Free Examination for Barbers Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Examination for Barbers practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Before a Florida barber uses a comb on a second patron, what must be done?

   1. A. Place it in the clean closed storage cabinet
   2. B. Sanitize it
   3. C. Place it in the receptacle for used towels
   4. D. Place it in the drawer designated for personal items

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rule 61G3-19.011(9) states, "The use of a brush, comb, or other barbering tool on more than one patron without being sanitized is prohibited." The comb must therefore be sanitized first.

   Reference: Fac 61G3 19 — Rule 61G3-19.011(9)

2. 2How recently may a Florida initial-license applicant have completed the required approved HIV/AIDS course?

   1. A. Within one year before applying
   2. B. Within two years before applying
   3. C. Within three years before applying
   4. D. Within four years before applying

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rule 61G3-16.009(1) says an applicant may take the course "within two (2) years preceding application for initial licensure"; option B matches that period.

   Reference: Fac 61G3 16 — Rule 61G3-16.009(1)

3. 3Before adapting a pictured haircut to a client's proportions, which four-factor assessment matches the cited barbering guide?

   1. A. Head shape, facial contour, neckline, and hair texture.
   2. B. Head shape, facial contour, neckline, and hair density.
   3. C. Head shape, facial contour, growth pattern, and hair texture.
   4. D. Head shape, facial contour, hair length, and hair texture.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The guide directs the barber to consider the patron's head "shape, facial cnntnur, neckline and hair texture." Those four features inform the cut's outline and length. Density, growth pattern, and existing length are real consultation facts, but each substituted set omits one of the guide's stated design factors.

   Reference: New Jersey Department of Education, Barbering: A Teacher's Guide — Student Information Sheet, Haircutting, item 8

4. 4A client had no reaction to the same hair dye last month. What should be done before today's application?

   1. A. Perform the skin patch test again
   2. B. Skip testing for one year
   3. C. Test only after the color is applied
   4. D. Replace the test with a strand trim

   Answer: A

   Explanation: FDA says to do the skin test "before every use" because sensitivity can develop and formulations can change.

   Reference: Hair Dyes | FDA — Safety Issues and Coal-tar Hair Dye Safety Checklist

5. 5Which layer forms the inner core of a hair shaft?

   1. A. Cuticle
   2. B. Cortex
   3. C. Medulla
   4. D. Root sheath

   Answer: C

   Explanation: NCBI states, "The hair shaft consists of an inner core—the medulla—surrounded by the cortex"; option A identifies the inner core.

   Reference: Anatomy, Hair Follicle - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Hair shaft anatomy

6. 6Before a manual shave for a client prone to razor bumps, how long should a hot wet washcloth soften the beard?

   1. A. 1 minute
   2. B. 3 minutes
   3. C. 5 minutes
   4. D. 10 minutes

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The Marine Corps protocol directs, "Water soften beard first with hot, wet washcloth for five (5) minutes." Option A states that preparation.

   Reference: MCO 6310.1C PSEUDOFOLLICULITIS BARBAE — Enclosure 1, Phase I(1)(h)(1)(a)

7. 7What is the primary cleansing action of shampoo surfactants?

   1. A. Break bonds between dirt and hair and suspend dirt in water
   2. B. Permanently change disulfide bonds
   3. C. Deposit oxidative pigment in the cortex
   4. D. Remove the hair cuticle

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The NCBI-hosted IARC monograph states, "Surfactants break the bonds between dirt and hair components and suspend the dirt in the aqueous medium"; option A states that cleansing action.

   Reference: Bookshelf — Shampoos

8. 8Which receptacle satisfies Florida's definition of a wet sanitizer?

   1. A. A closed receptacle designated for used towels
   2. B. A clean closed cabinet holding processed tools
   3. C. A lidded clear receptacle holding disinfectant and large enough for immersion
   4. D. A closed compartment holding clean towels and linens

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Rule 61G3-19.011(10) defines it as "any clear plastic or glass receptacle with a lid containing a disinfectant solution" that is large enough for immersion; option C matches every element.

   Reference: Fac 61G3 19 — Rule 61G3-19.011(10)

9. 9When must an active Florida barber complete the approved HIV/AIDS course required for renewal?

   1. A. During the licensure period and before the license expires
   2. B. Only after the license expires
   3. C. Only during the first year after initial licensure
   4. D. At any time after renewal is issued

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule 61G3-16.0091(1)(a) requires that the course "must be taken during the licensure period and prior to expiration of the license" for active renewal; option A states both conditions.

   Reference: Fac 61G3 16 — Rule 61G3-16.009(1)

10. 10After cutting successive vertical subsections to a guideline, how should a barber check for uneven lengths?

    1. A. Check the same vertical partings again while combing each straight down.
    2. B. Check horizontal partings across the cut to reveal missed long ends.
    3. C. Check diagonal partings only along the finished perimeter line.
    4. D. Check the original vertical partings while changing the comb angle.

    Answer: B

    Explanation: "Check haircut by holding vertical partings horizontally and vice" The check is perpendicular to the cutting partings; horizontal checks reveal inconsistencies left by vertical cutting. The other choices retain or substitute a different checking direction.

    Reference: South Carolina Department of Education, V-TECS Guide for Cosmetology — V-TECS 55, Performance Guide, item 9