NIC Barber Theory Practice Test
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.
60 questions in 90 minutes, in the NIC Barber Theory format, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free ten-question drill- NIC Barber Theory mock: 60 questions · 90 minutes · Pass mark set by your state board
- NIC Barber Styling Theory mock: 110 questions · 90 minutes · Pass mark set by your state board
A client wants a very close shave but has sensitive skin with small pimples. What should the barber do?
NIC barber exam 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
Practice the full exam under the real time limit
60 questions in 90 minutes, in the NIC Barber Theory format, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free ten-question drillNIC barber theory domains
| Content area | Share |
|---|---|
| I. Scientific Concepts: infection control, anatomy and physiology, hair and skin disorders, chemistry | 35% |
| II. Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering | 10% |
| III. Hair Care Services: consultation, shampoo and scalp care, haircutting and styling, head shaving, chemical services | 40% |
| IV. Facial Hair and Skin Care Services: shaving, facial hair design, facials, electrotherapy and light therapy | 15% |
Source: NIC National Barber Theory Examination CIB, effective June 1, 2025 (revised September 1, 2025).
- NIC also writes a Barber 1 (no chemical) theory exam: 60 questions, 50 scored, in 90 minutes, weighted Scientific Concepts 40%, Implements 10%, Hair Care Services 30% and Facial Hair and Skin Care Services 20%. It leaves out chemical services.
- Each board picks which NIC exam it gives, who delivers it and what score passes. Check your board’s candidate bulletin before you schedule.
- Unscored questions look like the rest, so answer every question.
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 NIC barber theory exam?
The NIC National Barber Theory Examination has 60 questions in 90 minutes; 50 of them are scored. The Barber Styling Theory exam has 110 questions, 100 scored, also in 90 minutes.
What is the passing score for the NIC barber exam?
NIC does not set one. Each state board that uses the NIC exam sets its own passing score, so check your board’s candidate information bulletin.
What is on the NIC barber theory exam?
Four domains: Scientific Concepts (35%), Implements and Equipment (10%), Hair Care Services (40%) and Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15%).
Which textbooks does NIC use for the barber exam?
NIC lists Milady Standard Barbering (7th and 6th editions) and Pivot Point Fundamentals: Barbering as its references.
60 questions in 90 minutes, in the NIC Barber Theory 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: NIC: National Barber Theory Examination CIB (effective June 1, 2025) · NIC: National Barber Styling Theory Examination CIB (effective June 1, 2025) · NIC: exam types · NIC: state boards and exam providers, 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.