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Free National Barber Theory Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the National Barber 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 studying how an infection could pass from one client to the next. In CDC's chain-of-infection model, after an infectious agent leaves its reservoir through a portal of exit and is conveyed by a mode of transmission, what must it pass through to infect a susceptible host?

    1. A. An appropriate portal of entry
    2. B. A second portal of exit
    3. C. A new environmental reservoir
    4. D. An incubatory carrier stage

    Answer: A

    Explanation: CDC's Principles of Epidemiology states that "transmission occurs when the agent leaves its reservoir or host through a portal of exit, is conveyed by some mode of transmission, and enters through an appropriate portal of entry to infect a susceptible host." The link that follows the mode of transmission is therefore the portal of entry into the new host. A portal of exit, a reservoir, and a carrier are other parts of the same model, but none of them is the step that delivers the agent into the susceptible host.

    Reference: Principles of Epidemiology, Lesson 1, Section 10: Chain of Infection (CDC) — Lesson 1, Section 10, Chain of Infection, opening paragraph

  2. 2A barber shopping for new shears is told that a pair is a French style shear. Which feature do all French style shears have?

    1. A. A finger brace
    2. B. Cobalt metal blades
    3. C. Tight pivot screws
    4. D. Manufacture in France

    Answer: A

    Explanation: NIC's National Barber Theory Examination bulletin includes the sample item "All French style shears" with the options "A. are cobalt metal. B. have a finger brace.", and its answer key designates B, have a finger brace. The cobalt metal, tight pivots, and French manufacture options are the answers the key rejects.

    Reference: National Barber Theory Examination CIB (NIC) — Sample Questions, item 2, and Answer Key item 2

  3. 3During a hair analysis, a barber assesses the diameter of a single strand of the client's hair. What is this characteristic called?

    1. A. Texture
    2. B. Porosity
    3. C. Density
    4. D. Growth pattern

    Answer: A

    Explanation: NIC's National Barber Theory Examination bulletin includes the sample item "The diameter of a single strand of hair is also called" with the options growth pattern, porosity, density, and texture, and its answer key designates D, texture. Growth pattern, porosity, and density are the options the key rejects for strand diameter.

    Reference: National Barber Theory Examination CIB (NIC) — Sample Questions, item 6, and Answer Key item 6

  4. 4During a facial consultation, a barber notes frequent redness and flushing of the face, small red lines under the skin, and thickened skin on the cheeks and chin. Which condition fits NIH's description of these signs?

    1. A. Rosacea
    2. B. Impetigo
    3. C. Vitiligo
    4. D. Eczema

    Answer: A

    Explanation: MedlinePlus, citing NIAMS, lists rosacea symptoms including frequent facial redness or flushing, "Small, red lines under the skin", and thick skin on the forehead, chin, and cheeks, and notes that "In most cases, rosacea only affects the face." Impetigo produces sores with honey-colored crusts, vitiligo causes white patches, and eczema causes dry, itchy rashes.

    Reference: Rosacea (NIH MedlinePlus) — Summary, symptom list

  5. 5A barber reuses a comb on a second client without cleaning it, and the comb carries fungi from the first client to the second. In CDC's classification of transmission, what is the comb acting as?

    1. A. A vector, an animate intermediary
    2. B. A fomite, an inanimate object
    3. C. Droplet spread, a short-range spray
    4. D. Droplet nuclei, suspended residue

    Answer: B

    Explanation: CDC explains that "Indirect transmission refers to the transfer of an infectious agent from a reservoir to a host by suspended air particles, inanimate objects (vehicles), or animate intermediaries (vectors)" and that such vehicles include "fomites (inanimate objects such as handkerchiefs, bedding, or surgical scalpels)." A shared comb is an inanimate object carrying the agent, so it is a fomite. Vectors are living intermediaries such as fleas or mosquitoes, and droplet spread and droplet nuclei are airborne routes, not objects.

    Reference: Principles of Epidemiology, Lesson 1, Section 10: Chain of Infection (CDC) — Figure 1.19 Chain of Infection, Modes of transmission, indirect transmission paragraph

  6. 6A barber is choosing a hand-held blow dryer for a station near the shampoo bowl. Which feature does CPSC describe as providing integral immersion protection that reduces the risk of shock if the dryer contacts water?

    1. A. A block-shaped plug with a type of circuit interrupter
    2. B. A cool-shot button that stops the heating element
    3. C. A removable rear filter that keeps lint off the motor
    4. D. A thermal cutoff that shuts off when the dryer overheats

    Answer: A

    Explanation: CPSC explains that integral immersion protection reduces the risk of electric shock if a hair dryer is immersed in or contacts water and that "This protection is provided in a block-shaped plug that incorporates a type of circuit interrupter." CPSC considers hand-supported dryers without it a substantial product hazard. A cool-shot button, lint filter, or overheat cutoff does not protect against shock from water.

    Reference: Hand Supported Hair Dryers (CPSC) — What did the Commission decide?

  7. 7During a scalp analysis before a haircut, a barber looks for signs of head lice. According to CDC, which finding is the best way to diagnose an active infestation?

    1. A. Finding a live nymph or adult louse on the scalp or hair
    2. B. Finding nits more than 1/4 inch from the base of the hair
    3. C. Finding white flakes resembling dandruff near the scalp
    4. D. Finding scratch marks and itching at the back of the neck

    Answer: A

    Explanation: CDC states that "Finding a live nymph (baby louse) or adult louse on the scalp or hair is the best way to diagnose a head lice infestation." CDC adds that nits farther than about a quarter inch from the scalp are almost always hatched or dead, that nits are often confused with dandruff, and that misdiagnosis is common, so those findings alone do not confirm an active infestation.

    Reference: About Head Lice (CDC) — Diagnosis

  8. 8During a skin evaluation, a client with blackheads and pimples asks what causes acne. Which factor does NIH say probably plays a role in acne?

    1. A. Hormone changes, such as in the teenage years
    2. B. Dirty skin that has not been washed enough
    3. C. Eating chocolate and other greasy foods
    4. D. Everyday stress as the original cause

    Answer: A

    Explanation: MedlinePlus, citing NIAMS, says no one knows exactly what causes acne but that "Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years" and pregnancy probably play a role. It rejects the other options as causes: "Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne", there is little evidence that foods have much effect even though "Chocolate and greasy foods are often" blamed, and "Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse".

    Reference: Acne (NIH MedlinePlus) — Summary

  9. 9A client asks whether the itchy, ring-shaped, scaly patch on their forearm, commonly called ringworm, comes from a worm. According to CDC, what causes ringworm?

    1. A. Roundworm parasites
    2. B. Staphylococcus bacteria
    3. C. Trichophyton fungi
    4. D. Herpes simplex virus

    Answer: C

    Explanation: CDC states that "Ringworm is caused by fungi (not a worm). The scientific names for the most common fungi that cause ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton." The name refers to the ring-shaped rash, not to a parasite. Staphylococcus bacteria cause staph skin infections and impetigo, and herpes simplex virus causes cold sores; neither causes ringworm.

    Reference: Ringworm Basics (CDC) — Causes section

  10. 10A barber finishes a haircut and is about to disinfect the comb and shears. What is the FIRST step before disinfecting these implements?

    1. A. Rinse them thoroughly with hot water
    2. B. Remove all hair and visible debris
    3. C. Immerse them fully in a sanitizer
    4. D. Expose them to UV light for 15 minutes

    Answer: B

    Explanation: NIC's barber written practical bulletin asks this question, "The FIRST step prior to disinfecting implements is to", and its answer key designates "B. remove all hair and visible debris". CDC likewise explains that soil left on instruments interferes with the effectiveness of disinfection. Rinsing, sanitizing, or UV exposure does not replace removing hair and debris first.

    Reference: National Barber Styling Written Practical Examination CIB (NIC) — Sample Questions, item 1, and Answer Key item 1

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for National Barber 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 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

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 Theory Examination details.