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Key Facts: BP Coiffure Exam

Loi 23 mai 1946

Governing French statute mandating BP/BM qualification to operate a hair salon

Légifrance — Loi n° 46-1173

10/20

Overall weighted average required across the six compulsory units (total coefficient 32)

Règlement d'examen, BP Coiffure

0 €

Official exam registration fee via the Cyclades portal

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale

Niveau 4

National qualification level under the French framework (baccalauréat equivalent)

France Compétences (RNCP38231)

IDCC 2596

Official identifier of the National Hairdressing Collective Agreement in France

Code du travail — Convention collective coiffure

The BP Coiffure (RNCP38231) is the senior French national qualification that satisfies the professional-qualification requirement to run a hairdressing salon under Loi n° 46-1173 du 23 mai 1946. Administered by the French Ministry of Education under the Arrêté du 28 mars 2011 modifié, it comprises six compulsory units totalling coefficient 32: creative colour/cut/styling (E1, coef 6), durable reshaping (E2, coef 5), an optional professional unit — event hairstyling or men's cutting and facial-hair grooming (E3, coef 5), business management (E4, coef 5), sciences, technologies and applied arts (E5, coef 8) and French expression (E6, coef 3). Cyclades registration is free. This OpenExamPrep bank supplies 100 English-language practice questions covering complex colour correction, salon finance, labour law, trichology and workplace safety.

Sample BP Coiffure Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the BP Coiffure exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In Sassoon geometric cutting principles, what projection angle relative to the curvature of the head is used to create a classic graduation (build-up of weight)?

A.0 degrees (comb held flat against the scalp, cutting with natural fall).

B.Between 1 and 89 degrees (typically 45 degrees, elevating hair to build an external weight line).

C.90 degrees perpendicular to the scalp curvature (removing weight uniformly).

D.180 degrees vertically straight up (producing elongated surface layers with light ends).

Explanation: In geometric hair design, a projection elevation between 1° and 89° (most commonly 45°) produces a graduation, which stacks lengths progressively shorter from top to bottom to build external weight and fullness. A 0° projection creates a blunt one-length line, whereas a 90° elevation creates uniform layers that dissipate weight evenly across the cranium.

2During a precision geometric haircut, how does over-direction (surdirection) of hair sections toward a stationary guide affect the resulting lengths in the opposite direction?

A.It creates progressive length increase away from the stationary guide point.

B.It creates an exact uniform length throughout all over-directed sections.

C.It shortens the lengths that are pulled farthest from their natural fall.

D.It eliminates perimeter density and collapses the exterior silhouette.

Explanation: Over-direction involves pulling hair away from its natural falling position toward an anterior or posterior stationary guide. Because hair drawn over a longer distance travels further before meeting the cutting line, it results in maximum length preservation and length increase in the opposite direction from the guide.

3When designing an advanced commercial haircut with a disconnection line (déconnexion), what is the primary structural objective of separating the parietal and crown areas from the lower perimeter?

A.To force the top hair to seamlessly blend without any visible ledge into the nape.

B.To avoid having to cross-check the haircut after completion.

C.To preserve density and strength on the perimeter while creating independent internal movement and reduced volume.

D.To guarantee that hair can only be styled in one single directional parting.

Explanation: Disconnection lines allow a master stylist to cut two or more adjacent sections of the head at completely independent lengths and elevation angles without blending them into a continuous line. This technique preserves substantial weight and solid outline at the perimeter while creating significant lightness, texture, and movement in the crown and parietal zones.

4In an undercut bob (carré plongeant avec contre-dégagement intérieur), why is the underneath occipital subsection cut slightly shorter than the overlying exterior section?

A.To prevent the client from tucking the hair behind their ears.

B.To expose the nape skin to enhance clipper fade contrast in female styling.

C.To speed up blow-drying time by thinning out the hair roots with thinning shears.

D.To create natural inward beveling (enroulement naturel) of the bob perimeter without requiring thermal curling.

Explanation: Cutting the innermost nape hair 1 to 2 mm shorter than the overlying layer exploits the physical principle of tension and curvature: longer outer hairs naturally curve over shorter underlying hairs. This internal beveling (contre-dégagement) allows the bob perimeter to naturally hug the neck and curve inward effortlessly when dried.

5What is the recommended blade angle and hair condition when performing razor sculpting (coupe au rasoir / feather razor) to maintain cuticle integrity?

A.A 30 to 45 degree angle relative to the hair strand on thoroughly damp hair.

B.A 90 degree perpendicular angle relative to the hair strand on completely dry hair.

C.A 0 degree flat scraping angle against the hair cortex on coarse, dehydrated hair.

D.A 15 degree angle on hair pre-treated with high-alkaline chemical straightener.

Explanation: When working with a feather razor, the blade must be angled at 30° to 45° along thoroughly dampened hair shafts. This oblique slicing motion cleanly tapers the hair end without roughing up the imbricated cuticle scales. Scraping at 90° or cutting on dry hair crushes and shatters the cuticle, leading to immediate frizz, split ends, and porosity defects.

6How does freehand slide cutting (effilage glissé) performed with convex-edge shears differ fundamentally from point cutting (piquetage)?

A.Effilage glissé is only executed with electric clippers, whereas piquetage uses texturizing shears.

B.Effilage glissé removes entire blunt sections to establish basic perimeter geometry.

C.Effilage glissé glides along the interior hair shaft to taper volume and connect lengths organically, while piquetage softens ends at the perimeter.

D.Effilage glissé creates solid geometric weight lines, while piquetage creates extreme disconnected undercut steps.

Explanation: Slide cutting (effilage glissé) involves partially closing curved or convex scissor blades while smoothly gliding down the hair shaft from mid-lengths to ends, creating internal channel tapering and seamless fluidity. In contrast, point cutting (piquetage) directs the scissor tips into the ends of the hair section to break up blunt lines and diffuse perimeter edges.

7In the architecture of a high-fashion couture chignon (chignon de mariée / gala), what is the foundational role of internal backcombing (crêpage de soutien)?

A.To matte the surface cuticle so that styling lacquer can penetrate the cortex.

B.To create an internal structural cushion and anchoring base for hairpins and hair pads.

C.To deliberately tease the outermost visible layer for a disheveled editorial finish.

D.To substitute for washing the hair before commencing the bridal consultation.

Explanation: Backcombing for support (crêpage de soutien) compacts underlying hair toward the scalp, producing a dense structural mesh that provides anchoring resistance for hairpins (épingles) and foam padding (crépons). This internal scaffolding bears the tension of the coiffure while the external veil of hair remains polished, smooth, and refined.

8When determining the primary balance point (point d'équilibre) for a profile-harmonizing chignon, how should the hairstylist position the volume relative to the client's cranial morphology?

A.Along an imaginary diagonal line extending from the tip of the chin through the center of the ear to the occipital-parietal axis.

B.Exclusively on top of the vertex regardless of profile curvature or cervical spine length.

C.Directly below the mastoid process flush against the nape collar in every scenario.

D.Projecting horizontally forward above the forehead to exaggerate nasal projection.

Explanation: In French morpho-visagism and advanced chignon construction, the ideal balance point aligns along a diagonal axis tracing from the chin tip through the earlobes toward the crown or upper occipital area. Placing volume along this aesthetic vector establishes dynamic equilibrium with the facial features and flatters the client's natural profile.

9Which professional tool is essential for smoothing the exterior hair veil (lissage de recouvrement) of an elaborate updo without dismantling the underlying teasing?

A.A wide-tooth detangling comb made of hard rubber.

B.A vent brush with metallic ball-tipped bristles.

C.A wire afro rake pick inserted straight to the scalp.

D.A pure boar-bristle dressing brush (brosse de lissage en poils de sanglier).

Explanation: A pure boar-bristle brush features densely packed natural bristles of varying heights that grip and polish only the uppermost cuticular surface of the hair veil. This distributes natural sebum and styling spray evenly to produce a mirror-like finish while leaving the underlying backcombed foundation undisturbed.

10In classical 1920s-1930s water waving (mise en plis crans / finger waving), what is the correct technique for establishing the ridge (crête) and hollow (creux)?

A.Blowing hot air directly onto dry hair while pulling it straight downward with round ceramic brushes.

B.Combing damp, lotion-prepped hair in a C-shaping, securing the crest between index and middle fingers, and directing the next wave in the reverse direction.

C.Wrapping hair around cylindrical Velcro rollers heated to 100 degrees Celsius.

D.Crimping horizontal sections with a zigzag thermal texturizing iron from root to tip.

Explanation: True wet finger waving (crantage à l'eau) requires shaping damp hair saturated with setting lotion into alternating C-shaped movements. The stylist places their non-dominant index and middle fingers flat against the cranium to hold the ridge while combing the hair in the opposite direction, creating crisp, defined crests and troughs.

About the BP Coiffure Exam

The BP Coiffure (RNCP38231, Level 4 EQF) is France's senior state vocational diploma in hairdressing and the qualification most commonly relied on to satisfy the requirement, under Loi n° 46-1173 du 23 mai 1946, that a salon operate under the effective and permanent technical control of a qualified professional. Defined by the Arrêté du 28 mars 2011 modifié and awarded by the French Ministry of National Education through the regional académies via the Cyclades portal, it certifies advanced competence in creative cutting, colour and colour correction, durable form modification, either event hairstyling or men's cutting and facial-hair grooming, together with selling, salon management, applied sciences and applied arts. The official assessment is conducted in French through practical workstations, an oral selling test and written papers — there is no official multiple-choice paper. OpenExamPrep offers a 100-item English-language MCQ study adaptation of this curriculum; it is a study aid, not an official translation or a simulation of the examination's format.

Exam sponsor: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse (administered locally by Académies). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The BP Coiffure (RNCP38231, Level 4, Arrêté du 28 mars 2011 modifié) consists of six compulsory units: E1 Création, couleur, coupe, coiffage (U10, coefficient 6, ponctuel pratique 2 h 30); E2 Modification durable de la forme (U20, coefficient 5, pratique 2 h); E3 Épreuve professionnelle optionnelle chosen at registration — U30A Coiffure évènementielle or U30B Coupe homme et entretien du système pilo-facial (coefficient 5, pratique 1 h); E4 Gestion de l'entreprise (U40, coefficient 5, made up of sous-épreuve E41 Vente-conseil, oral 10 minutes, coefficient 2, and sous-épreuve E42 Management et gestion d'un salon, written 3 h, coefficient 3); E5 Sciences, technologies et arts appliqués (U50, coefficient 8, made up of E51 Sciences et technologies, written 3 h, coefficient 6, and E52 Arts appliqués à la profession, written 2 h, coefficient 2); E6 Expression française et ouverture sur le monde (U6, coefficient 3, written 3 h). Total compulsory coefficient 32. An optional foreign-language oral is available and only points above 10/20 are counted.

Time Limit

About 15 hours of assessment in all (practical 5 h 30 + written 8 h + oral 10 minutes)

Passing Score

Overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across the six compulsory units

Exam / Certification Fees

Free (0 € examination fee for national Cyclades public candidate registrations)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25 of 100 questions

Advanced Cutting, Styling & Artistic Creation

Geometric haircuts, disconnection, razor texturizing, bridal and gala chignons, avant-garde structure, facial morphology analysis, and expert beard grooming

25 of 100 questions

Advanced Colorimetry & Chemical Texture Modification

Complex color correction, neutralizing undertones, high-lift bleaching, balayage contouring, perm chemistry (reducing and neutralizing agents), and keratin smoothing

20 of 100 questions

Salon Financial Management & Business Planning

Revenue metrics, gross profit margin, break-even point (seuil de rentabilité), VAT calculations (20%), operating budgets, equipment depreciation, and stock turnover

15 of 100 questions

Team Leadership & Human Resources Management

National Collective Agreement for Hairdressing (IDCC 2596), employment contract clauses, statutory working hours (35 h), apprentice tutoring, and team motivation

15 of 100 questions

Occupational Health, Safety & Labor Regulations

Musculoskeletal prevention (TMS), allergic contact dermatitis, chemical safety data sheets, DUERP risk assessment, salon air quality, and consumer regulations

Preparing for the BP Coiffure Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across the six compulsory units
Assessment: The BP Coiffure (RNCP38231, Level 4, Arrêté du 28 mars 2011 modifié) consists of six compulsory units: E1 Création, couleur, coupe, coiffage (U10, coefficient 6, ponctuel pratique 2 h 30); E2 Modification durable de la forme (U20, coefficient 5, pratique 2 h); E3 Épreuve professionnelle optionnelle chosen at registration — U30A Coiffure évènementielle or U30B Coupe homme et entretien du système pilo-facial (coefficient 5, pratique 1 h); E4 Gestion de l'entreprise (U40, coefficient 5, made up of sous-épreuve E41 Vente-conseil, oral 10 minutes, coefficient 2, and sous-épreuve E42 Management et gestion d'un salon, written 3 h, coefficient 3); E5 Sciences, technologies et arts appliqués (U50, coefficient 8, made up of E51 Sciences et technologies, written 3 h, coefficient 6, and E52 Arts appliqués à la profession, written 2 h, coefficient 2); E6 Expression française et ouverture sur le monde (U6, coefficient 3, written 3 h). Total compulsory coefficient 32. An optional foreign-language oral is available and only points above 10/20 are counted.
Time limit: About 15 hours of assessment in all (practical 5 h 30 + written 8 h + oral 10 minutes)
Exam / certification fees: Free (0 € examination fee for national Cyclades public candidate registrations) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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BP Coiffure: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master salon financial formulas: understand how to compute the break-even point in value (seuil de rentabilité en valeur) and in days (point mort en jours de chiffre d'affaires).

2Review the French Hairdressing Collective Agreement (Convention Collective Nationale de la Coiffure, IDCC 2596): employee classification levels, probation periods, and overtime compensation rules.

3Understand the chemistry of hair lightening: the oxidation of natural melanin granules (eumelanin and pheomelanin) by persulfates and hydrogen peroxide at different volume strengths (10, 20, 30, 40 vol).

4Familiarize yourself with the DUERP (Document Unique d'Évaluation des Risques Professionnels) requirement: identify risks such as chemical inhalation, repetitive strain injuries, and wet work dermatitis.

5Practice color correction scenarios: learn how to formulate neutralizing toners using complementary color opposites on the Ostwald / color star wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal importance of the BP Coiffure in France?

Under Law n° 46-1173 of 23 May 1946 and Decree n° 97-558 of 29 May 1997, any commercial hairdressing salon operating in France must be placed under the effective and permanent technical supervision of a holder of either the Brevet Professionnel (BP Coiffure) or the Brevet de Maîtrise (BM Coiffeur). A CAP alone is insufficient to operate an independent salon business.

What are the prerequisites to register for the BP Coiffure examination?

Candidates must hold a CAP Métiers de la coiffure (or equivalent Level 3 diploma) and typically demonstrate at least 2 years of professional work experience or vocational apprenticeship in a salon by the time of the examination session.

How is the BP Coiffure examination scored and awarded?

The diploma is awarded to candidates who achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across all six mandatory units (total coefficient 29). There is no eliminating minimum note on individual papers, but achieving 10/20 overall requires solid performances in both practical workstations (E1 and E2) and theory/management (E3 and E4).

What is the examination registration fee for the BP Coiffure?

Registration on the national Cyclades portal (candidat.examens-concours.gouv.fr) for national Ministry of Education examinations is free of charge (0 €) for all candidates.

What is the difference between BP Coiffure and BM Coiffeur?

The BP Coiffure is a Level 4 (Bac equivalent) state diploma issued by the Ministry of National Education, focused on qualifying salon managers and business operators. The BM Coiffeur (Brevet de Maîtrise) is a Level 5 (Bac+2 equivalent) consular title issued by the Chambers of Trades and Crafts (CMA), focused on artisanal excellence, enterprise creation, and the title of Maître Artisan.