Pass Cosmetology

National Barber Styling Theory Examination study guide

National Barber Styling Theory Examination, administered by National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), is mapped here as 4 topic areas; the heaviest are Hair Care Services (40%), Scientific Concepts (35%) and Facial Hair & Skin Care Services (15%).

About this course: You can cut - now pass the written. Razor safety, sanitation, and the science, in plain English.

National Barber Styling Theory Examination at a glance

Questions
110
Time allowed
90 minutes
Passing standard
~70-75% of 100 scored items (state-set)
Format
Multiple choice
Standard / edition
CIB eff. 2025-06-01 (rev. 2025-09-01)
Administered by
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)

Source: CIB eff. 2025-06-01 (rev. 2025-09-01), National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Confirm current details with the exam owner before you book.

Topic areas and weights

Topic areaWeightConceptsGuide
Hair Care Services40%16Topic page
Scientific Concepts35%16Topic page
Facial Hair & Skin Care Services15%8Section below
Implements & Equipment10%5Section below

Topic guides at a glance

Hair Care Services

40% of the course blueprint, 16 concepts. Emphasized: What does elevation control in a haircut?, What elevation creates uniform layers, and what creates a blunt cut? and What is a taper in barbering?.

Scientific Concepts

35% of the course blueprint, 16 concepts. Emphasized: What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing?, What level of decontamination is standard in a barbershop, and which tool sterilizes? and Which bloodborne pathogens are the main concern from razor cuts?.

Study plan in this course

  1. Haircutting & Styling — 9 cards · free
  2. Chemical Services — 7 cards · free
  3. Infection Control & Bloodborne — 9 cards · full course
  4. Anatomy & Chemistry — 7 cards · full course
  5. Shaving & Facial Hair — 8 cards · full course
  6. Implements & Sanitation — 6 cards · full course

Facial Hair & Skin Care Services

Facial Hair & Skin Care Services carries 15% of the National Barber Styling Theory Examination blueprint used in this course, the third-largest of its 4 weighted areas. It spans 8 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Shaving & Facial Hair.

What Facial Hair & Skin Care Services covers

  • In which direction is the first shave pass made, and why? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • Why is hot-towel preparation used before a shave? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • How should the skin be held during a shave? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • What are the standardized strokes of the professional shave? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • What is the proper razor angle against the skin during a shave? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • What guides beard and mustache design? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • What are the basic steps of a facial? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • What is high-frequency current used for in skin care? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed

Official references for Facial Hair & Skin Care Services

  • Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed

In the app this area comes with 8 memory cards and 7 module-quiz questions in the full course.

Implements & Equipment

Implements & Equipment carries 10% of the National Barber Styling Theory Examination blueprint used in this course, the 4th-largest of its 4 weighted areas. It spans 5 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Implements & Sanitation.

What Implements & Equipment covers

  • How does a changeable-blade razor differ from a conventional straight razor? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • Name the main parts of a straight razor. — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed
  • How often must implements be disinfected? — U.S. EPA registered antimicrobial products
  • What is a common EPA-registered disinfectant used on barber tools? — U.S. EPA registered antimicrobial products
  • How are disinfected implements stored? — Milady Standard Barbering, 7th ed

Official references for Implements & Equipment

In the app this area comes with 6 memory cards and 6 module-quiz questions in the full course.

Details that change — checked against official sources

Official references

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