Maryland Barber PSI Exam 2026/2027 | ACTUAL-Style Practice Questions & Answers, Barber Theory, Sanitation, Haircutting, Shaving, and Detailed Rationales

Maryland Barber PSI Exam 2026/2027 |
ACTUAL-Style Practice Questions & Answers,
Barber Theory, Sanitation, Haircutting,
Shaving, and Detailed Rationales
Maryland Barber — PSI Theory Examination
Question 1: Which Maryland agency must approve a barber
training program for it to satisfy licensure eligibility requirements?
A. The Maryland Department of Health only
B. The State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education
Commission
C. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
D. The Environmental Protection Agency
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The State Department of Education or the
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Rationale: Under Maryland law, barber school programs must be approved
by the State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education
Commission, in consultation with the Board of Barbers. This ensures that
training programs meet established educational standards before
candidates can sit for licensure examinations.
Question 2: What is the minimum number of training hours
required for a Maryland barber license through a barber school
program?
A. 900 hours
B. 1,200 hours
C. 1,500 hours
D. 2,250 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1,200 hours
Rationale: Maryland requires applicants for a barber license to complete at
least 1,200 hours of training in an approved barber school program. This
ensures candidates receive comprehensive instruction in all aspects of
barbering before licensure.
Question 3: A barber apprentice in Maryland must complete what
minimum number of apprenticeship hours within two years?

,A. 1,200 hours
B. 1,650 hours
C. 2,250 hours
D. 3,000 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 2,250 hours
Rationale: Maryland law specifies that an apprenticeship for a barber
license requires at least 2,250 hours of training within a two-year period,
conducted in a licensed barbershop under the supervision of a master
barber.
Question 4: Which of the following is a required component of
Maryland barber licensure in addition to training hours?
A. A minimum of 5 years of work experience
B. One hour of domestic violence awareness training
C. Certification in CPR and first aid
D. A college degree in business management
CORRECT ANSWER: B. One hour of domestic violence awareness
training
Rationale: Maryland requires all barber license applicants to complete at
least one hour of in-person or virtual training in domestic violence
awareness. This training covers recognizing signs of domestic violence and
connecting clients with resources.
Question 5: If a licensed cosmetologist applies for a Maryland
barber license, the Board shall credit them with having met what
portion of the training requirement?
A. One-quarter
B. One-half
C. Three-quarters
D. The full requirement
CORRECT ANSWER: B. One-half
Rationale: Maryland law provides that cosmetologists licensed in the state
receive credit for one-half of the barber training requirement. This
recognizes the overlap in foundational skills between the two professions.

,Question 6: What is the minimum training requirement for a
barber-stylist limited license through an apprenticeship?
A. 900 hours within 12 months
B. 1,200 hours within 12 months
C. 1,650 hours within 18 months
D. 2,250 hours within 24 months
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1,650 hours within 18 months
Rationale: The barber-stylist limited license requires completion of an
apprenticeship of at least 1,650 hours within 18 months in a licensed
barbershop under master barber supervision.
Question 7: What is the minimum experience requirement for a
Maryland master barber license?
A. 6 months as a barber
B. 12 months as a barber
C. 15 months as a barber
D. 24 months as a barber
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 15 months as a barber
Rationale: Maryland requires applicants for a master barber license to have
at least 15 months of experience as a licensed barber before qualifying for
the master barber examination.
Question 8: Which organization is contracted by the Maryland
Board of Barbers to administer licensure examinations?
A. The National Association of Barber Boards
B. PSI Services LLC
C. The Maryland Department of Labor directly
D. Milady Cengage Learning
CORRECT ANSWER: B. PSI Services LLC
Rationale: PSI Services provides examination services for the Maryland
State Board of Barbers. Applicants register, schedule, and take their
examinations through PSI's testing system.
Question 9: What is the fee for taking both the Maryland barber
theory and practical examinations?

, A. $47
B. $77
C. $94
D. $112
CORRECT ANSWER: B. $77
Rationale: The combined fee for taking both the theory and practical
portions of the Maryland barber examination is $77. Individual portions
cost $47 each.
Question 10: Which of the following is a characteristic of Maryland
barber examination eligibility?
A. Eligibility expires after 6 months
B. Applicants may retest only once
C. There is no expiration to eligibility
D. Scores are valid for 10 years
CORRECT ANSWER: C. There is no expiration to eligibility
Rationale: Once approved for testing by PSI, a candidate's eligibility does
not expire. Candidates may retest on an unlimited basis if they do not pass
on their first attempt.
Question 11: What must out-of-state candidates obtain before
sitting for Maryland barber examinations?
A. A Maryland driver's license
B. A letter of eligibility from the State of Maryland
C. A notarized letter from their employer
D. Proof of residency in Maryland
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A letter of eligibility from the State of
Maryland
Rationale: Out-of-state candidates must obtain a letter of eligibility from the
Maryland Board. This requires submitting a certification letter from their
home state board demonstrating equivalent training or current licensure.
Question 12: What happens if a candidate takes a Maryland barber
examination without prior approval from the State?
A. They receive a provisional license
B. Their test scores are invalidated