualifications meeting or exceeding Wyoming requirements.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior Exam
The originating jurisdiction must require a board examination. The Board form states: "Passed state examination given by a State Board of Testing Company". This does not identify a currently offered nationwide examination and any other jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition.
School
Graduate from a state-approved barber program. The Board endorsement instructions also list a state-approved apprenticeship program; this is recorded as the Board implementing demand, not a new examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure under W.S. 33 1 120 substantially equivalent license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Competency
Demonstrate competency under Board rules, have no disqualifying conduct, complete application procedures and pay the required fee. Relevant paid or volunteer work experience may be credited.
Equivalent Exam
The same or an earlier version of the required examination meets statutory examination equivalency. Prior passing of currently offered registered NIC exams remains in the requirement tree. The Board determines whether another unnamed examination is substantially equivalent.
Exam Waiver
W.S. 33-1-120(b)(i)(B) requires the Board to waive examination equivalency if the applicant has been licensed for more than ten years.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Hold a relevant, active license in good standing from another state with substantially equivalent or more stringent educational, training, examination and experience requirements, as determined by the Wyoming Board.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Wyoming Law Slot
W.S. 33-1-120(b)(i)(D) permits an examination relating to Wyoming law and regulations. It identifies no examination, and the obtained barber licensing rules and implementing examination instructions identify the applicable NIC exams; the statutory unnamed permission is an applicant condition.
Licensure by examination barber school graduate

All of the following:

Age
Be at least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Education
Have education equivalent to completion of the second year of high school.
Exam Sequence
Pass theory before the hands-on practical appointment.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Retakes
Retake failed phases and pay the applicable fee; failure to pass all phases within one year after failing requires retaking the entire examination.
Training
Graduate from an approved barber school or college. The Wyoming no-chemicals curriculum requires 1000 course hours; out-of-state training must meet or exceed applicable Wyoming requirements.
Training Record
Provide certification of hours or an original final course record.
Licensure by examination applicant licensed elsewhere

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Examination Path
The Board examination application accepts license holders who do not meet its listed school-graduate requirements; the Board examination page directs license holders not meeting endorsement requirements to the examination route.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Under W.S. 33-7-209(a)(ii), hold a valid, unexpired barber license from another state or country whose licensing requirements meet or exceed Wyoming requirements; provide certification of licensure and training. The Board implementing form also describes license holders not meeting the listed graduate requirements.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Retakes
Retake failed phases; all phases must be passed within one year of failure or the entire examination must be retaken.
Expedited licensure for military service member or military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Issuance
W.S. 33-1-117(b) requires expedited issuance within 30 days of a complete application or request; complete required application procedures, pay fees and submit to Wyoming practice and discipline authority.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Military Status
Meet the military service member or military spouse definitions in W.S. 33-1-117(a); provide military identification or proof of marriage and military orders or evidence of honorable release.
Optional Temporary Permit
Chapter 4, Section 9 declines only temporary practice permits under subsection (e). The mandatory temporary license under subsection (m) is recorded separately.
Other License
Hold a relevant active occupational or professional license in good standing from another jurisdiction for at least five consecutive years.
Other Requirements
Except as otherwise provided, W.S. 33-1-117(k) subjects military applicants to other Title 33 provisions and properly adopted Board requirements. Proof of the existing relevant license and its qualifications remains an applicant condition; subsection (b) specifies no new identifiable examination.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Return the personal license renewal form and pay the annual fee; provide the current headshot photo and disclosures requested in the form.
Existing License
Hold the Wyoming barber certificate being renewed.
Late Fee
The personal renewal form requires a late fee after June 30.
Prior Eligibility
W.S. 33-7-204(b) requires eligibility for the existing certificate and payment of renewal fees. The current renewal application specifies renewal documentation, rather than another examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration through endorsement eligibility
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Provide the current relevant certificate from another jurisdiction, official certifications, qualifying training, and prior jurisdiction examination required for endorsement.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior Certificate
Hold an expired Wyoming barber certificate and qualify for endorsement under W.S. 33-7-203.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration by examination after expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Fees
Pass the Board-administered examination and pay examination and certification fees.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior Certificate
Hold an expired certificate, fall outside immediate restoration within five years, and do not qualify for endorsement under W.S. 33-7-203.
Retirement
A barber retired for more than five years may not simply renew the certificate.
Restoration within five years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay the restoration fee in addition to the other renewal fees.
Prior Certificate
Be a formerly registered barber whose certificate expired no more than five years ago.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barber Stylist License

Licensing authority: Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners · Application information

Licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Certifications
Provide official certifications from original and current licensing jurisdictions and request records from every jurisdiction in which licensed.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Hold a current registered barber certificate or relevant barber license in another state or country and show qualifications meeting or exceeding Wyoming requirements.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior Exam
The originating jurisdiction must require a board examination. The Board form states: "Passed state examination given by a State Board of Testing Company". This does not identify a currently offered nationwide examination and any other jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition.
School
Graduate from a state-approved barber program. The Board endorsement instructions also list a state-approved apprenticeship program; this is recorded as the Board implementing demand, not a new examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure under W.S. 33 1 120 substantially equivalent license
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Competency
Demonstrate competency under Board rules, have no disqualifying conduct, complete application procedures and pay the required fee. Relevant paid or volunteer work experience may be credited.
Equivalent Exam
The same or an earlier version of the required examination meets statutory examination equivalency. Prior passing of currently offered registered NIC exams remains in the requirement tree. The Board determines whether another unnamed examination is substantially equivalent.
Exam Waiver
W.S. 33-1-120(b)(i)(B) requires the Board to waive examination equivalency if the applicant has been licensed for more than ten years.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Hold a relevant, active license in good standing from another state with substantially equivalent or more stringent educational, training, examination and experience requirements, as determined by the Wyoming Board.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Wyoming Law Slot
W.S. 33-1-120(b)(i)(D) permits an examination relating to Wyoming law and regulations. It identifies no examination, and the obtained barber licensing rules and implementing examination instructions identify the applicable NIC exams; the statutory unnamed permission is an applicant condition.
Licensure by examination barber school graduate
Age
Be at least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Education
Have education equivalent to completion of the second year of high school.
Exam Sequence
Pass both the theory and written-practical examinations.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Retakes
Retake failed phases and pay the applicable fee; failure to pass all phases within one year after failing requires retaking the entire examination.
Training
Graduate from an approved barber school or college. The Wyoming stylist curriculum requires 1250 course hours; out-of-state training must meet or exceed applicable Wyoming requirements.
Training Record
Provide certification of hours or an original final course record.
Licensure by examination applicant licensed elsewhere
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Examination Path
The Board examination application accepts license holders who do not meet its listed school-graduate requirements; the Board examination page directs license holders not meeting endorsement requirements to the examination route.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Under W.S. 33-7-209(a)(ii), hold a valid, unexpired barber license from another state or country whose licensing requirements meet or exceed Wyoming requirements; provide certification of licensure and training. The Board implementing form also describes license holders not meeting the listed graduate requirements.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Retakes
Retake failed phases; all phases must be passed within one year of failure or the entire examination must be retaken.
Expedited licensure for military service member or military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Issuance
W.S. 33-1-117(b) requires expedited issuance within 30 days of a complete application or request; complete required application procedures, pay fees and submit to Wyoming practice and discipline authority.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Military Status
Meet the military service member or military spouse definitions in W.S. 33-1-117(a); provide military identification or proof of marriage and military orders or evidence of honorable release.
Optional Temporary Permit
Chapter 4, Section 9 declines only temporary practice permits under subsection (e). The mandatory temporary license under subsection (m) is recorded separately.
Other License
Hold a relevant active occupational or professional license in good standing from another jurisdiction for at least five consecutive years.
Other Requirements
Except as otherwise provided, W.S. 33-1-117(k) subjects military applicants to other Title 33 provisions and properly adopted Board requirements. Proof of the existing relevant license and its qualifications remains an applicant condition; subsection (b) specifies no new identifiable examination.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Return the personal license renewal form and pay the annual fee; provide the current headshot photo and disclosures requested in the form.
Existing License
Hold the Wyoming barber certificate being renewed.
Late Fee
The personal renewal form requires a late fee after June 30.
Prior Eligibility
W.S. 33-7-204(b) requires eligibility for the existing certificate and payment of renewal fees. The current renewal application specifies renewal documentation, rather than another examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration through endorsement eligibility
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Other License
Provide the current relevant certificate from another jurisdiction, official certifications, qualifying training, and prior jurisdiction examination required for endorsement.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior Certificate
Hold an expired Wyoming barber certificate and qualify for endorsement under W.S. 33-7-203.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration by examination after expiration
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees. Documents not in English must be translated by a Board-approved translation company.
Application Review
Disclose disciplinary and criminal history requested by the application. Chapter 11 permits individualized application review and issuance subject to conditions, restrictions or discipline.
Fees
Pass the Board-administered examination and pay examination and certification fees.
Fit To Practice
W.S. 33-7-109 prohibits licensure when intoxicants or drugs render the applicant unfit to practice or teach barbering.
Lawful Presence
Provide the lawful-presence documentation specified in the Board application.
Photo
Provide a current passport-type headshot photo.
Prior Certificate
Hold an expired certificate, fall outside immediate restoration within five years, and do not qualify for endorsement under W.S. 33-7-203.
Retirement
A barber retired for more than five years may not simply renew the certificate.
Restoration within five years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay the restoration fee in addition to the other renewal fees.
Prior Certificate
Be a formerly registered barber whose certificate expired no more than five years ago.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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 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 Styling Written Practical 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
Written examination of practical knowledge; the published sample items include four-option single-answer multiple-choice questions and an image-based item (select a location on an image)
Exam questions
60 items, of which 50 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
120 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (20% of items) (20%)
    • 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
    • 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 (20% of items) (20%)
    • 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 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 haircutting: 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 (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)
Examination sources