Free Registered Barber Written and Oral Test Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Registered Barber Written and Oral Test practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1After using a porous neck duster that cannot be disinfected, what must an Arkansas barber do with it?

   1. A. Place it in a closed clean cabinet
   2. B. Dispose of it immediately in a waste receptacle
   3. C. Place it in the wet disinfectant container
   4. D. Store it in the labeled dirty container

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The rule states, "All used porous supplies or instruments which cannot be disinfected shall be disposed of in a waste receptacle immediately after use." Because the duster is porous and cannot be disinfected, it must be discarded rather than routed to clean, wet, or dirty reusable-item storage.

   Reference: 17 CAR § 275-103. Instruments and supplies - Code of Arkansas Rules — 17 CAR § 275-103(a)

2. 2Hydrogen peroxide used in hair-lightening products is classified by NIOSH as which type of chemical behavior?

   1. A. Powerful oxidizer
   2. B. Flammable solvent
   3. C. Inert propellant
   4. D. Reducing agent

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NIOSH describes hydrogen peroxide as "Noncombustible Liquid, but a powerful oxidizer." Its relevant chemical behavior is therefore oxidation, not solvent flammability, inertness, or reduction.

   Reference: CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Hydrogen peroxide — Physical description and incompatibilities for hydrogen peroxide

3. 3How often does FDA advise performing the skin patch test for a coal-tar hair dye?

   1. A. Before every dye application
   2. B. Only before the first application
   3. C. Once every six months
   4. D. Only after changing developers

   Answer: A

   Explanation: FDA explains that sensitivity may develop and says it is important to "do the skin test before every use." Therefore a prior uneventful application does not remove the need to test again.

   Reference: Hair Dyes | FDA — Safety Issues — Allergic reactions

4. 4Where must an Arkansas registered barber display the personal certificate of registration?

   1. A. Adjacent to or near the barber's work chair
   2. B. Adjacent to the establishment's public entrance
   3. C. Adjacent to the establishment's restroom entrance
   4. D. Adjacent to the reception or waiting desk

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Arkansas Code states, "Every holder of a certificate of registration shall display it in a conspicuous place adjacent to or near his or her work chair." The required display location is therefore the certificate holder's work chair area.

   Reference: Barber Statutes (2023) — Arkansas Code § 17-20-305

5. 5A stylist is reviewing a chemical's SDS to find accidental-release procedures. Which SDS section should be checked?

   1. A. Section 4
   2. B. Section 5
   3. C. Section 6
   4. D. Section 7

   Answer: C

   Explanation: OSHA identifies "Emergency Procedures, which explain what to do in an emergency (Section 6, Accidental Release Measure, on SDS)." Therefore the stylist should use Section 6; the neighboring sections cover other response or handling subjects.

   Reference: Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products | Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Product Labels and Safety Data Sheets; SDS Sections 4-7

6. 6Before using cord-connected clippers on a work shift, which check specifically satisfies OSHA's portable-equipment rule?

   1. A. Inspect the equipment and cord for visible external damage
   2. B. Check blade alignment and cutting tension
   3. C. Apply lubricant to the blade contact surfaces
   4. D. Clean and disinfect the housing and detachable blade

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA says portable cord-connected equipment "shall be visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects" and evidence of internal damage. Blade alignment, lubrication, and infection-control processing are separate real clipper-care tasks but do not satisfy this electrical inspection rule.

   Reference: 1910.334 - Use of equipment. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration — 1910.334(a)(2)(i)

7. 7An Arkansas client asks a barber to treat a persistent mole during a grooming service. To whom must the barber refer the condition?

   1. A. A licensed physician
   2. B. A licensed pharmacist
   3. C. A licensed cosmetology instructor
   4. D. A State Board barber inspector

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The Arkansas rule says a barber must not treat lesions such as moles "but must refer such conditions to a licensed physician." Therefore the required referral is to a licensed physician.

   Reference: 17 CAR § 275-104. Conduct and sanitation - Code of Arkansas Rules — 17 CAR § 275-104(f)

8. 8An Arkansas barber has removed visible hair from a reusable comb. What processing order is required before the comb is used on another patron?

   1. A. Disinfect, then clean
   2. B. Clean, then disinfect
   3. C. Clean, then sterilize
   4. D. Sterilize, then disinfect

   Answer: B

   Explanation: For nonelectrical instruments, the rule says they "must be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected" before client use. Removing visible debris is therefore followed by disinfection, not by reversing or substituting the required stages.

   Reference: 17 CAR § 275-103. Instruments and supplies - Code of Arkansas Rules — 17 CAR § 275-103(c)(1)

9. 9Which structure supplies the hair bulb with signaling and nourishment through its capillaries?

   1. A. Dermal papilla
   2. B. Arrector pili
   3. C. Sebaceous duct
   4. D. Hair shaft cuticle

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The source states, "The dermal papilla contains capillaries and interacts with the matrix." Because the matrix forms the shaft, the dermal papilla is the nourishing and signaling structure described.

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

10. 10A client had a permanent wave six days ago and now requests oxidative color. How long does FDA advise waiting after perming before using dye?

    1. A. 7 days
    2. B. 10 days
    3. C. 14 days
    4. D. 21 days

    Answer: C

    Explanation: FDA directs, "Wait at least 14 days after bleaching, relaxing, or perming your hair before using dye." Because only six days have elapsed, the client must wait until at least day 14.

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