California Barber Practice Test
California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology gives PSI’s national barber theory exam: 85 scored questions and 10 pretest questions in 120 minutes. There has been no practical exam since January 1, 2022, so the written exam is the only test.
95 questions in 2 hours, in the California Barber format, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free ten-question drill- California Barber mock: 95 questions · 2 hours · Criterion-referenced pass mark, not published as a percentage
Which bonds in the hair are broken by water or heat and re-form as the hair dries or cools?
California barber exam format
- Questions
- 95 multiple-choice questions: 85 scored and 10 unscored pretest questions that count against your time
- Time
- 120 minutes
- Pass mark
- A criterion-referenced passing score; the board does not publish it as a percentage
- Practical exam
- None since January 1, 2022; candidates only need to pass the written exam
- Languages
- English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese and Simplified Chinese
- Fees
- Barber application and initial license fee $125; re-examination application $75
- Education
- A 1,000-hour barbering program
Practice the full exam under the real time limit
95 questions in 2 hours, in the California Barber format, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free ten-question drillCalifornia barber theory outline (85 scored items)
| Content area | Share |
|---|---|
| Safety and Infection Control | 31% (26) |
| Shaving | 22% (19) |
| Client Consultation and Hair and Skin Analysis | 15% (13) |
| Haircutting | 8% (7) |
| Haircoloring | 7% (6) |
| Chemical Texture Services | 7% (6) |
| Hairstyling | 5% (4) |
| Skin Care | 5% (4) |
Source: PSI California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin (April 2026), barber outline in force since April 1, 2026.
- The April 1, 2026 update split haircoloring out of chemical services and raised safety and infection control from 29% to 31%; chemical texture fell from 18% to 7%.
- The exam has no California law section. The board’s Act and regulations still govern your practice once licensed.
- Shaving is more than a fifth of the exam: contraindications, the four razor strokes, razor handling and blade disposal.
Free drills for this exam
- Infection control and safetyFree infection control drill
- Anatomy and physiologyFree anatomy drill
- Hair, scalp and skin disordersFree hair and skin disorders drill
- Barbering chemistryFree chemistry drill
- Implements, tools and equipmentFree implements and tools drill
- Consultation, shampoo and scalp careFree shampoo and scalp care drill
- Haircutting and stylingFree haircutting drill
- Hair color and chemical servicesFree hair color and chemical services drill
- Shaving and facial hair designFree shaving drill
- Facials, massage and electrotherapyFree facials and skin care drill
Common questions
How many questions are on the California barber exam?
95 questions in 120 minutes: 85 scored and 10 unscored pretest questions that count against your time.
Is there a practical exam for barbers in California?
No. Since January 1, 2022 California requires only the written exam for barber licensure.
What is on the California barber written exam?
Eight areas: safety and infection control (31%), shaving (22%), client consultation and hair and skin analysis (15%), haircutting (8%), haircoloring (7%), chemical texture (7%), hairstyling (5%) and skin care (5%).
What score do I need to pass the California barber exam?
The exam uses a criterion-referenced passing score, set so the standard is the same on every form. The board does not publish it as a fixed percentage.
95 questions in 2 hours, in the California Barber format, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free ten-question drillOther barber exams
Format, outline, fees and retake rules: PSI: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin (April 2026) · Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: Information regarding the examination · Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: Town Hall exam updates, Q1 2026 (barber outline 2020 vs 2026) · Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: Barber application (Rev. August 2025), checked November 2026.
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.