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200+ Free AL Master Barber Practice Questions

Pass your Alabama Master Barber Written Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Color removal (a 'color extractor' or dye-soap cap technique) is most appropriate when:

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Key Facts: AL Master Barber Exam

70%

Passing Score

110

Total Questions

90 min

Time Limit

$75

Written Exam Fee

The AL Master Barber Written Exam contains 110 questions (100 scored + 10 pretest), allows 90 minutes, and requires 70% to pass. The $75 written exam is administered by the AL Board of Cosmetology and Barbering using an NIC-based content outline covering hair cutting (18%), chemical services (16%), shaving (14%), hair/scalp biology (14%), sanitation (12%), implements (12%), AL law (8%), and ethics (6%). Candidates must complete a 1500-hour Master Barber program.

Sample AL Master Barber Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AL Master Barber exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When performing a clipper-over-comb taper on the nape, what is the primary purpose of holding the comb at an angle away from the scalp as you move up?
A.To dry the hair faster
B.To create a graduated blend from short to longer lengths
C.To remove split ends
D.To straighten curly hair permanently
Explanation: Angling the comb away from the scalp creates a graduated cut — the hair closer to the comb's teeth is left longer, blending the short clipper-cut nape into the longer hair above. This is the fundamental principle behind a tapered nape and the basis of fading techniques.
2A skin fade (zero fade) blends the hairline into the skin starting at what clipper setting before progressing upward?
A.A #3 guard
B.A #1 guard
C.Bald (no guard, lever closed)
D.A #5 guard
Explanation: A skin or zero fade begins bald — clippers used with no guard and the lever fully closed cut hair flush to the scalp. The barber then progresses upward through #0.5, #1, #1.5, etc., to create the gradient.
3Scissor-over-comb is typically preferred over clipper-over-comb when:
A.The client has very thick hair that needs bulk removed quickly
B.Creating a softer, more textured blend on longer-length tapers
C.Cutting completely bald around the ears
D.Performing a chemical relaxer service
Explanation: Scissor-over-comb produces a softer, less mechanical line than clippers and is the preferred technique on longer tapers, classic gentleman's cuts, and detail work near the crown where a textured finish is desired.
4When sculpting a beard line along the cheek, which guideline produces the most flattering result for most face shapes?
A.A straight line from sideburn to corner of the mouth
B.A natural line that follows the client's existing growth pattern, cleaned and softened
C.An aggressive sharp angle running into the mustache
D.A diagonal line dropping below the jaw
Explanation: The most universally flattering cheek line follows the client's natural beard growth, cleaned and slightly softened. Over-aggressive geometric lines often look unnatural and emphasize asymmetry in the face.
5Which cutting elevation produces a heavier, blunt look with no graduation?
A.0 degrees (no elevation)
B.45 degrees
C.90 degrees
D.180 degrees
Explanation: Cutting at 0 degrees (no elevation, hair held flat to its natural fall) creates a blunt, one-length cut with no graduation. Higher elevations remove weight and create layers.
6When taking a vertical parting on the crown and lifting it to 90 degrees, you create:
A.Weight at the perimeter
B.Uniform layers throughout that section
C.A solid blunt edge
D.An undercut
Explanation: Lifting hair to 90 degrees from the head and cutting parallel to the parting creates uniform layers — all hair within that section is cut to the same length from the scalp.
7Texturizing shears (notching shears) primarily:
A.Remove the maximum amount of length
B.Remove bulk and add visual texture without changing overall length
C.Cut wet hair only
D.Sharpen themselves automatically
Explanation: Texturizing or notching shears have toothed blades that remove only a portion of the hair in each cut, removing bulk and adding texture/movement without significantly shortening the hair.
8A 'burst fade' is characterized by:
A.A fade that radiates outward in a semicircle around the ear
B.A straight horizontal fade line across the back
C.A fade only on the front hairline
D.A bald spot on the crown
Explanation: The burst fade follows a semicircular pattern radiating outward from the ear, leaving the nape longer. It's commonly paired with mohawk and Mohawk-inspired styles.
9When detailing the temple area with a trimmer, the barber should always:
A.Use the trimmer with the blade facing the scalp at a 90-degree angle
B.Work from the established line outward into the hair, never inward beyond the line
C.Apply heavy downward pressure
D.Skip eye protection for the client
Explanation: Detailing always works from the established line outward into already-cut hair. Pushing the trimmer inward past the line will scoop into the hairline and create an uneven, ragged edge.
10An over-direction technique in cutting is used to:
A.Speed up drying
B.Build weight or length toward a specific area
C.Sterilize implements
D.Test pH balance
Explanation: Over-direction means holding hair away from its natural fall position before cutting, which builds length or weight on the opposite side — a key technique for creating side-swept fringes and asymmetrical styles.

About the AL Master Barber Exam

The Alabama Master Barber Written Exam is administered by the AL Board of Cosmetology and Barbering and uses an NIC-based content outline. Candidates complete a 1500-hour Master Barber program before testing on hair cutting, chemical services, shaving, sanitation, and AL law (Code 34-7B).

Questions

110 scored questions

Time Limit

90 min

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$75 written exam fee (AL Board of Cosmetology and Barbering)

AL Master Barber Exam Content Outline

18%

Hair Cutting & Styling

Clipper-over-comb, scissor-over-comb, fades, tapers, beard sculpting.

16%

Chemical Services

Relaxers, perms, color, oxidation chemistry, patch tests.

14%

Shaving & Beard Services

Straight razor, neck shaves, hot towel service, beard care.

14%

Hair & Scalp Biology

Hair shaft structure, growth cycle, scalp disorders.

12%

Sanitation & Infection Control

EPA-registered disinfectants, AL Board rules, bloodborne pathogens.

12%

Implements & Equipment

Clippers, shears, razors, hot towel cabinet maintenance.

8%

Alabama Law

AL Code 34-7B, Board of Barbering & Cosmetology rules, 1500-hr training.

6%

Ethics & Professional Practice

Client consultation, retention, continuing education.

How to Pass the AL Master Barber Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 110 questions
  • Time limit: 90 min
  • Exam fee: $75 written exam fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AL Master Barber Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on hair cutting/styling (18%) and chemical services (16%) — together they account for over a third of scored items.
2Memorize EPA-registered disinfectant contact times and the AL Board's sanitation rules under Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 250-X.
3Know AL Code Title 34, Chapter 7B verbatim for the 8% Alabama Law section — fee schedule, 1500-hour requirement, license renewal.
4Practice oxidation chemistry: hydrogen peroxide volumes, ammonia function, and pH ranges for relaxers vs. perms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AL Master Barber Written Exam?

The exam has 110 questions total — 100 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest items used by the AL Board partner for future test development.

What score do I need to pass the Alabama Master Barber exam?

You must score 70% or higher on the scored portion to pass the AL Master Barber Written Exam.

How much does the AL Master Barber written exam cost?

The Alabama written exam fee is $75. State licensing fees are separate and paid to the AL Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

How long is the Alabama Master Barber written exam?

You have 90 minutes to complete all 110 questions on the AL Master Barber Written Exam.

Can I take the AL Master Barber exam online from home?

No. The Alabama Master Barber Written Exam is delivered at AL Board–approved testing sites; remote/online proctoring is not available.

What training do I need before testing in Alabama?

Alabama requires completion of a 1500-hour Master Barber program at a Board-approved school under AL Code Title 34, Chapter 7B before sitting for the written exam.