PSI BARBERING ULTIMATE EXAM
Comprehensive Study Resource for the PSI Barbering Licensing Examination
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EXAM OVERVIEW
The PSI Barbering Licensing Examination is administered by PSI Examination Services for
state barbering boards across the United States. The exam consists of a written (theory)
component and a practical component designed to assess safety-critical tasks performed
in real-world barbering environments.
Written Examination Content Areas:
- Infection Control, Sanitation & Safety – Disinfection, sterilization, sanitation procedures,
EPA-registered disinfectants, blood spill procedures, safety standards
- Haircutting & Styling Techniques – Clipper cutting, shear cutting, scissor-over-comb,
texturizing, layering, fading, tapering
- Shaving & Facial Hair Services – Shaving procedures, razor techniques, beard and
mustache trimming, facial hair design
- Hair & Scalp Analysis – Structure of skin and hair, hair growth, skin and hair conditions
- Chemical Services – Permanent waving, chemical relaxing, hair coloring, chemical safety
- Tools & Equipment – Clippers, shears, razors, hones, strops, neck strips, disinfectant
containers
- State Regulations & Professional Practices – Licensing requirements, state board
regulations, professional ethics
Licensing Requirements (Indiana Example):
- Minimum age: 18 years old (or 17 with a high school diploma)
- Education: 1,500 hours of barbering education at a state-approved school
- Exams: Pass both the PSI written examination and the practical examination
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SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL, SANITATION & SAFETY (Questions 1–100)
## 1A: DISINFECTION & STERILIZATION (Questions 1–40)
1. What is the primary difference between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization?
A) They all mean the same thing
B) Sanitation reduces germs, disinfection kills most germs, sterilization kills all germs
including spores
C) Sterilization is the least effective method
D) Disinfection is only for surfaces; sanitation is for tools
Answer: B
Rationale: Sanitation reduces the number of germs on a surface. Disinfection kills most
pathogenic microorganisms on non-living surfaces. Sterilization destroys all
microorganisms, including bacterial spores, making it the highest level of infection
control.*
2. What is the minimum level of infection control required for tools that come into contact
with non-intact skin or blood?
A) Sanitation
B) Disinfection
C) Sterilization
D) Washing with soap and water only
Answer: C
Rationale: Any tool that comes into contact with non-intact skin, blood, or body fluids
must be sterilized to eliminate all microorganisms and prevent the transmission of
bloodborne pathogens.*
3. Which of the following is an EPA-registered disinfectant suitable for use in a
barbershop?
,A) Household bleach diluted 1:10
B) Vinegar and water solution
C) Quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats")
D) Hydrogen peroxide 3%
Answer: C
Rationale: Quaternary ammonium compounds are EPA-registered disinfectants commonly
used in barbershops and salons. They are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens
and are relatively non-irritating to skin and surfaces.*
4. How should non-porous barbering tools be properly disinfected after each use?
A) Wipe with a dry cloth
B) Wash with soap and water, then soak in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the
manufacturer's recommended contact time
C) Rinse with hot water
D) Spray with alcohol and air dry
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper disinfection requires cleaning the tool with soap and water to remove
debris, followed by complete immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the full
contact time specified by the manufacturer.*
5. What is the minimum contact time for most EPA-registered disinfectants used in
barbering?
A) 1-2 minutes
B) 10-15 minutes
C) 30-60 minutes
D) Overnight
Answer: B
Rationale: Most EPA-registered disinfectants require a contact time of 10-15 minutes to
effectively kill pathogens. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific
product being used.*
, 6. What is the purpose of a disinfectant test strip?
A) To check the color of the disinfectant
B) To ensure the disinfectant is at the correct concentration for effectiveness
C) To test the pH of the disinfectant
D) To determine if the disinfectant has expired
Answer: B
Rationale: Disinfectant test strips measure the concentration of the active ingredient in the
solution, ensuring it is at the correct strength to be effective against pathogens.*
7. Which of the following is considered a single-use item that must be discarded after
each use?
A) Barber shears
B) Clipper blades
C) Neck strips
D) Combs
Answer: C
Rationale: Neck strips are porous and cannot be properly disinfected, so they must be
discarded after each use. Shears, clipper blades, and combs can be disinfected if they are
non-porous.*
8. How should used razor blades be disposed of?
A) In the regular trash
B) In a puncture-resistant sharps container
C) Wrapped in paper and thrown away
D) Flushed down the toilet
Answer: B
Rationale: Used razor blades are considered sharps and must be disposed of in a
puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries and the spread of
infection.*
Comprehensive Study Resource for the PSI Barbering Licensing Examination
---
EXAM OVERVIEW
The PSI Barbering Licensing Examination is administered by PSI Examination Services for
state barbering boards across the United States. The exam consists of a written (theory)
component and a practical component designed to assess safety-critical tasks performed
in real-world barbering environments.
Written Examination Content Areas:
- Infection Control, Sanitation & Safety – Disinfection, sterilization, sanitation procedures,
EPA-registered disinfectants, blood spill procedures, safety standards
- Haircutting & Styling Techniques – Clipper cutting, shear cutting, scissor-over-comb,
texturizing, layering, fading, tapering
- Shaving & Facial Hair Services – Shaving procedures, razor techniques, beard and
mustache trimming, facial hair design
- Hair & Scalp Analysis – Structure of skin and hair, hair growth, skin and hair conditions
- Chemical Services – Permanent waving, chemical relaxing, hair coloring, chemical safety
- Tools & Equipment – Clippers, shears, razors, hones, strops, neck strips, disinfectant
containers
- State Regulations & Professional Practices – Licensing requirements, state board
regulations, professional ethics
Licensing Requirements (Indiana Example):
- Minimum age: 18 years old (or 17 with a high school diploma)
- Education: 1,500 hours of barbering education at a state-approved school
- Exams: Pass both the PSI written examination and the practical examination
, ---
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL, SANITATION & SAFETY (Questions 1–100)
## 1A: DISINFECTION & STERILIZATION (Questions 1–40)
1. What is the primary difference between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization?
A) They all mean the same thing
B) Sanitation reduces germs, disinfection kills most germs, sterilization kills all germs
including spores
C) Sterilization is the least effective method
D) Disinfection is only for surfaces; sanitation is for tools
Answer: B
Rationale: Sanitation reduces the number of germs on a surface. Disinfection kills most
pathogenic microorganisms on non-living surfaces. Sterilization destroys all
microorganisms, including bacterial spores, making it the highest level of infection
control.*
2. What is the minimum level of infection control required for tools that come into contact
with non-intact skin or blood?
A) Sanitation
B) Disinfection
C) Sterilization
D) Washing with soap and water only
Answer: C
Rationale: Any tool that comes into contact with non-intact skin, blood, or body fluids
must be sterilized to eliminate all microorganisms and prevent the transmission of
bloodborne pathogens.*
3. Which of the following is an EPA-registered disinfectant suitable for use in a
barbershop?
,A) Household bleach diluted 1:10
B) Vinegar and water solution
C) Quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats")
D) Hydrogen peroxide 3%
Answer: C
Rationale: Quaternary ammonium compounds are EPA-registered disinfectants commonly
used in barbershops and salons. They are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens
and are relatively non-irritating to skin and surfaces.*
4. How should non-porous barbering tools be properly disinfected after each use?
A) Wipe with a dry cloth
B) Wash with soap and water, then soak in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the
manufacturer's recommended contact time
C) Rinse with hot water
D) Spray with alcohol and air dry
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper disinfection requires cleaning the tool with soap and water to remove
debris, followed by complete immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the full
contact time specified by the manufacturer.*
5. What is the minimum contact time for most EPA-registered disinfectants used in
barbering?
A) 1-2 minutes
B) 10-15 minutes
C) 30-60 minutes
D) Overnight
Answer: B
Rationale: Most EPA-registered disinfectants require a contact time of 10-15 minutes to
effectively kill pathogens. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific
product being used.*
, 6. What is the purpose of a disinfectant test strip?
A) To check the color of the disinfectant
B) To ensure the disinfectant is at the correct concentration for effectiveness
C) To test the pH of the disinfectant
D) To determine if the disinfectant has expired
Answer: B
Rationale: Disinfectant test strips measure the concentration of the active ingredient in the
solution, ensuring it is at the correct strength to be effective against pathogens.*
7. Which of the following is considered a single-use item that must be discarded after
each use?
A) Barber shears
B) Clipper blades
C) Neck strips
D) Combs
Answer: C
Rationale: Neck strips are porous and cannot be properly disinfected, so they must be
discarded after each use. Shears, clipper blades, and combs can be disinfected if they are
non-porous.*
8. How should used razor blades be disposed of?
A) In the regular trash
B) In a puncture-resistant sharps container
C) Wrapped in paper and thrown away
D) Flushed down the toilet
Answer: B
Rationale: Used razor blades are considered sharps and must be disposed of in a
puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries and the spread of
infection.*
