Free Barbering Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

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

1. 1During which phase of the hair cycle does active hair growth occur?

   1. A. Anagen
   2. B. Catagen
   3. C. Telogen
   4. D. Exogen

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Anagen is correct because it is the active growth phase of the hair cycle. Catagen is a transition phase, telogen is a resting phase, and exogen describes shedding. The cited medical reference states: "The anagen phase is the growth phase."

   Reference: Histology, Hair and Follicle - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Structure and Function: Hair cycle

2. 2A barber is explaining how head lice most commonly pass between people. Which route should be emphasized?

   1. A. Using a comb previously used by an infested person
   2. B. Wearing a hat previously worn by an infested person
   3. C. Direct hair-to-hair contact with an infested person
   4. D. Lying on bedding recently used by an infested person

   Answer: C

   Explanation: CDC says, "Head lice mainly spread by direct contact with the hair of a person infested with lice." It also lists shared items and bedding as possible but less common routes, so direct hair contact is the best answer to the question about the main route.

   Reference: CDC: About Head Lice — How it spreads

3. 3A client develops itching and a rash after a cosmetic product is applied. According to FDA guidance, which action comes first?

   1. A. Complete an electronic MedWatch voluntary report
   2. B. Stop using the product and contact a health care provider
   3. C. Mail or fax a completed FDA voluntary reporting form
   4. D. Call the FDA Food and Cosmetics Information Center

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Stopping use and contacting a health care provider is correct because FDA places care before the separate reporting methods listed in the other options. The guidance states: "the first step is to stop using the product and contact your healthcare provider."

   Reference: How to Report a Cosmetic Product Related Complaint | FDA — How to Report a Cosmetic Product Related Complaint: first step and reporting methods

4. 4Which disinfectant classification does Oregon require for completely saturating electrical clipper blades before each use?

   1. A. Low-level disinfectant
   2. B. Intermediate-level disinfectant
   3. C. High-level disinfectant
   4. D. Skin antiseptic

   Answer: C

   Explanation: High-level disinfectant is correct because Oregon directs: "Completely saturate clipper blade with a high-level disinfectant solution, spray, or foam" used according to instructions. The other classifications do not match the clipper-blade rule.

   Reference: Cos Rules — OAR 817-010-0069(2)

5. 5Which product is specifically categorized by the FDA with shampoos and conditioners as a hair-cleansing product?

   1. A. Cleansing conditioner
   2. B. Permanent hair dye
   3. C. Depilatory cream
   4. D. Aerosol hairspray

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Cleansing conditioner is correct because FDA's hair-cleansing guidance groups it with shampoos and conditioners. The other products serve coloring, hair-removal, or styling functions. FDA states: "Reported products include shampoos, conditioners, and cleansing conditioners."

   Reference: Hair Cleansing Products | FDA — Reported hair-cleansing products

6. 6Under Oregon's statutory definition of barbering, which electrical currents may not be used with mechanical appliances for face and scalp treatments?

   1. A. Galvanic and faradic currents
   2. B. Alternating and direct currents
   3. C. Low-frequency and high-frequency currents
   4. D. Pulsed and continuous currents

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Galvanic and faradic currents is correct because Oregon restricts both in the barbering scope described by the question. The controlling text says "mechanical appliances may not be galvanic or faradic." The other pairs are not the statutory restriction.

   Reference: Oregon Revised Statutes — Definition of barbering: mechanical appliances for face and scalp treatments

7. 7Which type of epidermal cell is responsible for producing melanin?

   1. A. Keratinocyte
   2. B. Melanocyte
   3. C. Langerhans cell
   4. D. Merkel cell

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Melanocyte is correct because melanocytes synthesize melanin from tyrosine. The other listed epidermal cells chiefly serve barrier, immune, or sensory roles rather than producing melanin. The reference says melanocytes are "responsible for the production of melanin."

   Reference: Histology, Skin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Structure and Function: Epidermis, melanocytes

8. 8A reusable barber razor has contacted a contaminated surface. Which later event most directly creates an opportunity for MRSA to cause a skin infection?

   1. A. A contaminated razor touches intact skin.
   2. B. A clean razor touches an open skin cut.
   3. C. A contaminated razor touches a healed scar.
   4. D. A contaminated razor enters a fresh skin cut.

   Answer: D

   Explanation: CDC explains that MRSA on contaminated surfaces "can cause infections if it gets into a cut, scrape or open wound." The fresh cut and contaminated razor together supply the entry conditions missing from the other contacts.

   Reference: CDC: Preventing MRSA — Exposure

9. 9Which hairstyling action is specifically grouped with directing, molding, and shaping hair for form, movement, design, and style?

   1. A. Backcombing
   2. B. Fingerwaving
   3. C. Pincurl placement
   4. D. Roller setting

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Backcombing is correct because the cited competency groups it with directing, molding, and shaping for the stated design purpose. Fingerwaving, pincurl placement, and roller setting are real hairstyling techniques listed elsewhere in the same competency source. The source states: "Direct, mold, shape, backcomb hair for form, movement, design and style."

   Reference: Cosmetology Competencies — Cosmetology occupational competencies: Hairstyling

10. 10A barber will use a common-use hair cape for the next client. How must the cape be arranged at the client's neck under Oregon's rule?

    1. A. Use a freshly laundered cape directly against the neck.
    2. B. Place a neck strip or towel between neck and cape.
    3. C. Place a neck strip over the outside of the cape.
    4. D. Fold the clean cape edge against the client's neck.

    Answer: B

    Explanation: OAR 817-010-0040(1) states, "A neck strip or towel must be placed around the client's neck to prevent direct contact between a common use hair cloth or cape and the client's skin." The strip or towel must form the barrier under the shared cape; positioning it outside leaves direct contact.

    Reference: Oregon Board of Cosmetology Rules — OAR 817-010-0040(1)