GA Barber II Exam Flashcards

Q: How many questions are on the Georgia Barber II theory test?

The PSI National Barber II theory test presents 80 items: 70 scored questions plus at least five (typically ten) unscored experimental questions that do not count toward your result. You get 90 minutes to finish, and the introductory tutorial of up to 15 minutes is not deducted from that time. Georgia moved from the older NIC bulletins to PSI National test content on August 11, 2025, so study materials written for the NIC barber exam no longer match the current blueprint.

Q: What is on the Georgia Barber II theory blueprint?

PSI publishes six weighted topics: Safety and Infection Control (34%), Client Consultation and Hair and Skin Analysis (19%), Shaving (26%), Haircutting (10%), Skin Care (6%) and Hairstyling (5%). Safety and Shaving together are 60% of the scored questions, so infection control and straight-razor work deserve the majority of your study time. Notably, the current blueprint has no separate Georgia law domain - state rules are tested through safety and sanitation practice.

Q: What score do I need to pass, and what does the exam cost?

You need at least 70% on the theory test and at least 70% on the practical test. The two are scored separately, so passing one does not carry over to the other. PSI charges $58 for the Barber II theory test and $89 for the Barber II practical test; both fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Q: What is the difference between a Barber II and a Master Barber in Georgia?

Under O.C.G.A. 43-10-1, a Barber II may shave or trim the beard, cut or dress the hair, give facial or scalp massages, and give facial or scalp treatments with oils, creams or other preparations. A Master Barber may do all of that plus subsection (E): singeing and shampooing the hair, coloring or dyeing the hair, and permanently waving, relaxing or straightening the hair. Chemical services are the dividing line. Barber II requires 1,140 school hours over at least 7 months; Master Barber requires 1,500 hours over at least 9 months.

Q: How long do I have to pass both exams after finishing my hours?

For courses completed after July 1, 2018, your exam eligibility is valid for 4 years from the date of course completion. Retakes are unlimited during that window, and PSI publishes no fixed waiting period between attempts. If you have not passed both parts within the 4-year window, you must re-apply with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and may be required to repeat training hours.

Q: What does the Barber II practical exam involve?

The PSI National Barber II practical has four timed topic areas: Workstation Preparation (10 minutes), Haircutting (20 minutes), Straight Razor Shaving (50 minutes) and Workstation Preparation for Next Client (10 minutes). You bring a closable supply kit no larger than about 24 by 24 by 24 inches. PSI publishes no required supply list - you bring the tools you were taught to use and demonstrate the four shaving strokes on command.

Q: How often do I renew a Georgia Barber II license, and is continuing education required?

Barber II licenses renew every two years and expire December 31 of even-numbered years, with a late-renewal period of January 1 through 31. Each renewal after your first requires 5 continuing education hours: 3 hours in a health and safety course following the Technical College System of Georgia curriculum, plus 2 hours in a course registered with the Board. Since January 1, 2026, Georgia licensees must record their CE in CE Broker.

Q: Does Georgia publish a Barber II pass rate?

No. The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish pass rates for the Barber II theory or practical tests, and PSI does not release Georgia-specific statistics. Treat any pass-rate figure you see on a third-party prep site as unverified. Focus instead on the published blueprint weights, where Safety and Infection Control plus Shaving account for 60% of scored questions.

Question 1

The three levels of decontamination

Accepted Answer

Cleaning (removes visible debris with soap and water), disinfection (kills most pathogens on non-porous surfaces), and sterilization (destroys all microbial life). Barber multi-use tools require cleaning followed by disinfection - sterilization is not required for shears and combs.

Question 2

Georgia's required disinfection procedure for multi-use implements

Accepted Answer

Clean with warm soapy water to remove all hair and debris, then disinfect by COMPLETE immersion for 10 minutes in a disinfectant labeled as EPA-registered. Then rinse with clean warm water and blot dry. Partial immersion or a quick dip does not meet Rule 240-4-.04.

Question 3

How often must Georgia disinfectant solution be changed, and may tools be stored in it?

Accepted Answer

The solution must be free of debris and contaminants at all times and must be changed daily. Tools cannot be stored in disinfectant - once disinfected they are rinsed, blotted dry, and moved to closed clean storage. Leaving tools soaking is a citable violation.

Question 4

Are UV cabinets, dishwashers or steam devices acceptable disinfection in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

No. Rule 240-4-.04 states ultraviolet lights, dishwashers and steam devices are NOT acceptable methods of cleansing and disinfection. A UV cabinet may be used only as clean STORAGE after proper disinfection, and it must be labeled "Clean Implements."

Question 5

When is an autoclave acceptable in a Georgia barbershop?

Accepted Answer

An autoclave is an acceptable method of sanitizing implements when it meets or exceeds ANSI/AAMI ST55:2010 or ISO 17665 standards and produces high-temperature steam of 121 to 134 degrees Celsius. A household steamer does not qualify.

Question 6

How must clean and soiled implements be stored separately?

Accepted Answer

Disinfected tools go in a clean, closed, airtight drawer or container labeled "Clean Implements." Soiled tools go in a separate closed, covered container labeled "Dirty Implements" and may not be reused or stored with clean tools until properly cleaned and disinfected.

Question 7

What do you do if you nick a client during a shave?

Accepted Answer

Stop the service immediately, put on gloves, control the bleeding with a fresh single-use product, and cover the wound. Clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces and implements, dispose of contaminated single-use items in the biohazard container, wash hands, then resume with a clean setup.

Question 8

Where do blood-contaminated disposable items go?

Accepted Answer

Into a hazardous waste container labeled with a biohazard label and/or the words "Contaminated Implements." They never go in the regular trash or back into the clean storage drawer, because bloodborne pathogens can survive on soiled disposables.

Question 9

How are bloody towels and linens handled in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Place them in a separate, closed container labeled with a biohazard label and/or "contaminated linen." They must be washed SEPARATELY from other laundry with an EPA-registered disinfectant plus detergent, following the manufacturer's instructions for each load.

Question 10

Georgia's sharps container rules for used razor blades

Accepted Answer

Used blades go into a sharps container that is stored upright, carries OSHA biohazard labels, and has the manufacturer's safety flap lid in place. The container must be properly disposed of when it is three-fourths full - not when completely full.

Question 11

Standard (Universal) Precautions

Accepted Answer

The practice of treating ALL human blood and body fluids as if they are infectious, regardless of what you know about the client. You never rely on a client disclosing an infection - the precautions are applied to every client, every service.

Question 12

When is handwashing required in a Georgia shop?

Accepted Answer

Rule 240-4-.03 requires hand washing before and between providing services to each client. Antibacterial soap is recommended for hands and exposed forearms, and also after smoking, eating, drinking, and using the restroom. Gloves do not replace handwashing.

Question 13

Single-use versus multi-use items

Accepted Answer

Single-use (disposable) items cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after ONE client - neck strips, cotton, wooden applicator sticks, emery boards and disposable gloves. Multi-use items are non-porous (metal, glass, plastic) and can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse.

Question 14

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's document listing a product's ingredients, hazards, safe handling, storage, first aid and disposal. OSHA requires SDS to be available for every chemical in the shop, and the exam expects you to know they are kept accessible to all staff.

Question 15

OSHA, EPA and CDC - who does what?

Accepted Answer

OSHA sets workplace safety and bloodborne pathogen standards for employees. EPA registers and approves disinfectants (a product must be EPA-registered to be legal for salon disinfection). CDC issues infection-control guidance and disease information. Only EPA registers disinfectants.

Question 16

Contamination versus cross-contamination, and the "no double dipping" rule

Accepted Answer

Contamination is soiling one item; cross-contamination is transferring pathogens from one person or surface to another. Products must be removed with a disposable or disinfectable spatula, and an item that touched the client or a work surface may never re-enter the container.

Question 17

Which skin-removal implements are banned in Georgia shops?

Accepted Answer

Rule 240-4-.03 prohibits any implement designed to remove layers of skin: razor-type callus shavers, credo blades, cutters, scrapers, graters, or anything that abrades or removes skin layers. Using one risks injury, infection and a Board citation.

Question 18

Purpose of the client intake and consent form

Accepted Answer

It records health history, medications, allergies, prior reactions and the service agreed to, so you can identify contraindications before you start. It is also your documentation if a client later disputes the service, so it is completed before the first service, not after.

Question 19

Contraindication - and what a barber must do when one is present

Accepted Answer

A condition that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable. You must decline the service or alter it, and recommend the client seek a medical opinion. A barber never diagnoses a condition or names a disease to the client - you simply decline and refer.

Question 20

The three layers of the hair shaft

Accepted Answer

Cuticle (outer overlapping scale layer that protects the strand), cortex (thickest middle layer holding strength, elasticity and natural pigment), and medulla (innermost core, often absent in fine or light-colored hair). Damage is judged mostly by cuticle condition.

Question 21

The three phases of the hair growth cycle

Accepted Answer

Anagen is the active growth phase (years on the scalp), catagen is the brief transition phase of a few weeks, and telogen is the resting phase before shedding, roughly three months. Most scalp hair is in anagen at any time, which is why shedding is normally unnoticeable.

Question 22

The layers of the skin, outermost inward

Accepted Answer

Epidermis (outer, no blood vessels, contains the protective stratum corneum), dermis (contains blood vessels, nerves, sweat and oil glands, and hair follicles), and the subcutaneous layer of fatty tissue beneath. Shaving works on the epidermis - reaching the dermis means you have drawn blood.

Question 23

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Accepted Answer

"Razor bumps" - ingrown hairs that curl back and re-enter the skin, causing inflamed papules, most common in clients with tightly curled facial hair. It is not contagious, so it does not bar service, but shaving too closely makes it worse.

Question 24

Tinea capitis - and can you serve the client?

Accepted Answer

A contagious fungal infection (ringworm) of the scalp showing round, scaly patches with hair broken off at the surface. It is infectious, so you must decline all service and refer the client to a physician. Any tools that contacted the client require immediate disinfection.

Question 25

Pediculosis capitis

Accepted Answer

Head lice - a contagious infestation identified by nits (small oval eggs) cemented to the hair shaft near the scalp. Decline the service and refer the client. Do not attempt to treat it, and disinfect or discard anything that contacted the client's head.

Question 26

Alopecia areata versus androgenic alopecia

Accepted Answer

Alopecia areata is sudden hair loss in smooth, round patches. Androgenic alopecia is gradual, patterned thinning (male pattern baldness). Both are non-infectious disorders, not diseases of the scalp surface, so you may serve the client - just avoid tension and harsh handling.

Question 27

Predisposition (patch) test - purpose and timing

Accepted Answer

A small amount of product is applied behind the ear or on the inner elbow 24 to 48 hours before service to reveal an allergic reaction. Redness, swelling, burning or itching is a positive result, and the service must not be performed.

Question 28

Safe blowdrying technique

Accepted Answer

Keep the dryer moving continuously, hold the nozzle several inches from the scalp, and direct airflow down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle. A stationary hot nozzle held close to the scalp causes burns and is the most common blowdry injury.

Question 29

Before a thermal styling tool touches a client, what must you do?

Accepted Answer

Test the temperature - traditionally on a damp cloth or tissue - and use a heat protectant. Always place a comb or your hand between the hot iron and the scalp. Thermal tools cause burns fastest on fine, previously chemically treated, or damaged hair.

Question 30

Elevation (projection) in haircutting

Accepted Answer

The angle the hair is lifted from the head before cutting. 0 degrees produces a blunt, one-length line with maximum weight; 90 degrees produces uniform layers; over 90 degrees (up to 180) removes weight and creates longer, increased layering.

Question 31

Clipper-over-comb versus shear-over-comb

Accepted Answer

Both use the comb to hold hair at a chosen angle while cutting the projecting ends. Clipper-over-comb removes bulk quickly and blends short tapered areas; shear-over-comb gives finer control and a softer line, typically on mid-lengths and the top.

Question 32

Standard clipper guard lengths

Accepted Answer

With most manufacturers, a #1 guard leaves about 1/8 inch, #2 leaves 1/4 inch, #3 leaves 3/8 inch and #4 leaves 1/2 inch - each step adds roughly 1/8 inch. Guard sizing is not universal, so confirm the length on the brand you are using before cutting.

Question 33

How does curly and over-curly hair change your cutting approach?

Accepted Answer

Curly hair shrinks substantially as it dries, so hair cut short while wet and stretched will finish far shorter than intended. Cut with minimal tension, allow for shrinkage, and check the shape in the hair's natural curl pattern rather than only when stretched.

Question 34

Safe handling of shears, razors and clippers

Accepted Answer

Carry shears closed with the points down, never open. Keep the guard on a shaping razor except while cutting. Check clipper blades for alignment, chipped teeth and frayed cords before each client, and never set running clippers down on the workstation.

Question 35

The five classic massage movements

Accepted Answer

Effleurage (light, gliding stroking), petrissage (kneading and lifting), tapotement (light tapping or percussion), friction (deep circular rubbing) and vibration (rapid shaking). A facial normally begins and ends with effleurage because it is the gentlest.

Question 36

Why a hot towel before a shave, and how to apply it safely

Accepted Answer

Heat and moisture soften the beard hair and open the follicles so the razor glides instead of dragging. Wring the towel out, test the temperature on your own inner wrist first, and never place a steaming towel directly on the client's face or over the nostrils.

Question 37

Mechanical versus chemical exfoliation

Accepted Answer

Mechanical exfoliation physically scrubs away dead surface cells (scrubs, brushes); chemical exfoliation dissolves the bonds between them with acids or enzymes. Both are contraindicated on inflamed, sunburned, broken or actively infected skin.

Question 38

The four straight-razor shaving strokes

Accepted Answer

Freehand, backhand, reverse freehand and reverse backhand. They differ by how the razor is held and the direction of travel. The PSI Barber II practical asks you to demonstrate each one on command, so you must be able to name and perform them individually.

Question 39

How many shaving strokes does Georgia's barber curriculum teach?

Accepted Answer

Rule 240-14-.03 requires 25 hours of shaving instruction covering proper handling of the straight razor and the fourteen (14) stroke process - the standard sequence of numbered areas that covers the whole face and neck in an orderly pattern.

Question 40

Why must you stretch the skin during a shave?

Accepted Answer

Taut skin gives the razor a firm, flat surface so the blade cuts hair rather than catching loose skin. Failing to stretch is the leading cause of nicks and razor burn. The free hand stretches the area just ahead of the stroke, never behind it.

Question 41

First-time-over versus second-time-over shave

Accepted Answer

The first time over shaves WITH the grain (the natural direction of hair growth) to remove most of the beard. After re-lathering, the second time over shaves across or against the grain for a closer finish. Going against the grain first invites ingrown hairs and irritation.

Question 42

At what angle is a straight razor held to the skin?

Accepted Answer

About 30 degrees. Too flat and the blade skips and pulls the hair; too steep and the edge digs into the skin and cuts it. The angle is held constant through the stroke rather than rolled as you travel.

Question 43

What does lather actually do?

Accepted Answer

It softens and hydrates the beard hair, lifts the hair away from the skin, and lubricates the surface so the razor glides. Shaving a dry or under-lathered face causes drag, razor burn and nicks - lather is a safety step, not just comfort.

Question 44

Order of preparation for a straight-razor shave

Accepted Answer

Drape and recline the client, cleanse the face, apply the steam or hot towel to soften the beard, then lather and massage the lather in. Preparation always precedes the first stroke - a properly prepared beard cuts with far less pressure.

Question 45

Purpose of a bracer or astringent after a shave

Accepted Answer

Applied after the shave to cool and soothe the skin, constrict the pores that the hot towel opened, and provide a mild antiseptic effect. It is applied after the residual lather is removed, not before, and is avoided on broken or irritated skin.

Question 46

Contraindications to shaving a client

Accepted Answer

Do not shave over open cuts or lesions, active skin infections, inflamed acne, sunburn, or raised areas such as moles, warts and skin tags. Shave around raised areas or decline the service - cutting one causes bleeding and possible infection.

Question 47

Shaving around the mouth and ears

Accepted Answer

These are the highest-risk areas because the skin is mobile and irregular. Anchor and stretch the skin firmly - having the client hold the lip taut over the teeth, or folding the ear forward - and use short, controlled strokes rather than long sweeps.

Question 48

What happens to the razor blade after each client?

Accepted Answer

A changeable blade is single-use: remove it and drop it into the sharps container immediately after the service, then clean and disinfect the razor handle. Blades are never wiped off and reused on another client, and they never go into the regular trash.

Question 49

Honing versus stropping

Accepted Answer

Honing uses a hone or whetstone to grind a new cutting edge on a conventional straight razor. Stropping uses a leather strop just before use to smooth and align that edge - it does not sharpen. Changeable-blade razors are neither honed nor stropped; the blade is replaced.

Question 50

Safe handling of an open straight razor

Accepted Answer

Keep the edge pointed away from yourself and the client, never lay an open razor on the workstation, and close it or set it in its designated place between strokes. If it is passed at all, it is passed handle-first with the edge turned away.

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