Iowa Barber Licensing Examination with
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified A
1. Under Iowa Administrative Code 645-Chapter 11, which of the following best
describes the required supervision ratio for a barber apprentice in a licensed shop?
A. One licensed barber may supervise no more than two apprentices at any time.
B. One licensed barber may supervise no more than one apprentice at any time.
C. One licensed barber may supervise up to three apprentices if the shop has more than
five chairs.
D. There is no ratio limit as long as the apprentice is enrolled in a barber school.
Answer: B. One licensed barber may supervise no more than one apprentice at any
time.
Rationale: Iowa rules limit a licensed barber to supervising only one apprentice at a time
to ensure adequate training and safety. Options A, C, and D incorrectly state higher ratios
or no limit, which are not permitted under Iowa law.
2. A client with a known allergy to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) requests a permanent
hair color. Which alternative dye should a knowledgeable barber recommend to
minimize allergic reaction while still providing color?
A. Metallic dyes containing lead acetate
B. Progressive dyes with silver nitrate
C. Para-toluenediamine (PTD) based dyes
D. Vegetable dyes with henna and indigo
Answer: C. Para-toluenediamine (PTD) based dyes
Rationale: PTD is a common alternative to PPD in oxidative hair colors and may be
tolerated by some PPD-allergic clients, though cross-sensitivity can occur. Metallic and
progressive dyes are not recommended due to toxicity and poor color control; vegetable
dyes are not effective for full gray coverage.
Page 1 of 76
,3. In a barbershop, a barbicide jar is prepared at the beginning of the day. According
to Iowa sanitation rules, what is the maximum time the disinfectant solution remains
effective for immersion of implements?
A. 24 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 8 hours
D. Until the solution becomes cloudy or contains debris
Answer: D. Until the solution becomes cloudy or contains debris
Rationale: Iowa rules require disinfectant solutions to be changed at least daily or more
often if visibly contaminated. Cloudiness or debris indicates reduced efficacy, so the
solution must be replaced immediately. Fixed time frames like 24, 12, or 8 hours are not
specified; the standard is visual inspection.
4. When performing a chemical relaxer service, which of the following steps is critical
to prevent hair breakage and scalp burns?
A. Applying a protective base cream to the scalp and hairline before application
B. Using a higher pH relaxer for faster processing
C. Combing the relaxer through the hair with a fine-tooth comb
D. Rinsing with hot water immediately after processing
Answer: A. Applying a protective base cream to the scalp and hairline before
application
Rationale: A protective base creates a barrier between the scalp and the alkaline relaxer,
reducing the risk of chemical burns. Higher pH increases damage, fine-tooth combing can
cause irritation and breakage, and hot water can exacerbate burning.
Page 2 of 76
,5. Which of the following statements accurately differentiates a barber license from a
cosmetology license in Iowa regarding the permitted scope of practice?
A. Barbers may perform chemical hair relaxing, but cosmetologists may not.
B. Cosmetologists may perform shaves with a straight razor, but barbers may not.
C. Barbers may perform facial shaves and beard trims, while cosmetologists are limited
to hair and nails.
D. Both licenses allow identical services; the difference is only in the required hours of
training.
Answer: C. Barbers may perform facial shaves and beard trims, while cosmetologists
are limited to hair and nails.
Rationale: In Iowa, barbers are specifically licensed to perform shaving and beard
trimming with a straight razor, services not included in the cosmetology scope.
Cosmetologists focus on hair, skin, and nails but cannot perform straight-razor shaves. The
other options misstate scope or training differences.
6. A barber notices a client has a fungal infection on the scalp. According to Iowa
rules, what is the barber's legal obligation?
A. Refuse service and advise the client to see a physician.
B. Proceed with the service but wear gloves.
C. Apply an over-the-counter antifungal and continue.
D. Disinfect all tools afterward and complete the haircut.
Answer: A. Refuse service and advise the client to see a physician.
Rationale: Iowa barbering rules prohibit serving clients with known contagious conditions
to prevent transmission. The barber must refuse service and refer the client to a medical
professional. Continuing service, even with gloves or antifungal, violates infection control
standards.
Page 3 of 76
, 7. When mixing hair lightener with a developer, which factor most significantly affects
the speed and degree of lift?
A. The ratio of lightener to developer
B. The volume of developer used
C. The temperature of the room
D. The brand of lightener
Answer: B. The volume of developer used
Rationale: The volume (concentration) of hydrogen peroxide developer determines the
amount of lift and speed of the chemical reaction. Ratios affect consistency, but volume is
the primary variable. Room temperature and brand are secondary factors.
8. Which of the following is a required component of a barbershop's written sanitation
plan under Iowa law?
A. A schedule for cleaning and disinfecting all tools and surfaces
B. A list of all employees' home addresses
C. A record of client appointments
D. A copy of the shop's lease agreement
Answer: A. A schedule for cleaning and disinfecting all tools and surfaces
Rationale: Iowa requires barbershops to maintain a written sanitation plan detailing
cleaning and disinfection procedures. Employee addresses, appointment records, and lease
agreements are not part of this requirement.
Page 4 of 76
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified A
1. Under Iowa Administrative Code 645-Chapter 11, which of the following best
describes the required supervision ratio for a barber apprentice in a licensed shop?
A. One licensed barber may supervise no more than two apprentices at any time.
B. One licensed barber may supervise no more than one apprentice at any time.
C. One licensed barber may supervise up to three apprentices if the shop has more than
five chairs.
D. There is no ratio limit as long as the apprentice is enrolled in a barber school.
Answer: B. One licensed barber may supervise no more than one apprentice at any
time.
Rationale: Iowa rules limit a licensed barber to supervising only one apprentice at a time
to ensure adequate training and safety. Options A, C, and D incorrectly state higher ratios
or no limit, which are not permitted under Iowa law.
2. A client with a known allergy to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) requests a permanent
hair color. Which alternative dye should a knowledgeable barber recommend to
minimize allergic reaction while still providing color?
A. Metallic dyes containing lead acetate
B. Progressive dyes with silver nitrate
C. Para-toluenediamine (PTD) based dyes
D. Vegetable dyes with henna and indigo
Answer: C. Para-toluenediamine (PTD) based dyes
Rationale: PTD is a common alternative to PPD in oxidative hair colors and may be
tolerated by some PPD-allergic clients, though cross-sensitivity can occur. Metallic and
progressive dyes are not recommended due to toxicity and poor color control; vegetable
dyes are not effective for full gray coverage.
Page 1 of 76
,3. In a barbershop, a barbicide jar is prepared at the beginning of the day. According
to Iowa sanitation rules, what is the maximum time the disinfectant solution remains
effective for immersion of implements?
A. 24 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 8 hours
D. Until the solution becomes cloudy or contains debris
Answer: D. Until the solution becomes cloudy or contains debris
Rationale: Iowa rules require disinfectant solutions to be changed at least daily or more
often if visibly contaminated. Cloudiness or debris indicates reduced efficacy, so the
solution must be replaced immediately. Fixed time frames like 24, 12, or 8 hours are not
specified; the standard is visual inspection.
4. When performing a chemical relaxer service, which of the following steps is critical
to prevent hair breakage and scalp burns?
A. Applying a protective base cream to the scalp and hairline before application
B. Using a higher pH relaxer for faster processing
C. Combing the relaxer through the hair with a fine-tooth comb
D. Rinsing with hot water immediately after processing
Answer: A. Applying a protective base cream to the scalp and hairline before
application
Rationale: A protective base creates a barrier between the scalp and the alkaline relaxer,
reducing the risk of chemical burns. Higher pH increases damage, fine-tooth combing can
cause irritation and breakage, and hot water can exacerbate burning.
Page 2 of 76
,5. Which of the following statements accurately differentiates a barber license from a
cosmetology license in Iowa regarding the permitted scope of practice?
A. Barbers may perform chemical hair relaxing, but cosmetologists may not.
B. Cosmetologists may perform shaves with a straight razor, but barbers may not.
C. Barbers may perform facial shaves and beard trims, while cosmetologists are limited
to hair and nails.
D. Both licenses allow identical services; the difference is only in the required hours of
training.
Answer: C. Barbers may perform facial shaves and beard trims, while cosmetologists
are limited to hair and nails.
Rationale: In Iowa, barbers are specifically licensed to perform shaving and beard
trimming with a straight razor, services not included in the cosmetology scope.
Cosmetologists focus on hair, skin, and nails but cannot perform straight-razor shaves. The
other options misstate scope or training differences.
6. A barber notices a client has a fungal infection on the scalp. According to Iowa
rules, what is the barber's legal obligation?
A. Refuse service and advise the client to see a physician.
B. Proceed with the service but wear gloves.
C. Apply an over-the-counter antifungal and continue.
D. Disinfect all tools afterward and complete the haircut.
Answer: A. Refuse service and advise the client to see a physician.
Rationale: Iowa barbering rules prohibit serving clients with known contagious conditions
to prevent transmission. The barber must refuse service and refer the client to a medical
professional. Continuing service, even with gloves or antifungal, violates infection control
standards.
Page 3 of 76
, 7. When mixing hair lightener with a developer, which factor most significantly affects
the speed and degree of lift?
A. The ratio of lightener to developer
B. The volume of developer used
C. The temperature of the room
D. The brand of lightener
Answer: B. The volume of developer used
Rationale: The volume (concentration) of hydrogen peroxide developer determines the
amount of lift and speed of the chemical reaction. Ratios affect consistency, but volume is
the primary variable. Room temperature and brand are secondary factors.
8. Which of the following is a required component of a barbershop's written sanitation
plan under Iowa law?
A. A schedule for cleaning and disinfecting all tools and surfaces
B. A list of all employees' home addresses
C. A record of client appointments
D. A copy of the shop's lease agreement
Answer: A. A schedule for cleaning and disinfecting all tools and surfaces
Rationale: Iowa requires barbershops to maintain a written sanitation plan detailing
cleaning and disinfection procedures. Employee addresses, appointment records, and lease
agreements are not part of this requirement.
Page 4 of 76
