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Free Practice Questions for VA Barber

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Sample VA Barber Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the VA Barber exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 225+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How many training hours does Virginia require to qualify for a barber license?
A.500 hours
B.750 hours
C.1,000 hours
D.1,500 hours
Explanation: Effective December 1, 2025, Virginia barber school curricula require a minimum of 750 clock hours at a board-approved school (18VAC41-20-210; DPOR curriculum memorandum). The prior 1,100-hour requirement applies only to students who must complete legacy programs by July 31, 2026.
2Which organization or agency oversees barber licensing in Virginia?
A.Virginia Department of Health licensing division
B.Virginia DPOR Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
C.Virginia Board of Barbering as a separate agency
D.Virginia Department of Labor and Industry only
Explanation: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology under DPOR oversees barber licensing in Virginia.
3What is the minimum passing score required on the Virginia barber licensing exams?
A.65%
B.70%
C.75%
D.80%
Explanation: Virginia uses NIC barber examinations administered by Prov; candidates must achieve a scaled passing score of 75 on both the written theory and written practical exams (Prov VA Candidate Information Bulletin; DPOR Board for Barbers and Cosmetology).
4Which types of exams must be passed to obtain a Virginia barber license?
A.Written exam only
B.Practical exam only
C.Written and practical exams
D.Written, practical, and oral exams
Explanation: Virginia requires candidates to pass both the NIC written theory exam and the NIC written practical exam (administered by Prov) before licensure. Both components must be passed; failing one requires retaking only that portion.
5How often must a Virginia barber license be renewed?
A.Every year
B.Every two years
C.Every three years
D.Every five years
Explanation: Virginia barber licenses must be renewed every two years (biennially).
6What is the renewal fee for a Virginia barber license?
A.$60
B.$75
C.$105
D.$120
Explanation: The biennial renewal fee for an individual Virginia barber license is $120 per 18VAC41-20-140. Paying after expiration triggers a $240 reinstatement fee that includes the renewal fee plus a $120 penalty.
7Does Virginia require continuing education for barber license renewal?
A.Yes, 10 hours of CE each renewal cycle
B.Yes, 24 hours of CE each renewal cycle
C.Yes, 4 hours of CE each renewal cycle
D.No CE is required for barber renewal
Explanation: Virginia does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. Barbers simply need to pay the renewal fee and submit the application on time.
8Under Virginia law, practicing barbering without a valid license may result in:
A.A verbal warning from the board only
B.Fines, penalties, and possible legal action
C.No consequences under Virginia law
D.Automatic license issuance after 30 days
Explanation: Practicing barbering without a valid license in Virginia is a violation that can result in penalties, fines, and possible legal action by the regulatory board.
9Virginia barbershops must display which documents in a visible location?
A.Only the shop establishment license posted
B.Current barber licenses and establishment license
C.Only the barber school diploma on display
D.No licenses need to be displayed publicly
Explanation: Virginia requires both current individual barber licenses and the barbershop establishment license to be displayed in a visible location.
10A Virginia barbershop must obtain which type of license before opening for business?
A.Only individual barber licenses for staff
B.An establishment (shop) license
C.Only a city business permit
D.No shop license is needed
Explanation: Virginia requires barbershops to obtain an establishment license before opening for business, in addition to individual licenses for all practicing barbers.

About the VA Barber Exam

The Virginia barber license requires the NIC Barber 1 (No Chemical) theory exam, with 10 added Virginia law questions from 18VAC41-20, and the NIC Barber 1 practical exam, both delivered by Prov. The theory exam weights scientific concepts 40%, hair care services 30%, facial hair and skin care 20% and implements 10%.

Exam sponsor: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR) / Prov, Inc.. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Computer-based NIC Barber 1 theory exam with 10 Virginia law questions, plus a hands-on NIC Barber 1 practical exam

Time Limit

90 minutes (NIC Barber 1 theory)

Passing Score

75

Exam / Certification Fees

$194 ($99 theory + $95 practical)

Exam sponsor website

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.

40%

Scientific Concepts

Infection control, blood exposure, CDC/OSHA/EPA rules, anatomy and body systems, skin and hair disorders, product chemistry

10%

Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering

Function, care, safety and sanitation of razors, shears, combs, clippers, dryers and supplies

30%

Hair Care Services

Consultation and records, draping, shampoo and scalp treatments, haircutting, outlining and neck shave, styling, hair enhancements, head shaving

20%

Facial Hair and Skin Care Services

Skin evaluation and contraindications, shave with required strokes, facial hair design, facials, electrotherapy and light therapy

10 questions

Virginia Laws and Regulations

State questions added by Prov from 18VAC41-20: entry, fees, renewal, shop licenses, sanitation and discipline

Preparing for the VA Barber Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75
  • Assessment: Computer-based NIC Barber 1 theory exam with 10 Virginia law questions, plus a hands-on NIC Barber 1 practical exam
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (NIC Barber 1 theory)
  • Exam / certification fees: $194 ($99 theory + $95 practical) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 225 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours are required for a Virginia barber license?

Since December 1, 2025, an approved Virginia barber school program requires 750 clock hours (it was 1,100). Candidates can also qualify through a registered apprenticeship through Virginia Works, a Virginia public school program, or out-of-state training of at least 80% of Virginia hours.

What is the passing score for the Virginia barber exam?

DPOR's Virginia candidate bulletin lists a minimum score of 75 to pass both the NIC theory and the NIC practical exam. A passed exam is kept only if both exams are passed within one year of the initial exam date.

What is the difference between a Barber and a Master Barber in Virginia?

A Virginia barber may cut, shave and trim, give scalp and face treatments tied to those services, and dye (color) hair. A master barber may also wave, bleach, relax and straighten hair, work on wigs and hairpieces, and wax the scalp. The master barber license requires a 250-hour master barber program (or a 1,000-hour dual program) and the NIC Barber Styling exams.

How often must a Virginia barber license be renewed?

A Virginia barber license expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Renewal costs $120, renewing more than 30 days late requires the $240 reinstatement fee, and 18VAC41-20 has no continuing-education requirement.

Who administers the Virginia barber licensing exams?

Since January 1, 2025, Prov, Inc. has administered the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology exams. Barber candidates take the NIC National Barber 1 (No Chemical) theory and practical exams, and Prov adds 10 Virginia law questions to the theory exam.