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Free National Barber Styling Theory Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

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

  1. 1A barber is teaching an apprentice why shop sanitation breaks the chain of infection. According to the CDC, which three things are necessary for an infection to occur?

    1. A. A source of germs, a susceptible person, and a means of transmission
    2. B. A source of germs, a break in the skin, and warm and moist conditions
    3. C. A visibly ill carrier, direct skin contact, and an insect vector
    4. D. A susceptible person, contaminated food or water, and inhaled droplets

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The CDC states: "Three things are necessary for an infection to occur:" and lists a source, a susceptible person ("A susceptible person is someone who is not immune or who has a weakened immune system."), and transmission ("Transmission refers to the way germs infect a susceptible person."). Broken skin, insects, food, and droplets are only particular routes or entry points, not the three required elements.

    Reference: Appendix A: How Infections Spread (CDC) — How infections spread — elements required for infection

  2. 2A barber takes a clean comb out of the closed supply kit that serves as dry storage, then decides not to use it. Under NIC procedures, what should happen to the comb?

    1. A. It may go back into the kit because it never touched the client
    2. B. It must not be put back into the kit
    3. C. It may go back into the kit after being sprayed with hand sanitizer
    4. D. It may go back into the kit if wrapped in a clean towel first

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The NIC Barber Styling Practical CIB states that the kit "will be used during the examination as dry storage" and that candidates "may remove items, supplies, etc., from the kit at any time, however nothing may be returned to the kit." Keeping removed items out of dry storage protects the clean supplies from cross-contamination.

    Reference: NIC National Barber Styling Practical Examination CIB — Important Instructions — Supplies

  3. 3A client requests a chemical relaxer, but the scalp is sunburned and irritated from a weekend outdoors. Following FDA guidance, what should the barber do?

    1. A. Apply a thick base cream and proceed with the relaxer
    2. B. Proceed, but rinse the relaxer out a few minutes early
    3. C. Do not relax the hair until the scalp is no longer irritated
    4. D. Switch to a permanent hair color service instead today

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The FDA advises: "Do not dye or relax your hair if your scalp is irritated, sunburned, or damaged." The same caution applies to hair dye, so switching to color is not appropriate either.

    Reference: Hair Dyes (FDA) — Tips for safe use

  4. 4A health care provider examines a client's light patches of skin under a Wood lamp. What does the Wood lamp do to areas of skin with less pigment, as in vitiligo?

    1. A. It makes them glow bright white
    2. B. It makes them appear dark brown
    3. C. It makes them glow orange-red
    4. D. It makes them disappear from view

    Answer: A

    Explanation: MedlinePlus explains that the Wood lamp "is a handheld ultraviolet light that causes the areas of skin with less pigment to glow bright white."

    Reference: Vitiligo: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — Exams and Tests

  5. 5A regular client mentions having hepatitis B but says they feel fine and have no symptoms. Which statement about the client's ability to spread the virus is accurate?

    1. A. The virus cannot spread until symptoms such as jaundice appear
    2. B. The virus can spread only during the first 6 months after exposure
    3. C. The virus can still be spread to others even without any symptoms
    4. D. The virus can spread only after the infection has become chronic

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The CDC clears up this misconception directly: "You can still spread HBV to others even if you don’t have any symptoms." The first 6 months describes acute infection, not a limit on transmission, so a symptom-free client still requires standard blood-exposure precautions.

    Reference: Hepatitis B Basics (CDC) — Misconceptions — spreading HBV without symptoms

  6. 6A disposable razor blade has just nicked a client and is contaminated with blood. Where should the employed barber discard the blade?

    1. A. In a closable, puncture-resistant container that is leakproof on the sides and bottom and labeled
    2. B. In a sealed, zip-top plastic bag that is then placed directly in the regular trash container
    3. C. Wrapped in several layers of used paper towel and placed in the covered trash can at the station
    4. D. In the jar of disinfectant used for combs and brushes until the shop closes at the end of the day

    Answer: A

    Explanation: OSHA requires that "Contaminated sharps shall be discarded immediately or as soon as feasible in containers that are:" closable, puncture resistant, "Leakproof on sides and bottom; and" labeled or color-coded. Plastic bags or paper towels can be pierced, and soaking a disposable blade with combs is not disposal.

    Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens (OSHA) — 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)

  7. 7During consultation, a barber finds round, scaly patches with broken-off hairs that suggest ringworm of the scalp. Why should the haircut be declined and the client referred?

    1. A. Ringworm makes the hair too brittle to be cut safely with shears
    2. B. Ringworm spreads through contact and items such as combs used on the client
    3. C. Ringworm is caused by a lice infestation that will spread through the shop
    4. D. Ringworm disappears on its own within a day if the hair is left uncut

    Answer: B

    Explanation: MedlinePlus explains that ringworm of the scalp spreads by direct contact and that "You can also get it if you touch items such as combs, hats, or clothing that have been used by someone with ringworm." It is a fungal infection that requires medical treatment.

    Reference: Ringworm of the scalp: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — Causes

  8. 8While evaluating a client's skin before a facial, the barber sees clogged pores whose plugs are dark at the top. What are these called?

    1. A. Whiteheads
    2. B. Blackheads
    3. C. Milia cysts
    4. D. Pustules

    Answer: B

    Explanation: MedlinePlus explains that a blocked pore forms a plug, or comedone: "If the top of the plug is white, it is called a whitehead. It is called a blackhead if the top of the plug is dark."

    Reference: Acne: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — Causes

  9. 9According to the CDC, how is hepatitis C transmitted from one person to another?

    1. A. Droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze land on another person's face
    2. B. A person shares a drinking glass or eating utensils with an infected person
    3. C. Blood from an infected person, even in microscopic amounts, enters another person's body
    4. D. An infected person's saliva reaches another person's unbroken skin during close contact

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The CDC states: "Hepatitis C is spread when blood from an HCV-infected person — even microscopic amounts — enters the body of someone who is not infected." It also notes "There is no evidence to suggest that hepatitis C is spread by sharing eating utensils, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or through food or water." A nick from a contaminated razor is therefore the relevant barbershop risk.

    Reference: Hepatitis C Basics (CDC) — How hepatitis C spreads

  10. 10Blood from a client's nick drips onto the barber's workstation counter in the middle of a busy day. When must the employed barber decontaminate the counter?

    1. A. At the end of the work shift, along with the rest of the station
    2. B. Immediately or as soon as feasible, using an appropriate disinfectant
    3. C. Only if the blood is still wet when the service ends
    4. D. Before the first client's appointment on the following day

    Answer: B

    Explanation: OSHA requires that contaminated work surfaces be decontaminated "with an appropriate disinfectant after completion of procedures; immediately or as soon as feasible when surfaces are overtly contaminated or after any spill of blood or other potentially infectious materials". End-of-shift cleaning applies only to surfaces that may have become contaminated without an overt spill.

    Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens (OSHA) — 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A)

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for National Barber Styling Theory Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items)
    • 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)
    • 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)
    • 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)
    • 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

How to use these free practice questions

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These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view National Barber Styling Theory Examination details.