1.5 The NIC Barber 1 Practical Exam: Virginia Core Sections, Scoring Tasks and Kit

How the Practical Is Built

The NIC National Barber 1 (No Chemical) Practical Examination tests the tasks a newly licensed barber performs most often and that matter most for client safety. Prov's 2026 Virginia bulletin states that Virginia uses only the core sections, not the additional sections some states add (such as blow-dry styling or a facial). Fees are $95 per attempt, all practical exams are given in English, and verbal instructions are read twice for each section.

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Rules That Apply to Every Section

• Disinfectant. Use EPA-registered disinfectant wipes that show bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal claims on the original manufacturer's label. Disinfectant and aerosol sprays are not allowed in the testing room. Simulated products are not allowed for disinfectants or hand sanitizers.
• Gloves. Following manufacturers' guidelines, gloves must be worn during disinfection procedures.
• Labels. Every product must be labeled in English. Where an original manufacturer's label is required, no handwritten labels are allowed, and no label may show the order of use. Candidates may not label products as single-use items.
• Three disposal containers. Bring containers labeled "To be disinfected," "Soiled linens" and "Trash." Correct sorting is scored in every section. A free-standing paper bag with a plastic liner is the suggested container.
• The kit is dry storage. Keep it closed except when removing materials. You may take items out at any time, but nothing may be returned to the kit.
• Mannequin. It must be a full-size head with no pre-markings or pre-sectioning. "Minikin" or "junior" heads are not permitted, and the head must be approved before you are admitted.
• Safety and infection control are evaluated throughout. A blood exposure that is mishandled, or a work area left unsafe, can mean dismissal or a failing score.
• Brace your hand any time you work around the eyes or mouth.
• When you finish a section, step back. When the timer goes off, stop immediately.

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Section 2: The 40-Minute Haircut

The verbal instructions ask you to:

• prepare the client and perform a scalp analysis;
• perform a tapered haircut with no blocked line at the nape;
• demonstrate clipper cutting with and without a guard (or a detachable-blade clipper);
• demonstrate shear-over-comb and fingers-and-shear cutting;
• complete and blend the haircut;
• shave both sides of the neck with a straight razor;
• cut at least 1/2 inch of hair throughout.

Do not remove your hair clippings until an examiner tells you to. The examiner then asks to use your comb to check the cut.

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Section 4: Shaving with a Straight Razor

1. Preparation (5 minutes). Set up visibly clean implements, drape properly, lather the beard and mustache area and apply a steam towel. Leave the towel on until the examiner tells you to remove it.
2. Strokes (untimed, examined one candidate at a time). The examiner tells you to remove the towel, re-lather and demonstrate shaving strokes 1, 3, 11; 2; 13 and 14:
   • freehand stroke in areas 1, 3 and 11;
   • backhand stroke in area 2;
   • reverse freehand stroke in areas 13 and 14.
3. Finishing (5 minutes). Do not demonstrate more strokes. Complete the shave service (for example, a warm towel, then toner, talc or moisturizer as taught), keep the drape in place and sort the waste.

The NIC bulletin states that a straight razor must be used. Check Virginia's current razor-blade and mannequin rules on your admission materials. Section 9.2 explains each shaving area and stroke.

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Section 5: The Blood Exposure Procedure

The scenario: during a service you got a minor cut on your index finger, you can continue working, and neither the client nor the work area was contaminated. You must:

1. Use blood exposure supplies labeled in English.
2. Take the materials out of a first aid kit, and make sure they are visibly clean.
3. Clean the injured area with an antiseptic.
4. Cover it with an absorbent, secured dressing.
5. Wear a glove or finger guard over the dressing.
6. Dispose of all contaminated supplies properly. In a real shop, Virginia requires blood-soiled disposables to be double-bagged, labeled as a biohazard and placed in a closed receptacle (18VAC41-20-270 D 8).

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Suggested Supply Kit (from the NIC bulletin)

Closeable kit; fully charged clippers; guards or detachable blades; shears; combs; hair brush; clips; straight razor; spatulas; neck strips; protective capes (a child-size cape may be used on the mannequin); cloth towels; a steam towel; paper towels; spray bottle with water; non-aerosol shaving cream; toner, talc or moisturizer; gloves; EPA-registered disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer in original labeled containers; the three labeled disposal containers; a full-size mannequin with a table clamp or tripod; and a first aid kit for the blood exposure section. Prov's bulletin also limits kits to 30 by 30 inches, and kits must fit under the work area.