5 Important Tips On How to Pass Your Barbering Licensing Exam 

If you’re getting close to the completion of your barbering program, you’re probably also getting ready for some next steps. Passing your California barbering licensing exam is an important challenge but one you can accomplish with the right attitude and preparation.

Here’s what to do to make sure you’re ready:

1. Know What to Expect

Your Barbering exam consists of a written and practical section that will cover much of what you’ve learned in school. The written exam has 50 items and you’re given 90 minutes to complete it. The practical exam takes approximately three hours and you will be tested in 11 areas:

• Work area and client preparation/set up of supplies
• Haircutting
• Work area, client preparation/set up of supplies for second client
• Shaving with straight razor
• Blood exposure procedure
• Chemical waving
• Predisposition test and strand test with simulated product
• Chemical relaxer – virgin application
• Hair color – retouch application
• Blow-dry styling
• Thermal curling

2. Take Advantage of Mock Tests and Lessons

Your school should offer lots of opportunities to practice what you’ve been taught throughout your barbering program. Make sure to use all the resources you can. Take mock written and practical exams and stay after class to practice techniques that you haven’t quite mastered. Practice on friends and family. Consider entering contests and competitions. Do whatever you can to get as comfortable as you can with the materials you’ll be tested on.

3. Register and Complete Necessary Paperwork

Once you have completed your barbering hours, you can apply to take your licensing exam. Pay the required registration fee, fill out the application form, and submit online. You must be at least 17 years old to become a licensed barber and you will need to attach a copy of a government-issued photo identification and provide proof of training and/or apprenticeship.

4. Get Plenty of Rest Before the Exam

You can’t do your best if you’re not at your best. Make sure to get plenty of rest the day before the exam. Don’t try to cram the night before. At this point, you either know it all or you don’t. Get a good night’s sleep and have a good breakfast. Use whatever techniques you have in the past to reduce your anxiety and calm your nerves.

5. Get to the Testing Site on Time

Make sure you have all your supplies and equipment set up to go the night before and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Have a positive attitude and relax. With all your skills and training, you’ve got this!

If you want to have a career as a Barber, you’ll need to pass your licensing exam. But before that, you’ll need great training and practice. Contact Salon Success Academy today to learn how you can get started on a rewarding new career. We have six campuses throughout the Inland Empire area and offer barbering at our Riverside and Upland campuses. Just fill out the form and we’ll answer all your questions about Barbering and all our programs.