Illinois Barber Exam: Practice test and essential info

Do you need to take the IDFPR barber exam in Illinois? The IDFPR barber exam in Illinois is your key to great opportunities in a growing industry. As a licensed barber, you’ll be in demand and be free to work in top salons or even open your own shop. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for your exam, answers to all the most common questions, and a free practice test to check if you’re prepared!

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The Illinois Barber Exam 2026

To become a licensed barber in Illinois, passing the IDFPR barber exam is the final step. This written exam tests your knowledge of barbering theory and practical skills. It’s conducted at PSI testing centers, where you’ll complete a multiple-choice test covering topics like scientific concepts, hair care, shaving services, and chemical treatments.

Before you take the exam, you’ll need to register through Continental Testing Services (CTS). The process involves confirming your eligibility, submitting an application, and scheduling your exam. Let’s walk through each step to make sure you’re ready to pass and start your career.

Step 1: Check You’re Eligible To Take The IDFPR Barber Exam

Before you can take the barber exam in Illinois, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to do:

Complete 1,500 hours of study at an accredited cosmetology school
You must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a high school diploma or equivalent

You should finish your training in at least 9 months, but it can’t take longer than 3 years.

If you’re a cosmetologist, up to 1,000 of your hours can count toward the 1,500 required for barbering. This means you’ll only need to complete 500 more hours.

You can also take the Pre-Graduation Barber Exam after finishing 1,200 hours of school. Your school must send an official transcript to prove you’ve completed the required hours.

Step 2: Apply For The Illinois Barber Examination

After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to submit your application for the Illinois barber exam. Here’s how to apply:

Fill out the application online through Continental Testing Services (CTS), the company administering the exam. You can start the application process on their website.
Provide your name, and email address, and create a password during the application. It’s a good idea to record this information for future reference.
Pay the non-refundable exam fee of $98.00. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, or mail a payment to CTS. If mailing, include a signed and dated copy of your application.
Mail your original barber school transcript directly to CTS. Your application is not complete until the required fees are paid and a valid email is provided.
Once approved, CTS will email you instructions on how to proceed. To ensure you receive this important email, add support@psionline.com to your contacts.

Remember, your application is valid for 3 years. If you don’t pass the exam within that time, you’ll need to reapply as a new applicant and submit all new documentation

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

After you’ve completed your application, you’ll receive an Approval to Test email. You will only have 60 days to complete your exam from the date you receive your email, so you don’t want to put it off!

You can schedule your exam online or by phone, and all exams need to be scheduled at least two business days in advance.

Scheduling by Phone

If you want to schedule your exam by phone, they have an automated scheduling service. All you have to do is call 1-800-733-9267 and follow the instructions. Some things to note if you choose this option:

Your ID number is your social security number
You will automatically be scheduled at the location closest to your ZIP Code (you don’t get to pick which test center you want)

And if you want to speak to a real person, just call the same number, press 5, and then press star (*). Their hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Scheduling Online

To schedule online, visit the testing company’s website and follow the instructions provided.

You can also schedule your test online by clicking here, creating an account, and following the prompts. Here are a few tips that might help you out during the process:

You have to enter in your email, password, and your name exactly as they were on your application
When asked to “Select Organization” choose → “Government/State Licensing Agencies”
When asked to “Select Jurisdiction,” choose → “Illinois”
When asked to “Select Account,” choose → “IL – Cosmetology”

If you get stuck or confused, check out the PSI Computerized Testing Procedure Guide, which has detailed, step-by-step instructions (with pictures!) to help walk you through the process.

You will get an email from PSI regardless of which method you choose to schedule your exam. It will confirm the date and time of your test, as well as directions to the testing facility.

Tips for the Illinois Barber Exam Preparation

Now that you’ve scheduled your exam, it’s time to shift your focus to preparing for it. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Following these targeted strategies will help you approach the exam with confidence and increase your chances of passing.

Illinois Barber Exam Day Requirements

You should reach the testing facility at least 30 minutes early to make sure you have enough time to complete all the check-in procedures.

To be admitted into the examination, you must have one of the following forms of identification:

Valid U.S. Driver’s License
Valid State I.D. issued by any of the 50 states or territories
Valid Military Active Duty I.D.
Valid Consular I.D.

It’s also worth noting that you won’t be allowed to have any of the following with you in the testing room:

Cell phones
Pagers
Other electronic devices
Purses
Coats
Other personal items

Some facilities may offer lockers for you to keep your belongings in while you take your test, but if not, you might have to leave them in your car or at home.

Step 2: Take The Exam

The theory exam is entirely written, there is no practical, hands-on exam in Illinois for barbering.

It’s a multiple-choice test that is done entirely on the computer at a PSI testing facility. It will cover both theory and practical skill topics.

Because the software PSI uses can be a little confusing at first, you’ll be given a brief tutorial to help get you acquainted with it before your exam starts.

Once that’s complete, you’ll have only 90 minutes to complete the exam. And even if you have to take breaks, that time does not stop.

For a more in-depth look at what each topic will entail, you can check out NIC’s Barber Information Bulletin.

Step 3: Get Your Illinois Barber Exam Results

Once you complete the test, you’ll get your score immediately. A passing score is 75 or higher. If you score below 75, you’ll need to retake the exam. Within 1-2 weeks, you’ll receive an official letter from CTS with your final results. This letter will also explain how to apply for your license or reschedule the exam if necessary.

Get Your IDFPR Barber License!

If you passed your exam, then congrats! You’ll receive an official letter from CTS in the mail within two weeks of your test.

This letter will contain:

Your official exam score report
An application for your Illinois barber license, with instructions on how to complete it

To obtain your license, simply:

Fill out the license application
Pay the $30 licensing fee
Submit any required documentation to CTS

After that’s all done, then congrats – you’ll be an officially licensed barber! If you didn’t pass your exam, your official letter will contain your score report and also instructions on how you can retake the test, as well as what areas you should focus on studying for next time.

Failing your written exam is devastating, but not as uncommon as you might think: the pass rate nationally is only 50%! However, students who use our Barber Exam Preparation Package have a pass rate of 98.5%!

Ace Your Illinois Barber Exam

Successfully passing the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Barber Exam is your final step toward becoming a licensed barber. By following the steps outlined in this guide – from confirming your eligibility to preparing for the exam, you can approach the process with confidence.

Make sure to study thoroughly, schedule your exam without delay, and plan ahead for exam day. With the right preparation and a positive mindset, you can join the ranks of licensed barbers ready to make a significant impact in the industry. Utilize practice tests and study resources to enhance your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Illinois Barber Exam

How do I apply for the Illinois barber examination?

To apply for the IDFPR barber’s exam, you simply need to fill out an application online through the testing company Continental Testing. You’ll need to pay the $98 non-refundable fee, fill out all the necessary information, and send in the required documents. After that’s all complete, you’ll receive an approval to test email from PSI prompting you to schedule your exam (which has to be made at least two business days in advance).

I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?

To reschedule your exam, you have to contact PSI by calling them at 1-800-733-9267. Their business hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All exams must be rescheduled at least 48 hours prior to the original exam date.

Which examination program does the IDFPR use?

Illinois uses the NIC National Barber’s Written Examination. For detailed information about the exam, including a list of topics covered, you can refer to the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) provided by NIC.

How much does it cost to take the Illinois barber exam?

Entry to the Illinois barber exam costs $98, and it is non-refundable.

Where does the examination take place?

The exam takes place at one of the many PSI testing facilities. Pages 3-5 of this testing guide list the locations and addresses. Some facilities have on-site proctors, while others use remote proctors who monitor you via video, microphone, and chat from another location.

How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the Illinois barber examination?

In Illinois, aspiring barbers must complete 1,500 hours of schooling to qualify for the exam. If you’re a cosmetologist with 1,500 hours of training, you may only need 500 hours of barbering instruction. Illinois also offers an early exam option for those who complete 1,200 hours.

Can I take the Illinois barber examination before I’ve completed the required hours?

Yes, you can take a Pre-Graduate Licensed Barber Examination after you’ve completed 1,200 hours of schooling.

How long is the barber written examination in Illinois?

The Illinois barber examination is 90 minutes long.

What’s the format of the written examination?

The written examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination. To know the breakdown of topics you’ll be questioned on, check out NIC’s information bulletin. If you want to familiarize yourself with the testing format, try out our practice test here.

How long is the barber practical examination?

There is no practical examination for Barbers in Illinois.

What’s the format of the practical examination?

Illinois doesn’t have a practical exam for barbers. Instead, it was replaced by a set of procedural skill questions in the written exam.

What scores do I need to pass the barber exam?

In Illinois, to pass your exam, you must get a score of 75 or higher. You’ll get the (unofficial) results the same day, but you won’t receive your official score report until one to two weeks after the exam.

What’s the pass rate for the Illinois barber exam?

Illinois doesn’t publish an individual pass rate, but the national average pass rate for the written portion of the exam (which is Illinois’ only portion) is only about 50%. Check if you’re on track to pass your exam by taking our free barber practice test.

How many times can I retake the Illinois barber examination if I fail?

In Illinois, you can retake the barber exam three times without having to do anything else.

You must wait 30 days to reschedule, reapply, (which can be done here) and pay the fee for each retake.

If you fail three times, you’ll need to complete a 250-hour refresher course at a licensed barber school before your fourth attempt. If you fail four times, you’ll have to restart and complete the full 1,500 hours of schooling again.

How long does barber school take in Illinois?

In Illinois, completing the 1,500 hours of barber instruction takes at least 9 months, or up to a year for full-time students. By law, you must finish the hours within 3 years, even if attending part-time.

How do I transfer my barber’s license to Illinois?

To transfer your barber’s license to Illinois, complete the online application, pay the $45 fee, and submit Certifications of Licensure from your current and original jurisdictions. The Department will review your application. If required, you may need to complete additional schooling based on your state’s rules and work experience.

How do I get my barber’s license in Illinois?

To get your barber’s license in Illinois, you have to complete 1,500 hours of schooling in a licensed barber school and pass the written PSI exam with a score of 75 or higher. After passing, you’ll receive an application for licensure and your CTS score report by mail within 1-2 weeks.

How do I renew my barber license in Illinois?

Barber licenses expire on July 31st of odd-numbered years, and you can renew it at any point in the 30 days leading up to that date. You’ll just have to fill out a renewal application online. Renewing a barber’s license in Illinois costs $25 per year.

What do I need to open a barber shop in Illinois?

To open a barber shop in Illinois, you must be a licensed barber, secure a business license, and comply with local health and safety regulations. Additionally, you should ensure your shop meets zoning requirements and passes any necessary inspections.

How do I open a barber shop in Illinois?

Opening a barbershop involves obtaining your barber’s license, registering your business with the state, securing a location, and meeting health and safety standards. You’ll also need to apply for a shop license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Where can I find a barber school in Springfield, IL?

Springfield, IL, offers several barber schools where you can complete 1,500 hours of instruction to qualify for the Illinois barber exam.

What is the cost of barber school in Chicago?

The cost of attending barber school in Chicago varies, but it generally ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the program and school you choose.

What is the average salary of a barber in Illinois?

The average salary for a barber in Illinois is around $30,000 to $40,000 per year, but this can vary depending on experience, location, and the number of clients.

Are there barber schools in Aurora, IL?

Yes, Aurora, IL, has barber schools where you can complete your training to become a licensed barber in Illinois.