Page 1 of 89
CALIFORNIA BARBER WRITTEN EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED QUESTIONS DETAILED RATIONALES GRADED A+
California Barber Written Exam — Complete Questions with Rationales
Summarized 10-Point Exam Coverage
Infection Control & Sanitation — handwashing, disinfection procedures, EPA-registered
disinfectants, blood spill procedures, tool storage, and communicable disease prevention.
Hair & Scalp Anatomy — hair structure, growth cycles, hair analysis (texture, porosity,
elasticity), scalp conditions, and hair disorders.
Skin Anatomy & Physiology — skin layers, glands, skin conditions (acne, seborrhea, steatoma),
and skin analysis.
Bones, Muscles & Nerves — facial bones (maxilla, mandible), facial muscles (buccinator,
epicranius), and nervous system basics.
Haircutting & Styling — shear types, cutting techniques, elevation, sectioning, blow drying, and
styling.
Shaving & Facial Hair Services — shaving strokes (freehand, reverse freehand, backhand),
steam towel use, and skin preparation.
Chemical Hair Services — hair coloring (temporary, semi-permanent, permanent), lightening,
permanent waving, chemical relaxing, and strand/patch tests.
Electricity & Chemistry — AC/DC current, amp, electrode, pH scale, acids, alkalis, and chemical
safety.
Barbering Laws, Rules & Regulations — California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology,
licensing requirements, health and safety codes, and scope of practice.
Business & Professional Practices — booth rental, MSDS, OSHA, client consultation, and
professional ethics.
,Page 2 of 89
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL & SANITATION (Questions 1–30)
Q1. What is the single most important step in preventing the spread of infection in a
barbershop?
A. Using disposable towels
B. Handwashing
C. Wearing gloves
D. Using disinfectants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Handwashing is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of
infection in a salon or barbershop environment. Proper hand hygiene removes pathogens from
the hands before and after each client contact.
Q2. According to California regulations, non-electrical tools must be disinfected in which
sequential manner?
A. Clean with soap and water, dry, then immerse in disinfectant
B. Remove debris, clean with soap and water, completely dry, then immerse in EPA-registered
disinfectant
C. Spray with disinfectant, wipe clean, then store in a closed container
D. Rinse with hot water and place under UV light
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The California Code of Regulations requires removal of visible debris, cleaning with
soap/detergent and water, complete drying, then total immersion in an EPA-registered
disinfectant with bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity.
,Page 3 of 89
Q3. What type of disinfectant activity must EPA-registered disinfectants used in barbershops
demonstrate?
A. Bactericidal and fungicidal only
B. Bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal
C. Parasitical and bactericidal only
D. Virucidal and parasitical only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: California regulations require that disinfectants used for tools must have
demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity to effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and
viruses.
Q4. How should contaminated tools be stored before disinfection?
A. In a clean drawer
B. In a container labeled "Dirty," "Soiled," or "Contaminated"
C. On the counter covered with a towel
D. In the disinfectant solution immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to California regulations, all tools used on a client or soiled in any manner
shall be placed in a container labeled "Dirty," "Soiled," or "Contaminated."
Q5. How should disinfected tools be stored?
A. In a closed drawer with clean tools mixed with dirty ones
B. In a clean, covered container labeled "Clean" or "Disinfected"
C. In a pouch that cannot be disinfected
D. Exposed on the counter for easy access
, Page 4 of 89
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: California regulations require that all disinfected tools be stored in a clean, covered
place which is labeled "Clean" or "Disinfected" to prevent recontamination.
Q6. What should you do if you cut a client during a service?
A. Clean the wound and continue the service
B. Stop the service, provide first aid, and follow blood spill procedures
C. Ignore it if the client does not complain
D. Apply a bandage and continue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If a cut occurs, the service must stop, gloves must be put on, and the cut must be
treated. Blood spill procedures must be followed to prevent cross-contamination.
Q7. What is the correct blood spill procedure?
A. Wipe with a paper towel
B. Put on gloves, clean area with antiseptic, apply bandage, dispose of everything in double-
bagged procedure
C. Rinse with water only
D. Spray with air freshener
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The blood spill procedure involves putting on gloves, cleaning the area with an
antiseptic, applying a bandage, and disposing of all materials in a double-bagged procedure.
Q8. What bacteria grow in clusters that cause abscesses, pustules, and boils?
CALIFORNIA BARBER WRITTEN EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED QUESTIONS DETAILED RATIONALES GRADED A+
California Barber Written Exam — Complete Questions with Rationales
Summarized 10-Point Exam Coverage
Infection Control & Sanitation — handwashing, disinfection procedures, EPA-registered
disinfectants, blood spill procedures, tool storage, and communicable disease prevention.
Hair & Scalp Anatomy — hair structure, growth cycles, hair analysis (texture, porosity,
elasticity), scalp conditions, and hair disorders.
Skin Anatomy & Physiology — skin layers, glands, skin conditions (acne, seborrhea, steatoma),
and skin analysis.
Bones, Muscles & Nerves — facial bones (maxilla, mandible), facial muscles (buccinator,
epicranius), and nervous system basics.
Haircutting & Styling — shear types, cutting techniques, elevation, sectioning, blow drying, and
styling.
Shaving & Facial Hair Services — shaving strokes (freehand, reverse freehand, backhand),
steam towel use, and skin preparation.
Chemical Hair Services — hair coloring (temporary, semi-permanent, permanent), lightening,
permanent waving, chemical relaxing, and strand/patch tests.
Electricity & Chemistry — AC/DC current, amp, electrode, pH scale, acids, alkalis, and chemical
safety.
Barbering Laws, Rules & Regulations — California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology,
licensing requirements, health and safety codes, and scope of practice.
Business & Professional Practices — booth rental, MSDS, OSHA, client consultation, and
professional ethics.
,Page 2 of 89
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL & SANITATION (Questions 1–30)
Q1. What is the single most important step in preventing the spread of infection in a
barbershop?
A. Using disposable towels
B. Handwashing
C. Wearing gloves
D. Using disinfectants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Handwashing is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of
infection in a salon or barbershop environment. Proper hand hygiene removes pathogens from
the hands before and after each client contact.
Q2. According to California regulations, non-electrical tools must be disinfected in which
sequential manner?
A. Clean with soap and water, dry, then immerse in disinfectant
B. Remove debris, clean with soap and water, completely dry, then immerse in EPA-registered
disinfectant
C. Spray with disinfectant, wipe clean, then store in a closed container
D. Rinse with hot water and place under UV light
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The California Code of Regulations requires removal of visible debris, cleaning with
soap/detergent and water, complete drying, then total immersion in an EPA-registered
disinfectant with bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity.
,Page 3 of 89
Q3. What type of disinfectant activity must EPA-registered disinfectants used in barbershops
demonstrate?
A. Bactericidal and fungicidal only
B. Bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal
C. Parasitical and bactericidal only
D. Virucidal and parasitical only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: California regulations require that disinfectants used for tools must have
demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity to effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and
viruses.
Q4. How should contaminated tools be stored before disinfection?
A. In a clean drawer
B. In a container labeled "Dirty," "Soiled," or "Contaminated"
C. On the counter covered with a towel
D. In the disinfectant solution immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to California regulations, all tools used on a client or soiled in any manner
shall be placed in a container labeled "Dirty," "Soiled," or "Contaminated."
Q5. How should disinfected tools be stored?
A. In a closed drawer with clean tools mixed with dirty ones
B. In a clean, covered container labeled "Clean" or "Disinfected"
C. In a pouch that cannot be disinfected
D. Exposed on the counter for easy access
, Page 4 of 89
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: California regulations require that all disinfected tools be stored in a clean, covered
place which is labeled "Clean" or "Disinfected" to prevent recontamination.
Q6. What should you do if you cut a client during a service?
A. Clean the wound and continue the service
B. Stop the service, provide first aid, and follow blood spill procedures
C. Ignore it if the client does not complain
D. Apply a bandage and continue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If a cut occurs, the service must stop, gloves must be put on, and the cut must be
treated. Blood spill procedures must be followed to prevent cross-contamination.
Q7. What is the correct blood spill procedure?
A. Wipe with a paper towel
B. Put on gloves, clean area with antiseptic, apply bandage, dispose of everything in double-
bagged procedure
C. Rinse with water only
D. Spray with air freshener
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The blood spill procedure involves putting on gloves, cleaning the area with an
antiseptic, applying a bandage, and disposing of all materials in a double-bagged procedure.
Q8. What bacteria grow in clusters that cause abscesses, pustules, and boils?
