Free Practice Questions for TN Master Barber Exam

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Exam Review

Key Facts: TN Master Barber Exam Exam

70%

Passing Score (each section)

1,500

TN Required Instructional Hours

2 hours

National Theory Time

National Theory Questions (85 scored)

The Tennessee Master Barber exams are delivered by PSI under the national exam content used in Tennessee since August 17, 2026. The national barber theory portion has 95 questions (85 scored) in 2 hours, led by safety and infection control (31%) and shaving (22%), and Tennessee law is tested as well. The passing score is 70%. Candidates must be at least 16 and complete 1,500 hours at a registered barber school.

Sample TN Master Barber Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TN Master Barber Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which guideline should a barber follow when cutting straight, blunt hairlines on fine, straight hair?

A.Use a clipper-over-comb technique with no tension

B.Hold the hair with even tension and cut a straight design line

C.Texturize the ends with point cutting before establishing the line

D.Slide cut the perimeter to remove visible weight

Explanation: A blunt or one-length cut is created by holding the hair with even, consistent tension and cutting a straight design line so all ends fall at the same length.

2What is the primary purpose of cross-checking a haircut?

A.To verify the symmetry and balance by checking opposite to the original parting

B.To remove additional weight from the interior

C.To create texture along the perimeter line

D.To dry the hair before styling

Explanation: Cross-checking means re-parting and combing the hair in the opposite direction of the original cut to confirm the haircut is balanced and even.

3Which elevation produces a graduated haircut with stacked weight at the perimeter?

A.0 degrees

B.45 degrees

C.90 degrees

D.180 degrees

Explanation: Graduation is created using elevations between 1 and 89 degrees, with 45 degrees being the classic angle that builds visible stacked weight at the perimeter.

4What is a uniform layered haircut characterized by?

A.0-degree elevation with blunt ends

B.45-degree elevation with stacked weight

C.90-degree elevation with all strands cut to the same length from the head

D.180-degree elevation creating long layers on top

Explanation: A uniform layered cut elevates every section 90 degrees from the head and cuts all strands to the same length, producing a rounded silhouette.

5When using clipper-over-comb on a short taper, the comb should be moved in which direction?

A.From the top of the head down to the hairline

B.From the hairline upward, lifting the hair away from the scalp

C.From the side toward the center back

D.From the ear forward to the temple only

Explanation: Clipper-over-comb tapering begins at the hairline and moves upward, with the comb lifting the hair away from the scalp so the clipper can cut graduated lengths.

6Which clipper guard length is most appropriate for a medium fade transition zone?

A.#0000 (bald)

B.#1 (1/8 inch)

C.#3 (3/8 inch)

D.#8 (1 inch)

Explanation: A #1 guard at 1/8 inch is commonly used as the transition between skin and longer guards in a medium fade. Skin (#0000) anchors the bottom and #2 or #3 carries the blend upward.

7What does a guideline (or design line) refer to in haircutting?

A.The first section cut that establishes the length and shape for all subsequent sections

B.The natural part of the hair

C.The midline of the head from forehead to nape

D.The hairline at the nape only

Explanation: A guideline is the first cut section that establishes the length and design; all following sections are cut to match this reference line.

8Why are razor cuts unsuitable for very curly or wiry hair?

A.Razors slide and skip on coiled strands, fraying ends and causing frizz

B.Razors only cut Caucasian hair

C.Curly hair grows too slowly for razor maintenance

D.Razor cuts are illegal on curly hair in Tennessee

Explanation: Razor cutting works best on straight or wavy hair. On very curly or wiry hair, the razor frays cuticles and causes frizz because it cannot cleanly sever coiled strands.

9What is the purpose of point cutting?

A.To create blunt design lines

B.To remove weight and create texture and softness along the ends

C.To create a perfectly straight perimeter

D.To shave the neckline

Explanation: Point cutting (notching) involves cutting into the ends of the hair with the points of the shears to remove weight, soften lines, and add texture.

10When blow-drying for volume at the base, the hair should be directed in what way relative to the section?

A.With natural fall

B.Over-directed, lifted in the opposite direction of the desired finish before drying

C.Dried entirely with cool air only

D.Combed flat against the scalp

Explanation: To create base volume, the section is over-directed up and against its natural fall while heat is applied. The roots are set in this lifted position, then released for fullness.

About the TN Master Barber Exam Exam

The Tennessee Master Barber exams are administered by PSI for the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Since August 17, 2026, the theory and practical exams use PSI's national content; the national barber theory portion has 95 questions (85 scored) in 2 hours, and Tennessee law is tested separately. Candidates must score at least 70%.

Exam sponsor: TN Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (Department of Commerce & Insurance). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

95 questions

Time Limit

2 hours (national theory portion)

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$67 theory + $67 practical (PSI)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: N/A. Pass rates are not publicly released by PSI or TDCI. 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.

31%

Safety and Infection Control

Infection control procedures, cleaning and disinfection, levels of decontamination, exposure incidents, and workplace safety

15%

Client Consultation and Hair, Scalp, and Skin Analysis

Client intake and contraindications, and analysis of hair, scalp and skin conditions

Hairstyling

Hairstyling services and tools

Haircutting

Haircutting services and safe use of cutting tools

Haircoloring

Haircoloring services, previously part of chemical services

Chemical Texture Services

Chemical waving and relaxing services

Skin Care

Skin care services

22%

Shaving

Straight-razor shaving and facial hair services

Separate state law portion

Tennessee Law

Tenn. Code Title 62, Chapter 3 and the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners rules: licensing, renewal, shop requirements and penalties

Preparing for the TN Master Barber Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 95 questions
Time limit: 2 hours (national theory portion)
Exam / certification fees: $67 theory + $67 practical (PSI) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 200 available questions
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TN Master Barber Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the Tennessee specifics: 1,500 instructional hours, age 16, tenth-grade education, 70% passing score on each section.

2Drill Tennessee law using Tenn. Code 62-3 and the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners rules in Chapter 0200-01 (revised December 2025); small details (display, renewal, shop equipment) are easy points.

3Practice the PSI national barber theory areas, starting with safety and infection control (31%) and shaving (22%), so you do not lose time outside Tennessee-specific content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Tennessee Master Barber exam?

PSI administers the theory and practical exams for the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, part of the Department of Commerce & Insurance.

How is the TN Master Barber written exam structured?

Tennessee uses PSI's national barber theory exam, whose general portion has 95 questions (85 scored) across eight areas, and also tests Tennessee law. A score of 70% or higher is required.

How long do I have to complete the TN Master Barber written exam?

The national barber theory portion allows 2 hours (120 minutes) for its 95 questions. PSI's Tennessee Master Barber Test Taker Guide gives the timing of the Tennessee law portion.

What is the passing score?

Tennessee requires at least 70% on each portion of the Master Barber examination.

How many hours of barber school are required in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires 1,500 instructional hours at a state-approved barber school before sitting for the Master Barber examination.

Is remote testing available for the TN Master Barber exam?

Yes. PSI offers remote proctoring for both the theory and the practical exam in Tennessee; candidates without a suitable computer and camera can test at a PSI center.

Free Practice Questions for TN Master Barber Exam

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