The National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Barber Exam is required by each state in order to become a full-fledged Barber. It is designed with the following goals in mind: Promote the highest level of consumer safety; Standardize the field of barbering; Make it easier for barbers to move from state to state while maintaining their professional credentials; and Forge relationships with partners in the barbering industry. The exam has two parts, written and practical, that may or may not be administered at the same time. The written portion includes 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed on the computer in 90 minutes or less. The Barber License exam written portion is divided into the following sections:

• Scientific Concepts – 27%
• Hair Services – 40%
• Facial Hair – 17%
• Skin Care & Facial Services – 16%

The Barber License exam practical portion takes about 2-4 hours with a 15 minutes break: It is divided into the following sections:

• Set up and client protection – 10 minutes
• Haircutting – 30 minutes
• Shaving with a straight razor – untimed
• Chemical waving – 20 minutes plus 2 minutes to remove/set up supplies
• Virgin hair lightening and hair color retouch – 20 minutes total, two 10-min segments plus 2 minutes to remove/set up supplies
• Chemical Relaxing, virgin and retouch – 20 minutes total, two 10-min segments plus 2 minutes to remove/set up supplies

Please keep the following in mind when preparing for the practical exam:

• Bring your own full and complete barbering kid, labeled according to NIC regulations
• Once the examination begins you will be evaluated at all times
• The proctor will read all verbal instructions twice and then will not communicate with you
• Each section has a time limit (except the shave with straight razor portion) if you complete a section early you may indicate so the proctor
• If the timer runs out you must stop what you are doing
• When required, all manufacturers’ labels must be factory – not hand written – and must be in English (additional languages on the factory label are fine)

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