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Barber Exam Practice Test: Sharpen Your State Board Skills

Quick, free barber quiz with real barber test questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Cait ReyUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Barber tools and quiz paper art on a sky blue background for a free barber exam practice test.

This barber exam practice test helps you check your state board knowledge with realistic questions on cuts, shaving, sanitation, and tools. Take the quiz at your own pace, see your results instantly, and use the feedback to focus your study. Exploring related fields? Try our cosmetology practice test and esthetician practice test for broader state board prep.

Which level of decontamination is required to destroy most but not all microorganisms on nonporous surfaces in a barbershop?
Disinfection (EPA-registered)
Sanitation (cleaning)
Sterilization with an autoclave
Fumigation
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Implements must be fully immersed in disinfectant for the full contact time. What determines the required contact time?
A standard 5 minutes for all products
The local health department schedule
Manufacturer label instructions on the disinfectant
The length of the haircut service
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The cutting angle for a straight razor during a with-the-grain shave is approximately:
30 degrees
60 degrees
45 degrees
10 degrees
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Which clipper guard leaves approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) of hair?
#3 guard
#2 guard
#4 guard
#5 guard
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During blood exposure, after stopping the bleeding, what is the next correct step?
Resume service without gloves if the cut is small
Disinfect contaminated tools immediately without gloves
Rinse with hot water only
Clean the area with antiseptic solution and cover with a bandage
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OSHA requires which document to be available for each chemical product used in the shop?
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
Tax ID form
Client consent card
Salon price list
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The level system in hair color designates:
Percentage of gray hair present
Developer strength
Tone of hair color as warm or cool only
Lightness or darkness of hair color
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An EPA-registered disinfectant used in barbershops must be labeled as:
Alcohol-based only
Organic
Broad-spectrum hospital-grade and tuberculocidal or virucidal as required by state rules
Hypoallergenic
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Before any chemical service, which test helps determine the hair's ability to absorb moisture and chemical solutions?
Elasticity test
Porosity test
Strand diameter test
Density count
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In shear-over-comb, what is the primary purpose of the comb's angle relative to the head?
To determine taper and support the cutting line
To reduce friction on the shears
To prevent rust on the shears
To keep hair wet longer
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Which statement best describes sterilization in a barbershop context?
It destroys all microbial life, including spores
It kills viruses only
It reduces pathogens to a safe level
It removes visible debris only
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A predisposition (patch) test is required before using which type of hair color?
Metallic dyes
Temporary color rinses
Vegetable colors like henna
Aniline-derivative (oxidative) tints
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Which developer volume is typically used to achieve up to two levels of lift with permanent color?
30 volume
20 volume
10 volume
40 volume
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Which face shape benefits most from fullness at the temples to balance narrowness?
Round
Triangle (pear-shaped)
Square
Oblong
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The correct mix ratio for Barbicide (or similar quat) concentrate is typically:
8 oz concentrate to 32 oz water (1:4)
2 oz concentrate to 32 oz water (1:16) unless manufacturer states otherwise
No dilution; use straight from bottle
1 oz concentrate to 1 oz water (1:1)
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Which shaving stroke is performed with the grain on the right side of the face using the freehand stroke?
Freehand, right side with the grain (stroke 1 in standard shave)
Backhand on the chin against the grain
Reverse backhand on left cheek
Second-time over stroke
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Which relaxer is not compatible with sodium hydroxide relaxers?
Lithium hydroxide relaxer
Ammonium thioglycolate relaxer
Calcium hydroxide relaxer
Guanidine (no-lye) relaxer
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The recommended stroke for honing a straight razor on a hone is a:
Straight up-and-down strokes
Circular motion with pressure on the edge
Random short strokes
X-pattern with the blade flat on the hone
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The freehand and backhand strokes in shaving differ mainly in:
Razor handle and blade position relative to the skin and barber's hand
Lather type
Razor type used
Direction of hair growth
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Which hair disorder is a contraindication for shaving the beard area due to contagious pustules?
Alopecia areata
Pseudofolliculitis barbae
Seborrhea
Tinea barbae (barber's itch)
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Study Outcomes

  1. Assess Your Exam Readiness -

    Analyze your performance on the barber exam practice test to pinpoint strengths and identify areas for improvement before the state board.

  2. Recall Core Barbering Techniques -

    Demonstrate mastery of key haircutting, shaving, and styling methods through targeted barber exam questions and answers.

  3. Apply Safety and Sanitation Protocols -

    Implement proper sterilization and hygiene standards essential for client safety and compliance on the barber board practice test.

  4. Interpret State Board Question Formats -

    Familiarize yourself with the structure and wording of barber board practice test items to reduce surprises on exam day.

  5. Manage Exam Time Effectively -

    Cultivate time-management strategies by practicing under real test conditions to ensure you complete each section efficiently.

  6. Build Confidence in Test-Taking -

    Boost your self-assurance by simulating the barber test environment, helping you stay calm and focused during the actual exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Clipper-Over-Comb Technique Mastery -

    Practice holding the comb at a 45° angle while guiding the clipper parallel to the teeth for smooth, even tapers. Remember the "45+45=Even Fade" mnemonic: comb at 45°, clip at 45° and you'll follow the head shape flawlessly. Consistent practice with this method is favored in many barber board practice test scenarios (Milady's Standard).

  2. Stationary vs. Traveling Guidelines -

    Learn to set stationary guidelines at the nape or perimeter to establish your initial length, then use traveling guidelines to layer and blend as you move around the head. This two-step approach is often tested in barber exam questions and answers and ensures uniformity in length and shape (Pivot Point Academy).

  3. Head Shape & Growth Patterns -

    Identify common growth patterns like cowlicks or widows' peaks and adapt your cutting lines to enhance the client's natural contours. A handy memory phrase is "Flow with the Row," meaning follow the natural row of hair growth to minimize unexpected changes in texture or direction.

  4. Sanitation & Infection Control -

    Familiarize yourself with CDC guidelines on disinfecting tools: use an EPA-registered disinfectant or a 1:10 bleach solution and always change out your Barbicide after each use. A well-clean workstation and proper tool sterilization are critical topics on the barber exam practice test and keep both client and stylist safe.

  5. Shaving & Beard Trimming Fundamentals -

    Master the three-pass shave technique by following the grain, across the grain, then against the grain for a close, comfortable finish. Use a rich lather and a fresh blade, and remember the mantra "Down, Across, Up" to ensure every pass is precise and reduces irritation (American Barbers Association).

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