Free Barber Practice Test
Original questions for the NIC barber theory exam and the Texas, California and Florida barber exams, every answer explained.
What is usually the first step of a basic facial?
438 original questions · 6 timed mock exams · NIC, Texas, California and Florida formats
Barber practice questions by topic
Each topic has a guide with free sample questions and a free ten-question drill. Topics are grouped by the four domains of the NIC barber theory exam.
Scientific Concepts (35%)
About 21 of 60 NIC barber theory questions
Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering (10%)
About 6 of 60 NIC barber theory questions
Hair Care Services (40%)
About 24 of 60 NIC barber theory questions
Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15%)
About 9 of 60 NIC barber theory questions
Sit a full exam under the real clock
The NIC barber theory exam, or the Texas, California or Florida exam in its real format and time limit, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free ten-question drillBarber written exams and practice mocks
Each mock uses the question count and time limit from the exam owner’s current bulletin, weighted by its published outline. Each exam guide lists fees, retakes and sources.
| Exam | Questions | Time | Pass mark | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIC Barber Theory | 60 | 90 minutes | Set by your board | Mock exam |
| NIC Barber Styling Theory | 110 | 90 minutes | Set by your board | Mock exam |
| Texas Class A Barber | 93 | 100 minutes | 70% to pass (66 of 93) | Mock exam |
| California Barber | 95 | 2 hours | Not published | Mock exam |
| Florida Barber | 100 | 3 hours | 70% to pass (70 of 100) | Mock exam |
| Florida Restricted Barber | 30 | 1 hour | 70% to pass (21 of 30) | Mock exam |
The NIC barber theory exam
The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) writes the national barber theory exams many state boards give. Practice all four NIC domains, then sit a timed mock in the real format.
- Barber Theory
- 60 multiple-choice questions, 50 of them scored, in 90 minutes
- Barber Styling Theory
- 110 multiple-choice questions, 100 of them scored, in 90 minutes, with the same four domains
- Answer format
- Four answer options with one correct answer
- Pass mark
- Not set by NIC; each state board decides the passing score
- Delivery
- Through the testing company your board uses, such as Prov, PSI, Prometric or D.L. Roope
- References
- Milady Standard Barbering (7th and 6th editions) and Pivot Point Fundamentals: Barbering
Source: NIC National Barber Theory Examination CIB, effective June 1, 2025 (revised September 1, 2025). NIC barber theory guide
Barber exam guides by state
California Barber Practice Test
85 scored + 10 pretest · 120 min · criterion-referenced
Free shaving drill
Common questions
How many questions are on the barber written exam?
It depends on your state. The NIC National Barber Theory exam has 60 questions in 90 minutes and the NIC Barber Styling exam 110. Texas gives 93 (85 scored) in 100 minutes, California 95 (85 scored) in 120 minutes, and Florida 100 in 3 hours.
What score do I need to pass the barber exam?
Texas and Florida require 70%. California uses a criterion-referenced passing score it does not publish as a percentage. For the NIC exams, each state board sets its own passing score.
What is on the barber state board written exam?
Infection control and safety, anatomy, hair and skin disorders, chemistry, implements, consultation and shampooing, haircutting and styling, hair color and chemical texture, shaving and facial hair, and facials. Texas and Florida add state law; Texas also tests nail care.
Are these barber practice questions free?
The five-question sample on this page needs no account, and every topic and state-law drill has a free first attempt with a free account. The full timed mock exams and unlimited drills are part of the barber practice pass.
How hard is the barber written exam?
In Texas, 37.25% of Class A Barber written exams were passed in fiscal year 2025 (3,150 of 8,457), against 89.80% on the practical exam.
Is the barber exam multiple choice?
Yes. The NIC, Texas, California and Florida written exams all use multiple-choice questions with four options and one correct answer.
Ready for exam day?
The NIC barber theory exam, or the Texas, California or Florida exam in its real format and time limit, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free ten-question drillFormats, outlines, fees and retake rules checked November 2026: NIC: National Barber Theory Examination CIB (effective June 1, 2025) · PSI: Barber License Examination Candidate Information Bulletin for TDLR (January 1, 2026) · PSI: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin (April 2026) · DBPR: Candidate Information Booklet, Barbers and Restricted Barbers (August 2024).
NIC exam names belong to the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology; PSI and Pearson VUE are trademarks of their owners. Original independent practice. Every question is written for practice to the published content outlines and the cited statutes and rules. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, TDLR, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Florida DBPR, the Florida Barbers’ Board or any state board.