Do you need to take the State Board of Barber Examiners exam in Pennsylvania? 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 you’re prepared!
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The Pennsylvania State Board Barber Exam
The Pennsylvania Barber Exam is designed to test both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the candidates. This is to ensure that barbers are qualified to perform services safely and professionally in line with Pennsylvania’s regulations.
Now let’s give you an overview of the key components of the exam you are required to take.
How to Apply for the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Exam
The process of applying, scheduling, and taking your exam can feel confusing and overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through each step, making it as simple as possible. Let’s start with…
Eligibility for Pennsylvania State Board Barber Exams
To be eligible to take the exams set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners, you must:
Pennsylvania does offer a crossover program if you’re already a licensed cosmetologist looking to get your barber’s license as well. The state credits you with 555 hours of schooling, so you only have to complete 695 hours in a barber shop or barber school to be eligible to take the exams instead of the full 1,250.
Apply For The Pennsylvania State Board Of Barber Examiners Examinations
To apply for the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners exams, you have to complete an Application of Licensure.
This is done completely online. Pennsylvania has replaced its paper-based application forms with an online application portal called PALS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Pennsylvania Barber Exam:
- Create a PALS Account
- Pay the non-refundable $10 application fee.
- Follow the instructions and prompts provided in the application.
- Upload required documents, including any necessary proof of education and identification.
- Answer questions regarding your criminal history.
- Pay the $63 theory exam fee and $77 practical exam fee.
- Make the payment to Pearson Vue C/O Dasher Inc. via Money Order, School Check, or Business Check. Mail the payment along with your PALS application number to:
- Pearson Vue C/O Dasher Inc
PO Box 1652
Harrisburg, PA 17105
- Pearson Vue C/O Dasher Inc
- Once your application and payment are processed, you will receive further instructions on scheduling your exams.
It’s worth noting that the testing institution needs your funds before they start processing your application. So it’s important not to put off this step, to speed up the application process.
Once you’ve paid the fees and uploaded all the necessary documents, your application is complete! If you miss any information, you will be contacted via email and prompted to provide the things you’ve missed.
Required Documentation
For an Application for Licensure in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
If you’ve lived, worked, and/or trained in Pennsylvania alone for the past 5 years (at the time you apply), your Criminal History Records Check request will automatically be sent to the police department.
You’ll have to pay the (non-refundable) PATCH fee for the CHRC at the time of checkout, and the records will be automatically sent to the Board/Commission. If any additional information is required, you’ll be contacted via email.
But if you have worked, lived, and/or trained in another state within the past 5 years, things can get confusing. You’d be required to get a Criminal History Records Check from each state’s police department OR another state agency that is the official repository for criminal history record information.
If you don’t know where to get your CHRC from your state, this list gives the websites of the state agency you’ll need to go to to get your CHRC.
If you’ve lived/worked/trained in multiple states within the past five years, you might want to get a CHRC for your current state and an FBI Identity History Summary Check instead of individual CHRCs for every other state you’ve lived in.
And one last thing – Pennsylvania will not accept a CHRC from you if you currently live, work, or complete training in the following states:
- California
- Ohio
- Arizona
Instead, you will be required to complete an FBI Identity History Summary Check.
Schedule Your Theory and Practical Exam
Once you’ve completed the application, provided the necessary documents, and paid all the fees, you’ll receive an Approval to Test notification via email within 10 business days.
If you don’t receive it within that time, you should call Pearson Vue/Dasher to get an update on its status.
Your Approval to Test email will have the information on how to schedule your exam, which can be done online or by contacting Pearson Vue’s customer service (you can either call or chat with them online during business hours).
You have to schedule your theory exam two calendar days in advance, and you have to schedule your practical exam 5 days in advance.
It does not matter which exam you schedule and complete first (practical or theory), but you must complete both exams within one year.
Strategies to Prepare for the Pennsylvania Barber Exam
To effectively prepare for the Pennsylvania Barber Exam, candidates should focus on both the practical and theoretical components of the exam. Here are key strategies to ensure success:
- Familiarize with Tasks: Each task is timed, so practice completing them within the limits.
- Setup and Cleanup: The total time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including setup and cleanup. Efficient time management is crucial.
- Models and Mannequins: Practice on a live model or mannequin, ensuring they meet the criteria for the exam.
- Study Relevant Material: Topics include sanitation, safety, and chemical usage. Use textbooks, flashcards, and practice tests to prepare.
- Registration: Register for the practical exam at least 5 days in advance, and the theory exam with 2 days’ notice via the PALS platform.
- Hands-On Practice: Regularly rehearse practical tasks to build confidence and accuracy.
- Exam Kit: Assemble your barber kit as per the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) guidelines.
- Mock Exams: Simulate the testing environment with mock exams to practice timing and reduce exam-day pressure.
- Stay Informed: Check the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners website for any exam requirements or procedure updates.
Pennsylvania Barber Exam Day Reminders
You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive late or don’t bring your necessary documentation/equipment, you will not be let in and you’ll forfeit your exam fee.
To be admitted to either of the exams, you must have two forms of signature-bearing identification, and one must have a photo.
Along with the proper identification, for the practical exam, you must also bring:
- Plain-colored smock or apron (cover any school logos)
- First Aid Kit
- Conventional razor
- Mannequin (not pre-sectioned/parted) with stand/extender
- Live model
- Scissors
- Clippers
Live Model Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Cannot be a licensed barber or barbering student.
Hair Requirements:
- At least 1” long on top.
- At least ⅛” long at the nape and sideburns.
- Must have enough stubble for a 14-stroke shave.
Dress Code:
- No hats, ripped jeans, tank tops, halter tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee.
- Business casual attire is required for the exam.
They also recommend bringing in a copy of your Approval to Test notice.
One last thing to note is that they do not allow you to bring cell phones, smart watches, or any other electronic devices, so you should leave those in your car or at home.
Take Your Written and Practical Exam
To become licensed as a barber in Pennsylvania, you must pass both a theory and a practical exam. Let’s take a look at what each one entails.
Practical Exam
The testing sites for the practical exams are meant to look like a real spa or hair salon, so they’ll look similar to your work setting. The exam itself will be administered by an evaluator.
For the entire exam, they allow you 2 hours and 30 minutes. But remember that both set up and take down of your supplies and equipment are included within that time.
During the exam, you’ll be required to complete any of the following tasks, which will be chosen at random:
Also noted under the “Infection Control and Safety” section is a portion titled “Universal Precautions – For Blood Spill.” If you get cut while doing your exam, you must correctly follow all the precautions stated in that section.
For a more detailed look at what each section will include, check out pages 3-5 of their Content Outline. That will also tell you which tasks are performed on the mannequin and which ones are performed on the live model.
And if you’re in the middle of the exam, and you make a mistake, don’t worry! They do give you a chance to correct it by raising your hand, telling the evaluator what you missed, and demonstrating that part of the step.
However, once you move on to a new skill, you will not be able to go back and make a correction on a previous task. To pass your practical exam, you must complete each skill.
Theory Exam
The written exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based test that you’ll complete at a Pearson Vue testing facility.
They give you 2 hours and 15 minutes to answer 130 questions. Of those, 110 are scored and 20 are “pretest” questions, which are questions that don’t affect your score but are used in case of future examinations.
Here’s a breakdown of what they’ll be asking:
You can check out pages 1-2 of Pearson Vue’s content outline, which goes into more detail about what each section entails.
Get Your Pennsylvania Barber Exam Results
For both the practical and theory exams, you’ll get your results immediately after you finish taking the test. Here’s the breakdown of the result process and some tips::
Practical Exam
- You must pass each skill.
- If you fail, you’ll get a Failing Score Report that lists:
- The skills you were tested on.
- Marks of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory for each skill.
- Numbers under unsatisfactory skills indicating which steps were incorrect.
- Use the report to focus your study for a retake.
Written Exam:
- You must score 75 or higher to pass.
- If you fail, you’ll receive a numeric score, but this doesn’t represent the number or percentage of questions you answered correctly.
Get Your Pennsylvania State Board Barber’s License!
If you pass both the theory and practical exams, you’ll receive your license in the mail within 10-15 business days. However, if you haven’t received it within 10 business days, you should call Pearson Vue at 866-638-7502 to get an update on its status.
If you didn’t pass either of your exams, your score report will have instructions on how to reapply. You’ll have to reschedule the exams online or over the phone at least 24 hours after the failed exam. And, you will be required to resubmit the exam fee when you reapply.
While both exams are difficult, the written exam is what most people struggle with: the pass rate nationally is only 50%! However, students who use our Barber Exam Preparation Package have a pass rate of 98.5%!
Prepare to Get Your Pennsylvania Barber License!
As we conclude our guide to the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Exam for 2026, remember that this exam is your gateway to a rewarding career in barbering. By now, you should understand the exam structure, key topics, and practical skills you’ll need. While it may seem challenging, with proper preparation, you’re more than ready to succeed.
Take these next steps:
- Review study materials and create a structured plan.
- Practice hands-on skills, especially in areas needing improvement.
- Consider joining a study group or prep course for extra support.
- Mark important dates like application deadlines and exam day.
Your future in the barbering industry is within reach. Start preparing now, and soon you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed Pennsylvania barber. If you have any questions, contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners.
Related Reads:
Arizona Barber State Board Exam: All You Need To Know
Common Myths And Facts About Barbering State Board Exams
Build A Successful Beauty Business – The Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pennsylvania Barber Exams
How do I apply for the Pennsylvania State Board barber examination?
You can apply for the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners exams by creating an account online on the PALS platform and following all the instructions, including uploading the necessary documents and paying all the necessary fees.
After completing all the paperwork and fees, you’ll get an Approval to Test email within 10 business days. The letter will include information on how to schedule your exams.
Your practical exam has to be made 5 days in advance, and your theory exam has to be made 2 days in advance.
You can download the Pennsylvania Barber Candidate Handbook here, which will go over (in detail) all the steps you need to take!
I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?
If you need to reschedule your exam, you must contact Pearson Vue at least 2 calendar days in advance for the theory exam, and 5 calendar days in advance for the practical exam.
If you don’t contact them within that amount of time and you don’t show up to the exam, you’ll have to forfeit your exam fee.
You can contact them via telephone at 866-638-7502 or chat with them online here.
If you’re late, you will not be allowed to take your exam and you will forfeit your exam fee.
If you are absent, you will have to forfeit your exam fee except in the following cases:
- Illness of yourself or immediate family member
- Death in the family
- Disabling traffic accident
- Court appearance or jury duty
- Military duty
- Weather emergency
Which examination program does the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners use?
Pennsylvania uses the testing company Pearson Vue, which sets the questions for the test. Questions for the barber theory exam are written by a committee of Subject Matter Experts.
How much does it cost to take the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners exam?
There is a non-refundable $10 application fee due at the time you apply.
Entrance to the practical exam costs $77, and entrance to the theory exam costs $66. Both fees are nonrefundable.
Where do the examinations take place?
The theory exam takes place at one of the Pearson Vue testing facilities. Those locations are:
- Harrisburg
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburg (West)
- Pittsburg (East)
- Allentown
- Erie
- Plymouth Meeting
- Scranton
- Washington
- Newark, DE
- Morgantown, WV
They also offer testing at four state correctional facilities.
The practical exam takes place in the following cities:
- Philadelphia
- Harrisburg
- Pittsburg
- Luzerne County
How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the Pennsylvania State Board Barber examinations?
Barbers in Pennsylvania need 1,250 hours of schooling or apprenticeship training to qualify for the exams.
If you’re a licensed cosmetologist looking to get your barber’s license as well, you can participate in their crossover program. You would be credited with 555 hours of instruction, meaning you would only have to complete 695 more hours to be eligible to take the exams.
Can I take the State Board examinations before I’ve completed the required hours?
No, Pennsylvania’s State Board of Barber Examiners does not offer early testing for barber’s licensing exams.
How long is the barber’s written examination?
The Pennsylvania State Board allows 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the barber written exam.
What’s the format of the written examination?
The written examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination. There are 130 questions in total for barbers, and you have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete them.
Of those, 110 are scored, and 20 are “pretest” questions, meaning they don’t count towards your score, but will be used in the case of future exams. However, those questions are not identified, so you won’t be able to know which ones count towards your score and which ones don’t.
There are multiple different forms they use, so questions vary from test to test.
For more information about the topics you’ll be examined on, read their Content Outline.
If you want to familiarize yourself with the testing format, try out our practice test here.
How long is the barbers practical examination?
The Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners practical examination is 2 hours and 30 minutes long.
What’s the format of the practical examination?
The practical exam is set up to resemble a standard salon or spa, so it will look like your work setting.
You will be required to complete a variety of tasks, either on a mannequin head or a live model, while being evaluated by an evaluator. Those tasks are referred to as “skills,” and are chosen at random by the evaluator from a complete list that can be found here.
You will be required to actually complete the tasks given, not just explain or simulate them. For example, if you are given a task that involves using water, you must actually use water when demonstrating the skill.
What scores do I need to pass the barber exam in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, candidates must pass their written exam with a score of 75 or greater.
That number does not indicate a percentage of correct answers nor the actual number of questions answered correctly.
That’s because their scoring system is scaled to account for the minor differences in difficulty between the different test forms. There is an algorithm that calculates the number of correct and incorrect questions, and produces a numeric value based on that.
If you pass the exam, you won’t get a number on your score sheet. You’ll only get a numeric value if you fail.
And for the practical exam, you must successfully complete all skills in order to pass.
What’s the pass rate for the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners exams?
There isn’t a pass rate for Pennsylvania as an individual state, but the national average pass rate for the written exam is about 50%.
How many times can I re-take the State Board barber examination if I fail?
In Pennsylvania, there is no limit to the amount of retakes you can do. But you must pay the corresponding exam fee each time you retake the test, and you must wait 24 hours after your failed test to reschedule.
It’s important to remember that, in Pennsylvania, you only have one year to pass both exams, or you’ll have to retake both of them.
How long does barber school take in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, for barbering school and apprenticeships, you have to take at least 9 months to complete your hours.
It can take longer, depending on whether or not you go to school/train under a barber teacher or manager full time. If you can only study part time, it will take longer.
How do I transfer my barbers license to Pennsylvania?
To transfer your barber’s license to Pennsylvania, ensure your license is active and you’re from one of the 12 states with reciprocity, which include:
- California
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Maine
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- New York
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Virginia
Apply through the PALS portal, pay the $55 fee, submit a Criminal History Check, and provide a letter of good standing. If your state lacks reciprocity, pass a 50-question exam on Pennsylvania laws. Call the Board at (717) 783-3402 to confirm eligibility.
How do I get my barber license in Pennsylvania?
To get your barbers license in Pennsylvania, you will need to complete the necessary amount of training (1,250 hours) and pass a written examination and a practical exam. Once you’ve passed both examinations, you will be given your license!
How do I renew my barber license in Pennsylvania?
Barber licenses in Georgia expire on April 30th of even-numbered years and cost $109 to renew. The Board will send reminders to your mailing address and email 60 days before expiration.
To renew, log in to the PALS system, complete the online renewal application, and pay the fee. Renewal applications open 30-60 days before the expiration date.
Once reviewed, your new license will be mailed to you. Make sure your address is updated, as licenses won’t be forwarded by the Postal Service.
How to get a barber’s license in Virginia?
To get a barber’s license in Virginia, complete a state-approved barbering program, pass the written and practical exams, and meet any additional requirements such as submitting an application and paying fees.
How many questions are in the California barber exam?
The California barber written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. These questions cover various topics like hair cutting, shaving, safety, sanitation, and state laws and regulations governing barbering practices.
How do I schedule a Barber exam in Texas?
To schedule a Texas Barber exam, apply through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website, submit required documents, pay fees, and choose a date through Pearson VUE’s online scheduling system.
How should I study for the Pennsylvania barber written exam?
Use our Barber Exam Preparation Package to learn everything you need to pass the written exam.
- Our package includes a study guide that’s structured to help you learn the RIGHT information rather than ALL the information, which can help you cut your preparation/revision time in half.
- Then use our simulated exams to practice for the written exam under test conditions. This part is really important: it’s the key to helping you succeed!
Find out more about the Barber Exam Preparation Package here.