Goodbye Practical Exam: California Barber Exam enters new normal
And then there was no practical barber exam. California barbering has entered into a new era thanks to SB-803. SB-803 officially went into effect, affecting many areas of the barber industry. This blog explores the changes to the barber examination and offers advice for how to prepare for these new changes.
Before SB-803, the Law read:
“The examination of applicants for a license shall include both a practical demonstration and a written test and shall embrace the subjects typically taught in a program approved by the board.”
After SB-803, the Law now reads:
“The examination of applicants for a license shall consist of a written examination that evaluates competency in protecting the health and safety of consumers of the services provided by licensees” (Section 12-7338a)
SB-803 eliminates the practical exam and leaves the 60 multiple choice question written barber exam as the only portion candidates need to pass to receive their barber license. (Visit SB-803 Questions and Answers for other changes).
Free Barber Exam Study Guide
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Free Barber Exam Study Guide _
Many licensed barbers expressed understandable frustration over these changes. Lu Garcia Reynoso, founder of @barbersocietyla, actively posted updates throughout the SB-803 proposal. The comments on @barbersocietyla Instagram posts provide a glimpse into the division amongst the barbering community in regards to SB-803. Regardless of these frustrations, SB-803 still passed, ushering us into a new era.
Let’s talk about how to best prepare for these new changes.
95 questions. 75% is a passing grade.
The exam has 95 multiple choice questions. Candidates need at least 75% to pass. There are 4 categories to prepare for: Scientific Concepts, Implements and Equipment, Hair Care Services, Facial Hair and Skin Care Services. The PSI (CIB) tells you exactly what you need to study.
The PSI CIB is your best friend. Candidates who pass the exam have most likely used this CIB as a vital study resource.
Textbooks to use
When studying for the exam, candidates should use any of the textbooks from their reference list. Pivot Point 1st Edition and Milady Pro (2017) are the 2 primary resources, while Milady Pro 5th edition (2011) is the only supplemental resource. What does this mean? The NIC used 2 primary textbooks and 1 supplemental textbook when writing the exam questions. Study the textbooks that the NIC used to write the questions. It’s that simple.
Sign up for Barber Exam Prep Course
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Sign up for Barber Exam Prep Course _
Take a practice test
A strategic way to prepare for the 60 multiple choice question exam is to take practice tests. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before the big show. Many candidates avoid taking practice tests because they are afraid of what they might get, while other candidates may be overconfident, thinking that they will pass without any effort. Don’t be that candidate. You want to be the one who passes the exam on the first try.
Milady offers an Exam Review Booklet that has 3 Practice State Board Exams with 150 questions. Their review book also has Chapter Exams for every chapter in the Milady textbook. When you take practice exams, you are aiming for a 75% grade. If you continually pass your exams with a 75%, you will enter into your exam date with confidence. Do not stop taking practice exams until you consistently score 75% or higher.
2 out of 3 candidates pass
In 2021, 66% of candidates passed the written exam. In simpler terms, 2 out of 3 candidates passed the exam. This is a huge increase from the previous year where a staggering 45% of candidates passed the written exam. The upwards trend is a great sign for candidates, however, the exam should be taken very seriously. The 66% pass rate represents the difficulty of the exam. It is not a walk in the park.
Final thoughts
SB-803 eliminated the practical exam, leaving candidates with only one exam to worry about. It simplifies the preparation process and allows candidates to focus on one thing: pass the written exam. What are you waiting for? Go download the NIC Candidate Information Bulletin. Start studying the topics listed on that document. Take practice exams until you consistently hit 75%. Next thing you know, you’ll be a licensed barber.
Written by Matthew Mendoza
Matthew Mendoza is a licensed barber, educator and consultant. He hosts the podcast Beyond Barber School which provides emerging barbers with the critical guidance needed to start their business. In addition, he writes a newsletter called theGuideline about the latest trends in the barber industry.
