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The Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers exam has specific requirements, a defined exam format, and certain fees and documents you’ll need to prepare.
This guide has already been lined up with all your doubts ANSWERED, including:
- Requirements to be fulfilled to attend the exam.
- About the exam – Questions asked, fees, applying for the exam, and preparation for the exam day.
- Getting your Alaska license.
A free practice test is included to help you prepare.
Alaska Hairdresser and Barber Exam FAQs
To apply for the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers exam, you must submit an application through the Alaska licensing portal, send your required documents, pay the exam fee, and wait for approval before scheduling your exam.
What You Must Submit:
- Application through my.alaska.gov
- Training hours verified directly by your school or apprenticeship sponsor
- Copy of government-issued ID
- School transcripts (if requested)
- Required exam fee
Before You Apply:
- Make sure your name matches on ID, school records, and the application
- Ensure all hours and practical operations are completed
- Check the Alaska Board page for updated forms & fees
Where to Check Official Info:
To qualify for a hairdresser or barber license in Alaska, you must be at least 17, have a 10th-grade education, complete 1,650 school training hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours, and apply to the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers before taking the exam.
Exam Requirements:
- Must pass both the NIC written and practical or the Prov written and practical exams
- Also refer to the Prov Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
The Alaska Board sets specific training hour requirements depending on the license you’re applying for. Here’s a quick reference:
You must be at least 17, have a 10th-grade education, complete 1,650 school training hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours, and apply to the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers before taking the exam.
Barber and hairdresser school in Alaska typically takes between 10 and 14 months to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
- School program route: Most students complete the required 1,650 training hours in about 12–14 months at a full-time pace.
- Apprenticeship route: If you choose an apprenticeship, you’ll need 2,000 supervised work hours, which usually takes 18–24 months, depending on your schedule.
- Part-time students: Evening or part-time programs may take longer, as hours are completed at a slower pace.
The Alaska Hairdresser and Barber exam fee is set by the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and can change. Recent estimates place the total exam cost roughly between $200 and $300; always confirm current fees on the Board website.
What the Fee Usually Covers
- Application/processing fee
- Written exam fee
- Practical exam fee
Important Notes
- Each retake normally requires paying the exam fee again.
- Fees are typically non-refundable once your application is processed.
Exact amounts and payment methods are listed on the official Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers site or exam bulletin.
The Alaska Barbering and Hairdressing written exam covers the following topics: sanitation, safety, hair services, chemical theory, basic anatomy, tools, and Alaska regulations.
| Main Topic | Subtopics Included | % of Exam |
| Scientific Concepts | – Infection controlSafety procedures – Anatomy & physiology basics – Chemistry fundamentals Product knowledge | 35% |
| Implements & Equipment | – Tool identification – Equipment use – Cleaning & maintenance – Safe handling | 10% |
| Hair Care Services | – Haircutting theory – Hairstyling – Chemical services (color, relaxers, perms) – Shampooing/conditioning, scalp care | 40% |
| Facial Hair & Skin Care Services | – Shaving procedures – Beard/mustache design – Skin care basics – Facial service principles | 15% |
Source: NIC Barber Styling Theory Exam
| Main Topic | Subtopics Included | % of Exam |
| Scientific Concepts | – Infection control – Safety & sanitation – Anatomy & physiology basics – Chemistry fundamentals – Product knowledge | 45% |
| Hair Care & Services | – Hair care – Hairstyling – Haircutting theory – Chemical services (color, relaxers, perms) – Shampoo/conditioning – Scalp care – Hair enhancements – Tools & equipment – Client consultation | 55% |
Source: NIC Hair Design Theory Exam
The Alaska Hairdresser and Barber practical exam tests the skills, including haircutting, styling, sanitation, chemical application steps, tool use, and overall safety.
Why Are These Skills Tested
These tasks follow the NIC Practical Exam Standards, which Alaska uses to make sure every candidate can perform services safely, correctly, and in a way that protects the public.
Each tested step relates to a safety requirement:
- Set up & sanitation: Prevents contamination and infection.
- Client protection/draping: Protects the client from burns, chemicals, and hair debris.
- Haircutting: Ensures safe tool control and cutting accuracy.
- Thermal styling: Reduces risk of heat burns and improper tool handling.
- Chemical steps: Verifies safe application order and chemical handling.
- Cleanup: Ensures correct disposal and disinfection after services.
No, you can’t take the Alaska Hairdresser and Barber course completely online. Alaska requires in-person training, as hands-on hours must be completed on campus. Some schools may offer online theory modules, but not practical hours.
How Schools Usually Structure Hybrid Programs
- Theory lessons online
- Practical labs scheduled on campus
- Set weekly in-person hours required for credit
What the Board Checks for Approval
- Proof that all hands-on hours were completed in person
- Proper instructor supervision
- A Board-approved curriculum (school must be licensed in Alaska)
If You’re Comparing Schools
- Ask how many theory hours are online
- Confirm how often you must attend campus
- Make sure the program lists 1,650 hours and follows Alaska standards
If you fail the Alaska Hairdresser and Barber exam, you can retake the part you failed. You must reschedule and pay the retake fee. Until you pass, you cannot get your license and cannot work in Alaska.
How to Reschedule Your Retake
- Go to the Alaska exam provider’s scheduling page: NIC / Prov Exam scheduling portal.
- Log in or create your Prov account.
- Select your exam type (Hairdresser or Barber).
- Choose the next available test date.
- Pay the retake fee to confirm your spot.
What You Need Before Retaking
- Your latest score report
- Your MyAlaska account details
- A valid, government-issued ID
- The exam fee payment method
For the Alaska Hairdresser and Barber exam, you must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must match your exam application exactly, or you may not be allowed to test.
Things To Note
- Expired IDs are not accepted.
- Digital IDs on phones are not accepted.
- If your name has changed, you must bring legal proof (marriage certificate, court order).
- Identification must include photo + signature.
For the Hairdresser and Barber exam, Alaska requires a minimum passing score of 75% on both the written and practical exams. You must pass each section separately to qualify for licensure.
How Alaska Gives Exam Results
- Written exam scores appear right after you finish the test.
- Proficiency/practical results are issued by your school or apprenticeship instructor.
If You Score Below 75%
- You only retake the section you failed.
- Your passing score stays valid.
If you’re looking for a free practice exam. Try it out.
Free Alaska Hairdresser and Barber Exam Practice Test
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Bonus Tips And Resources For Alaska Hairdresser and Barber License
When you’re ready to get your Alaska license, the steps stay simple: complete your hours, pass your exams, and apply online through MyAlaska.
Many people ask how to apply after they pass. You just log in, upload your documents, and wait for the Board to verify your hours and identity. Schools or apprenticeship sponsors must send your hours directly, and this is also where out-of-state applicants come in.
If you are trained or already hold a license in another state, Alaska checks your previous hours and requirements to see if they match. When they do, you may not need to take the Alaska exams again. When they don’t, you may be asked to complete extra hours or retest.
Alaska also accepts school hours from other states if the curriculum is similar and sent directly from the school.
Most people worry about timing, status updates, and renewal of licensing. You can check the status of your Alaska license anytime inside your MyAlaska account.
Processing often takes a few weeks, depending on how fast your documents arrive.
Renewal is easy too; Alaska licenses renew every two years online, with no continuing education required for basic barber or hairdresser licenses.
To keep your application moving, have your core documents ready: a valid ID, hour verification, transcripts (if requested), exam results, and out-of-state license verification if you’re transferring.
Along with submitting your application, the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers requires a nonrefundable licensing fee. The amount depends on the license type, and late applications may result in higher charges.
Below are the current Alaska Board application fees and late charges by license type.
With everything in place, the licensing process becomes smooth, quick, and easy to follow.
Wrapping Up
The Alaska barber and hairdresser licensing process becomes much easier once you understand what the Board looks for.
From training hours and exams to documents and renewals, everything follows a clear path.
With a little preparation and the right resources, you’re well on your way to earning your Barber’s and Hairdresser’s license and starting your career in Alaska.
If you’re looking for any barbering course, have a glance.
