Standard: Current 2026 Testing Standards
Temas de estudio y preguntas de práctica alineados con los exámenes oficiales de CaliforniaCerts.
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The California barber written exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC). The exam consists of 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored pretest items and must be completed in 120 minutes. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass. As of January 1, 2022, the practical exam is no longer required — the written exam is the only requirement for licensure. To qualify, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at a BBC-approved barber school. The exam is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. Hair and scalp science (35%), infection control (28%), California BBC laws (20%), and shaving and beard services (17%) make up the four content areas.
Detalles del examen
The California barber written exam is a computer-based, closed-book multiple-choice test at PSI testing centers throughout California. Once the BBC approves your exam application, you schedule directly with PSI at psiexams.com or by calling (877) 392-6422. Results are given at the testing center. If you fail, you must re-apply through the BBC and pay a new exam fee before rescheduling. Your barber license, once issued, must be renewed every two years with the BBC. Barbers licensed in other states may apply for a California license by endorsement.
Cada vez se generan una nueva prueba y una clave de respuestas; el enlace a la clave va en el PDF.
Two areas generate the most missed questions on the California barber exam. First, infection control — particularly the disinfection sequence (clean before disinfect), minimum contact times for EPA-registered disinfectants, conditions requiring refusal of service (tinea capitis, pediculosis, open sores), and the distinction between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization. These concepts are tested at the definition and application level and reward candidates who know the exact procedures. Second, shaving and razor services — specifically the correct straight razor angle (30 degrees), the three-pass shave sequence (with grain, across grain, against grain), strop vs hone functions, sharps disposal requirements (puncture-resistant containers), and client contraindications (pseudofolliculitis barbae, active acne). These barber-specific topics are not covered in cosmetology prep materials and require dedicated study.
You must complete 1,500 hours of training at a BBC-approved barber school. Your school must submit your hours to the BBC before you can apply for the written exam.
No. As of January 1, 2022, California eliminated the practical exam. You only need to pass the written exam to receive your barber license.
You need a score of 70% or higher on the 100 scored questions to pass.
The exam covers four content areas: Hair and Scalp Science (35%), Infection Control and Safety (28%), California BBC Laws and Regulations (20%), and Shaving, Beard and Razor Services (17%).
The exam is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog per AB 451 (effective January 1, 2024).
Apply through the BBC first. Once approved, schedule online at psiexams.com or call PSI at (877) 392-6422.
Two years. You must renew with the BBC every two years and complete any required continuing education.
Yes. Under SB 803, California allows crossover licensing between cosmetology and barbering. A licensed cosmetologist may apply for a barber license through a reduced-hour crossover program. Contact the BBC for current requirements.
Focus on infection control (disinfection sequence, contact times, contraindications), shaving and razor services (30-degree angle, three passes, strop vs hone, sharps disposal), hair and scalp science (growth cycles, scalp conditions, clipper technique), and California BBC laws (SB 803, AB 451, establishment requirements, grounds for revocation). Practice tests timed at 120 minutes are the most effective preparation tool.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) is an inflammatory condition where curly hair curls back into the skin after shaving, causing irritation and papules. It is a common contraindication for close shaving services and a frequently tested topic on barber exams.
Los temas y los porcentajes del plan de estudios (blueprint) provienen de nuestro banco; las sesiones de práctica reparten las preguntas según esas proporciones cuando están definidas.
Start practicing free — no account required. The first questions in each topic are unlocked. Our 97 practice questions are built from the PSI exam blueprint for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, with full explanations for every answer.