PENNSYLVANIA
BARBER
CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
May 2024
QUICK REFERENCE
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BUREAU OF PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS
STATE BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS
www.dos.pa.gov/barbers
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
833-367-2762 | Toll Free: 1-833-DOS-BPOA
Hours of Operation 8:00 am – 5:00 pm M-F, Closed on Federal Holidays
Contact the State Board of Barber Examiners to:
• Clarify information about licensure
• Obtain information regarding reciprocity from other States
• Obtain information on continued licensure
• Renew or reinstate a license that has been inactive for less than five years
• Obtain license verification
Go to www.pals.pa.gov to:
• Submit initial application for examination and licensure
• Apply for licensure by reciprocity
• Verify if your Eligibility Requirements were received
• Change your current address or name after testing
Questions:
• Please submit a question by selecting the 'Create New Ticket' option from the webpage at:
https://www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/AnonymousSupportTicket
PEARSON VUE® PENNSYLVANIA BARBER
Attn: Regulatory Program Manager
5601 Green Valley Dr., Bloomington, MN 5543
(866) 638-7502
Monday–Friday 7am–11pm; Saturday 8am–5pm; Sunday 10am–4pm (Eastern Time Zone)
Go to Pearson VUE’s website (www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology) to:
• Schedule, cancel, or reschedule a Theory or Practical Skills Examination
• Obtain information regarding your Score Report
• Request a duplicate Score Report
• Obtain information regarding your examination
• Obtain a copy of your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter
• Request an accommodation for testing under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guide-
lines
Go to Pearson VUE’s website (www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology) to:
• Download a Candidate Handbook
• Make a real-time examination reservation
• View test center testing dates (for Practical Exams)
• View Frequently Asked Questions
PEARSON VUE® OHT PROCESSING OFFICE
PO Box 1178
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
888-511-5352
Monday–Friday 8am–6pm (Eastern Time Zone)
You can check the status of the following by logging into your PALS account @ www.pals.pa.gov :
• Verify that your application was correctly submitted & processed
• Verify if your Eligibility Requirements and transcripts were received
• Check on the status of your license application
Call to:
• Obtain information on license requirements
• Clarify application instructions
• Obtain a printed copy of the candidate handbook
• Change your current address or name before testing
STEPS TO LICENSURE
STEP 1: SUBMIT THE APPLICATION
Complete the License Application by logging in to the following website: www.pals.pa.gov
You can also nd a link to the state's web site (and application) at: www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology
To submit your application for review, you must pay the application fee through PALS. You will also need a Pennsylvania
State Background Check. You must provide a recent Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) from the state police or
other state agency that is the ocial repository for criminal history record information for every state in which you have
lived, worked, or completed professional training/studies for the past ve (5) years.
Notarized adavits, photos, Valid ID, Proof of Education, barber school transcripts, and Criminal History Checks can be
attached electronically to the PALS application.
STEP 2: RECEIVE ELIGIBILITY AND APPROVAL TO TEST LETTER
Once applications are submitted along with the required documentation, applicants will receive their exam eligibility
letter (from PALS) via email, and an approval to test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE, which will detail steps for scheduling
and paying for the Theory and/or Practical Skills Examination(s). If you do not receive your authorization to test within 2
business days of receiving your exam eligibility letter, please call the
Pearson VUE OHT Processing Oce at 888-511-5352.
Applicants MUST provide a valid email address in the application in order to receive important email communication.
STEP 3: SCHEDULE THE THEORY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINATIONS
To schedule or reschedule an exam, create or log into your Pearson VUE account at:
https://home.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology
Use Live Chat feature on the website or contact the call center at toll free number (866) 638-7502. Call Center Hours
are M-F, 8am-11pm EST; Sat, 8am-5pm EST; Sun, 10am-4pm EST.
Theory exams must be scheduled at least two (2) calendar days in advance. Barber practical exams must be
scheduled at least ve (5) calendar days in advance. Instructor practical exams must be scheduled at least 14
calendar days in advance. All exams must be in scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not be permitted.
STEP 4: COMPLETE THE THEORY AND PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS
Candidates have one year from the date of authorization to take either the theory or practical exam. Exams can
be taken in any order. If one exam is not passed within the one-year authorization period, a new application
must be submitted. If one exam is taken and passed within the authorization period, the candidate will have one
additional year from the date the rst exam was passed to take and pass the second exam. If the second exam is
not passed within a year of the rst, a new application must be submitted. Any exam rescheduled during the active
authorization time period will require the exam fee payment for each rescheduled exam.
STEP 5: LICENSURE
If the applicant has passed both the Barber theory and the practical skills examination, passing results will be sent
electronically to the State, updated in the applicant’s PALS record, and then the State will issue the applicant's
license. Please allow 10–15 days for information to be updated in PALS. If you cannot verify your license on PALS,
or you do not receive your license in the mail within 10-15 days from your exam date, please call the Pearson VUE
OHT Processing Oce at 888-511-5352. To verify certication of a license, you may search the State's database at:
http://www.pals.pa.gov, and then click on ‘Verication/Certication of License’ in the left-hand navigation
panel.
Pearson VUE does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed,
disabling condition, religion, national origin, or any other protected characteristics.
Copyright © 2024 Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliate(s). All Rights Reserved. [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK REFERENCE ... INSIDE FRONT COVER
INTRODUCTION ............................................ 1
Exam Overview .................................................. 1
ELIGIBILITY .................................................... 1
Eligibility Requirements .................................... 1
Required Documentation .................................2
Information on Reciprocal States ....................2
Reciprocity ..........................................................2
Reinstatement ...................................................2
APPLICATION AND SCHEDULING ...............3
Filling Out an Application .................................3
Name & Address Changes ..............................3
Application and Exam Fees .............................. 3
ADA Accommodations ........................................... 4
Eligibility and Approval to Test Notice ............4
Scheduling Lead Times ..................................... 4
Test Sites – Practical Skills and
Theory Examinations ........................................4
CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING .......5
Absence Policy ...................................................5
Weather Emergencies .......................................5
EXAM DAY .....................................................5
What to Bring .....................................................5
Acceptable Forms of Candidate Identification 6
Palm Vein Recognition Technology .................6
Testing Policies ..................................................6
Lateness ..........................................................6
Electronic Devices ..........................................6
Personal Belongings/Study Aids .................. 6
Eating/Drinking/Smoking ..............................6
Misconduct ..................................................... 6
Guests/Visitors ............................................... 6
THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINATION ...... 7
What to Expect ..................................................7
Setting .............................................................7
The Tasks ............................................................7
Tips for the Practical Skills Examination .....7
Model Requirements.....................................7
Required Equipment .....................................8
References ..........................................................8
THE THEORY EXAM ......................................8
CONTENT OUTLINES — THEORY EXAM 9–10
CONTENT OUTLINES — PRACTICAL EXAM .11
PRACTICAL SKILLS LISTING .................11–14
Practical Skills Exam, Dress Code ..................11
TEACHER PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
CANDIDATE INSTRUCTIONS ..................15
TEACHER PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
SKILLS LIST ......................................... 16-17
Teacher Practical Skills Exam, Dress Code ...16
SCORE REPORTING.....................................17
Equating and Scaling .......................................17
Scaled Score ..................................................... 18
Passing .............................................................. 18
Failing and Retaking an Examination ...........18
How to Read a Failing Score Report .............18
Duplicate Score Report ...................................18
PRACTICAL EXAM GRIEVANCE PROCESS..19
APPENDIX
A: Request for Duplicate Score
Report Form ................back of handbook
B: Practical Skills Examination: Candidate
Equipment List ............back of handbook
1
INTRODUCTION
This handbook is for candidates who want to be licensed
as barbers in Pennsylvania. It describes the steps that
you, the candidate, must follow to apply for and test.
Please read this handbook in its entirety.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners has
contracted with Pearson VUE to manage the applica-
tion process, as well as create, score, and report the
results of the Practical Skills Examination and the Theory
Examination you must take to become licensed. The
phone number and address of Pearson VUE are listed
in the Quick Reference on the inside front cover of this
handbook.
EXAM OVERVIEW
There are two examinations: the Practical Skills
Examination and the Theory Examination. You must pass
both examinations in order to be licensed. Candidates
may take either exam first. There is no requirement to
pass one before the other.
During the Practical Skills Examination you will be asked
to perform randomly selected barber skills. You will be
given two (2) hours to complete the skills. You will be
rated on these skills by an evaluator. You must perform
all of the skills correctly in order to pass the Practical
Skills Examination. A complete listing of the skills is
shown on pages 11 to 14.
You may take the Practical Skills Examination and
the Theory Examination in any order. You have one
year from the date of the first passed exam to pass
the second exam.
The Theory Examination consists of multiple-choice
questions and is available for all license types in
English. Candidates can also take the Barber, Barber
Endorsement, and Manager Barber theory examinations
in Spanish. Content Outlines for the Theory examina-
tions can be found on pages 9 to 10 in this handbook.
ELIGIBILITY
You must submit a License Application with supporting
documentation and fees prior to being eligible to receive a
temporary license and sit for the examinations.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
09 – BARBER
A candidate who wishes to obtain a barber license must
pass a theory examination and a practical examination.
Before taking these examinations, a candidate must:
• Successfully complete a 1,250-hour course of instruction
in barbering in a licensed school (completed in not less
than nine months) OR
• Successfully complete 1,250-hour course of instruction
in a licensed barber shop under the supervision of a
barber teacher or barber manager (completed in not
less than nine months). AND
• Be at least 16 years old and have an 8th grade educa-
tion or equivalent.
10 – BARBER TEACHER
A candidate who wishes to obtain a barber teacher
license must pass a theory examination and a practical
examination. Before taking these examinations, a candi-
date must:
• Be at least 23 years old and have a 12th grade educa-
tion or equivalent. AND
• Successfully complete five years of experience as a
licensed barber in a licensed shop in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania (must attach a copy of current bar-
ber’s license). OR
• Hold a current barber manager license and have
trained for 1,250 hours under a licensed teacher in
a licensed barber school as teacher trainee (must
attach a copy of current barber manager’s license).
11 – BARBER MANAGER
A candidate who wishes to obtain a barber manager
license must pass a theory examination. Before taking
the examination, a candidate must:
• Have an 8th grade education or equivalent. AND
• Have a current barber license and have worked at
least one year as a barber within a licensed barber or
cosmetology shop.
12 – BARBER BY ENDORSEMENT/OUT-OF-STATE BARBER
A candidate who wishes to obtain a barber by endorse-
ment/out-of-state barber license must pass a theory
examination. Before taking this examination, a candidate
must:
• Hold a current, active barber license in a state where
Pennsylvania does not have an agreement of reciproc-
ity. AND
• Provide a certification of their license from the state in
which they are licensed on official letterhead bearing
the state seal. A copy of the license is not acceptable
proof of licensure. NOTE: Verifications must be received
directly from the state board, not from the applicant.
2
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
BARBER, BARBER TEACHER
Required Documentation
1. Proof of Age: (copy of your current, unexpired Driver’s
License, Birth Certificate, Visa, or Passport).
2. Barber Training Affidavit (included in application):
This can be found on-line at www.pearsonvue.com/
pa/cosmetology. For “BARBER MANAGER” the Training
Affidavit must be completed by a Barber Manager,
Teacher, or Shop Owner where you have earned your
hours. All sections of the affidavit must be completed
in the entirety. If using qualifying experience from
more than one shop or school, you must submit an
affidavit from each shop/school with dates and hours
from those shops/schools. Candidates who are self-
employed must submit a copy of the shop license and
including specific dates for shop ownership.
*In lieu of a signed school affidavit, a certificate issued
by the licensing board certifying school hours for a
school which has closed is an acceptable alternative.
3. Proof of High School Education: (attach one of the
following):
A. Barber: Proof of 8th grade education
Barber Teacher: Proof of 12th grade education.
B. Official letter from school with original signature of
principal or guidance counselor.
1. Official transcript with school seal with original
signature of principal.
2. Home schooling documentation is acceptable if
it follows the previously stated guidelines and is
through an association currently registered with
the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
3. If documents verifying education are in any lan-
guage other than English, they must be translated
into English and notarized. If you were educated
outside of the United States, education must be
evaluated by an accredited evaluation service to
establish equivalency.
Recommended Evaluation Services:
1. ACREVS, Inc.
1776 Clear Lake Ave., Milpitas, CA 95035-7014
E-mail: www.acrevs.com
Phone: 408-719-0015 Fax: 510-252-0876
2. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
E-mail: www.ece.org
Phone: 414-289-3400 Fax: 414-289-3411
*An original acceptable GED points and diploma or
TABE scores.
BARBER BY ENDORSEMENT/OUT-OF-STATE BARBER
Required Documentation: Attach a letter indicating the
period of time in which you worked in the field (includ-
ing dates) and a Certification of Licensure from the state
where you hold a license. This certificate must show that
you have a current (not expired and not inactive) license
in that state.
NOTICE: Pearson VUE has been notified by the
Pennsylvania Board of Barber Examiners that they
will be requiring all candidates to submit an official
Criminal History Record Information check with their
applications for licensure examinations, reactivation,
and reciprocity.
Applicants will need to supply an official Criminal
History Record Information check from the State
Police or other state agency for every state in which
the candidate has resided during the past five years.
The reports must be dated within ninety (90) days of
the date of the application.
INFORMATION ON RECIPROCAL STATES
The reciprocity list is subject to change at any time. It is
advisable to contact the Pennsylvania State Board prior
to submission to ensure that the information is currently
accurate.
RECIPROCITY
If applicant is out of state and there is a reciprocal agree-
ment and they have a current, not expired or not inactive
license, NO exam is required. If candidate holds a current,
not inactive, not expired licensed in a state where there
is NO understanding of reciprocity, they must take the
endorsement exam (50 state specific law questions).
REINSTATEMENT
• If you hold a Pennsylvania license that has not been
active for more than five years, complete a reinstate-
ment application found on Pearson VUE's barber
resources page.
• Please note, Barber Regulations section 3.15, A bar-
ber, manager-barber or barber-teacher who fails to
renew a license for a 5-year period is required to
take the appropriate practical examination and pay
applicable back fees prior to renewal of the license.
• If you hold a Pennsylvania license that has not been
active for less than five years, then contact the board
at (717) 783-3402 or e-mail the board at ra-barber@
state.pa.us
3
APPLICATION
AND SCHEDULING
FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION
To become licensed in Pennsylvania, you must complete
an Application for Licensure. You can begin the on-line
application process by logging into the PALS system at:
www.pals.pa.gov
Since you are the applicant, you must complete the
application yourself. You may call a Pearson VUE OHT
Processing Office representative for assistance at
888-511-5352. You will need to attach other documents
to the application. Please refer to the application to
determine which additional documents you need to
include. You must pay the application fee when you
begin the application. If you fail to attach the required
documents or fail to complete all required fields of
the application your application will be considered
incomplete and you will receive an e-mail notifica-
tion.
If you completed the electronic application and all
required documents and payments have been received,
you will receive an ELIGIBILITY notice (from PALS) via
e-mail, along with an APPROVAL TO TEST notice (from
Pearson VUE) with instructions on how to schedule
and pay for your examination. If you need to resched-
ule your examination, you may do so online at www.
pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology or contact Pearson
VUE at (888) 638-7502 and refer to the Cancellation and
Rescheduling section in this handbook.
If you have submitted an incomplete application, you will
be sent a LETTER OF DEFICIENCY via e-mail, specifying
the outstanding requirements. Any outstanding require-
ments must be submitted to Pearson VUE within one (1)
year of the application received date. After one (1) year,
the application will expire and you will be required to
complete a new application and pay the appropriate
fees.
BACKGROUND QUESTIONS
Candidates are required to respond to a series of
background questions as part of the application pro-
cess. Certain applications will need to be reviewed and
approved by the State Board prior to candidates being
approved to take the examination.
NOTE: Candidates who have responded "YES" to one of
the background questions 3 through 7, should allow an
additional 5-10 days for receipt of your authorization to
test letter or notification from the Board regarding your
application.
NAME & ADDRESS CHANGES
If you have had a name change since submitting
your application, you MUST request a NAME CHANGE
PRIOR to arriving at the testing center. You must
submit a request to the Pearson VUE OHT Processing
office at [email protected], along
with a copy of the official documentation affecting the
name change (example: marriage certificate or divorce
decree). The signature and name on the IDs you pres-
ent at the test center must match exactly to what
was originally submitted, or updated, on your PALS
application. Address and phone number changes can
be personally completed by candidates in your PALS
account.
APPLICATION AND EXAM FEES
If you are taking the examinations for the first time, you
must complete the correct application, the state applica-
tion fee, the associated processing fees, and supporting
materials. Your Authorization to Test notice will contain
details about how to schedule and pay for your examina-
tion.
EXAMINATION OR RETAKES TOTAL FEE
Practical Exam (First time or retakes) $77
Theory (First time or retakes) $63
The state's application fee will be required when com-
pleting the on-line application form, through PALS. Fees
cannot be refunded and cannot be transferred to
another person. If you miss your examination, you are
still responsible for the fee and must pay the reschedul-
ing fee to schedule another examination.
Accepted forms of payment for scheduling the Practical
and Theory Examination are: credit card, debit card, or
voucher.
4
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Pearson VUE complies with the provisions of the
Americans with Disabilities Act as amended. The pur-
pose of accommodations is to provide candidates with
full access to the test. Accommodations are not a
guarantee of improved performance or test comple-
tion. Pearson VUE provides reasonable and appropriate
accommodations to individuals with documented dis-
abilities who demonstrate a need for accommodations.
Test accommodations may include things such as:
• A separate testing room
• Extra testing time
• A Reader or Recorder, for individuals with mobility
or vision impairments and cannot read or write on
their own
Test accommodations are individualized and considered
on a case-by-case basis. All candidates who are request-
ing accommodations because of a disability must pro-
vide appropriate documentation of their condition and
how it is expected to affect their ability to take the test
under standard conditions. This may include:
• Supporting documentation from the professional
who diagnosed the condition, including the cre-
dentials that qualify the professional to make this
diagnosis
• A description of past accommodations the candi-
date has received
The steps to follow when requesting test accommo-
dations vary, depending on your test program spon-
sor. To begin, go to http://pearsonvue.com/accom-
modations, and then select your test program
sponsor from the alphabetized list. Candidates who
have additional questions concerning test accom-
modations may contact the ADA Coordinator at
ELIGIBILITY AND APPROVAL TO TEST NOTICE
When your application, application fee, affidavit, back-
ground questions, and supporting documents have been
reviewed/received and evaluated for completeness, you
will receive a notice of eligibility and an approval to test
notice via email. The approval to test notice contains
details about how to schedule and pay for your theory
and practical examinations.
If you do not get your approval to test notice within
ten (10) business days after submitting your applica-
tion, contact the Pearson VUE OHT Processing Office at
888-511-5352. (Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays are
not business days.)
NOTE: Candidates who have responded "YES" to one of
the background questions 3 through 7 may be asked
to submit certified copies of relevant documents and
should allow an additional 5-10 days for receipt of your
authorization to test letter or notification from the Board
regarding your application.
If your application is incomplete, or if you have not sent
the correct fees or other documents, you will be sent a
deficiency letter indicating that your application is incom-
plete. The e-mail will instruct you on what you still need
to attach. An approval to test notice will not be sent until
you have completed the on-line application and attached
all of the required documents.
Your approval to test notice has important informa-
tion about the exam. Call Pearson VUE if you do not
get your letter within ten (10) business days after sub-
mitting your application and mailing your required
documentation and payment. Pearson VUE is NOT
responsible for lost, misdirected, or delayed mail.
SCHEDULING LEAD TIMES
You must schedule your Theory exam two (2) calendar
days in advance. Practical exams must be scheduled five
(5) calendar days in advance. All Instructor exams must
be scheduled fourteen (14) calendar days in advance.
TEST SITES – PRACTICAL SKILLS AND
THEORY EXAMINATIONS
The Theory Exam will be given at a Pearson VUE comput-
er-based testing facility. Please visit www.pearsonvue.
com/pa/cosmetology or call 1 866-638-7502 to deter-
mine the schedule of the test site most convenient to
you. The locations of these centers and testing frequen-
cies are listed below:
TEST CENTERS - THEORY EXAMS
Harrisburg 3-4 days per week
Philadelphia 3-4 days per week
Pittsburgh (East) 2-3 days per week
Pittsburgh (West) 2-3 days per week
Erie 1-2 days per week
Allentown 1-2 days per week
Scranton 2-3 days per week
Plymouth Meeting 1-2 days per week
Washington 1-2 days per week
Newark (Wilmington),
DE
3-4 days per week
Morgantown, WV 2-3 days per week
TEST CENTERS - PRACTICAL EXAMS
PRACTICAL EXAM SCHEDULE - CLICK HERE
5
CANCELLATION
AND RESCHEDULING
If you cannot attend your Practical Skills Examination,
you must contact Pearson VUE at least five (5) calendar
days before the day of the exam to reschedule. If you do
not attend your exam, and have not contacted Pearson
VUE at least five (5) calendar days before the exam date,
your exam fee will NOT be refunded and you cannot
transfer the fee to another exam date. You may not give
your exam date to another person.
If you cannot attend your Theory Exam, you must con-
tact Pearson VUE at least two (2) calendar days before
the day of the exam to reschedule. If you do not attend
your exam, and have not contacted Pearson VUE at least
two (2) calendar days before the exam date, your exam
fee will NOT be refunded and you cannot transfer the fee
to another exam date. You may not give your exam date
to another person.
ABSENCE POLICY
Candidates who are late or absent from an exam may
call Pearson VUE within 14 days of the exam date to
request an excused absence for the following reasons:
• Illness of yourself or an immediate family member
• Death in the family
• Disabling traffic accident
• Court appearance or jury duty
• Military duty
• Weather emergency
A case number will be assigned and instructions provid-
ed for emailing supporting documentation. Candidates
absent from or late to an exam who have not
changed or canceled the reservation according to
the change/cancel policy will not be admitted to the
exam and will forfeit the exam fee.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
Exams may be delayed or cancelled if severe weather or
a natural disaster makes the test site unsafe or impos-
sible to reach. Candidates will be notified if the exam is
cancelled and may take the exam on another day at no
additional cost.
EXAM DAY
WHAT TO BRING
You MUST bring the following items with you both
to the Practical Skills Examination AND the Theory
Examination test site:
• Two (2) forms of current (unexpired) signature-
bearing identification. (One MUST be photo-bearing,
see list below). PLEASE NOTE: The signature and
names must match exactly to what was submitted on
your application. If you come to the test site with-
out the proper ID, you will not be allowed to take
the exam and you will lose your exam fee.
Items to bring with you to the Practical test site:
• All required equipment as detailed in the Supply
List at https://home.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosme-
tology/barber-resources, including live models for
Barbers. See page 7 for model requirements.
• All candidates are required to wear a SMOCK or
APRON and dress appropriately (business casual
attire is recommended). No hats, no ripped jeans,
no tanks or halter tops, and no shorts. Skirts must
be to the knee or below. Candidates must have a
clean, well groomed appearance and wear a salon
smock or apron that covers undergarments during
the examination. If the smock or apron has a school
name on it, candidates are asked to ensure the
school name is covered prior to coming to the test
site and remains covered during the examination. If
a candidate does not bring a smock or apron with
them on the day of testing, they will not be allowed
to test and will be required to reschedule their prac-
tical examination for a later date. Fees will apply.
• REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
1. Conventional Razor
2. First Aid Kit
3. Live Model/Mannequin
4. Scissors
5. Clippers
• NO CELL PHONES, SMART WATCHES, OR ANY
OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Recommended items to bring with you to the Practical
test site:
• The approval to test notice.
No other materials will be allowed.
All exam questions, each form of the exam, and all other
exam materials are copyrighted by and the property of
Pearson VUE. Any distribution of the exam content or
materials through any form of reproduction, or through
oral or written communication, is strictly prohibited
and punishable by law. Anyone who removes or tries to
remove exam material or information from the test site
will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
6
ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF CANDIDATE
IDENTIFICATION
Candidates must present two (2) forms of current sig-
nature identification. The primary identification must be
government-issued and photo-bearing with a signature,
and the secondary identification must contain a valid
signature. Identification must be in English.
PRIMARY ID
(PHOTOGRAPH AND SIGNATURE, NOT EXPIRED)
• Government-issued Driver’s License
• U.S. Dept. of State Driver’s License
• U.S. Learner’s Permit (with photo and signature)
• National/State/Country ID card
• Passport
• Passport Card
• Military ID
• Military ID for spouses and dependents
• Alien Registration Card (Green Card, Permanent
Resident Visa)
SECONDARY ID (SIGNATURE, NOT EXPIRED)
• U.S. Social Security card
• Debit (ATM) card
• Photo-bearing School ID
• Any form of ID on the Primary ID list
If the ID presented has an embedded signature that is
not visible (microchip), or is difficult or impossible to
read, the candidate must present another form of iden-
tification from the Primary ID or Secondary ID list that
contains a visible signature.
Pearson VUE does not recognize grace periods. For
example, if a candidate’s driver’s license expired yes-
terday and the state allows a 30-day grace period for
renewing the ID, the ID is considered to be expired.
TESTING POLICIES
The following policies are observed at each test center:
LATENESS
Arrive at the test center thirty (30) minutes before
your scheduled examination starts. If you are late
for your scheduled examination, or do not bring all of
your required materials, you will NOT be allowed to test
and your examination fee will NOT be returned (see
Cancellation for more details).
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cellular phones, pagers or any other electronic devices
are not permitted to be used and must be turned off
during testing. There is no place for storage of personal
belongings at the test centers.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS/STUDY AIDS
You are not permitted to take personal belongings such
as briefcases, large bags, study materials, extra books or
papers into the examination room. Any such materials
brought into the examination room will be collected and
returned to you when you have completed the examina-
tion. Pearson VUE is not responsible for lost or misplaced
items.
EATING/DRINKING/SMOKING
You are not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke during the
examination.
MISCONDUCT
If you cause a disturbance of any kind or engage in
any kind of misconduct, you will be dismissed from the
examination and the incident will be reported to the
State Board of Barber Examiners. Decisions regard-
ing disciplinary measures are the responsibility of the
Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners.
GUESTS/VISITORS
Guests, visitors, pets, interpreters, or children are NOT
allowed at the test centers.
7
THE PRACTICAL SKILLS
EXAMINATION
WHAT TO EXPECT
SETTING
The Practical Skills Examination is set up to resemble
an actual hair salon or barber shop. The Practical Skills
Examination area will look similar to your work setting.
The Practical Skills Examination will be administered by
an evaluator.
See pages 11-14 for the complete skills listing.
Please note: All set up and take down of supplies and
equipment is included in the skill timeframe. Candidates
will be allowed to set up mannequin stand and manne-
quin (unsectioned and uncombed) prior to the practical
examination; and NO CELL PHONES, SMART WATCHES,
OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES are permitted in
the practical exam site area during the entire duration of
the exam – findings are subject to exam disqualification.
THE TASKS
The Practical Skills List contains all of the skills that you
may be asked to demonstrate during the Practical Skills
Examination. Each skill represents a task that you will be
asked to perform in your job and has been broken down
into a series of steps. Each skill should be considered
a NEW SKILL, as if a new patron were seated in your
chair.
Before your Practical begins, the Evaluator will provide
you the skill to be performed and special instructions
regarding that skill. Infection control and safety com-
ponents will be evaluated throughout all skills and will
also be one of the individual skills to be performed. The
remaining skills are randomly chosen from the complete
set of skills listings on pages 11-14 of this handbook.
If you make a mistake, raise your hand and the evaluator
will approach you. Tell the evaluator what you missed,
then demonstrate it and proceed with the rest of the
skill. You will not have to redo the entire skill, just the
steps you wish to correct. If you wish to correct an order-
dependent step (a step stating that an action should be
performed before or after another step) and you fail to
say when the corrected step should be performed, you
will not receive credit for the correction.
Once you begin a new skill, you may not go back to cor-
rect a previous skill. The Evaluator will not answer ques-
tions during the Practical Skills Examination and will not
tell you whether you performed a skill correctly. You may
not receive help from anyone during the Practical Skills
Examination. If you do have any questions, please ask
them before the Practical Skills Examination begins.
You must successfully complete all of the skills in the
skill form to pass the Practical Skills Examination. If
you fail the practical examination, the complete prac-
tical exam must be retaken.
TIPS FOR THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINATION
• You will be expected to perform the skills as you
would in a work setting. When water is required in
the instructions, you must use water. For all steps,
you must actually perform the skill in order to
receive credit. You may not simply tell the evaluator
what you would do for simulating a step.
• In accordance with the Pennsylvania State Board of
Barber Examiners, all bottles and containers in use
shall be distinctly and correctly labeled to disclose
their contents. All liquids, creams, and other prepa-
rations shall be kept in properly labeled, clean, and
closed containers.
• All supplies used in the practical skill sets shall be
distinctly labeled.
• You must bring your own equipment to the test
site; you may not borrow equipment from anoth-
er exam candidate. Please refer to Appendix B,
Practical Skills Examination: Candidate Equipment
List, or refer to: http://pearsonvue.com/pa/cosme-
tology for practical examination equipment list.
MODEL REQUIREMENTS
Barber candidates will perform the tapered haircut,
shave, and facial on a live model. Chemical services and
layered haircut will be performed on a mannequin.
Evaluators will ask the Models to sign a Model sign-in
sheet when they arrive for testing.
When taking the Barber Practical Exam or Barber
Instructor Practical Exam, you must bring 1 LIVE MODEL
and 1 mannequin and stand and/or extender- pre-sec-
tioned/pre-parted mannequins are prohibited. Models
must be at least 16 years of age and cannot be a licensed
Barber, or going to school for the profession. Model’s
hair must be at least 1” long on the top of the head
and no less than 1/4” at the nape of the neck and
sideburn area. The length must be sufficient for the
barber to demonstrate a shear over comb tapered blend
from the clippered area up to the longer hair on top; and
the Model must have visible stubble on the face to per-
form the 14 stroke shave. If your model does not meet
these requirements, you will not be permitted to test and
you will forfeit your exam fees.
8
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Required Practical Skills Examination equipment includes:
4. First Aid Kit (must contain all required items includ-
ing adhesive bandages, gauze or cotton wipes,
antiseptic (Labeled: Antiseptic), and 2 small baggies
(labeled: Biohazard)
5. Conventional Razor (required for the Honing and
Stropping task)
6. Mannequin that is not pre-sectioned
7. Live model (that meets the requirements, refer
to p. 7)
8. Smock or apron (and adhering to the dress code
requirement – refer to pp. 11 & 16 for dress code
requirement)
9. Clippers/Scissors
For a complete list of the practical skills examination equip-
ment needed to complete the skills exam, please refer to:
1. Refer to Appendix B, Practical Skills Examination:
Candidate Equipment List
2. Visit http://pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetoloy for
Practical Examination Equipment List
NOTE: Ensure all supplies are labeled correctly and with-
out a numbering system (numbering the supplies will be
construed as cheating). You are required to have a First Aid
kit as part of your supplies. If you arrive at the testing
location without the required supplies, you risk dis-
qualification and/or failure of your examination.
Evaluators will check to confirm the candidates have all
required supplies and equipment prior to the start of the
exam to prevent the distraction of having to disqualify a
candidate during the exam.
REFERENCES
PA LAWS & REGULATIONS (available on the board’s web-
site)
• Barber Regulations: Title 49, Chp 3
• Act 589 of 1931
• Act 48 of 1993 (Schedule of Civil Penalties)
BARBER THEORY/MANAGER BARBER
• Milady Standard Barbering (6th ed.), 2016
BARBER TEACHER THEORY
• Milady Master Educator (3rd ed.), 2014
• Pivot Point: Mindful Teaching Pro, 2013
THE THEORY EXAM
THEORY EXAM
When you arrive for your scheduled examination, you
must show your two forms of signature identification.
One MUST be a government-issued, unexpired, photo
identification. In addition the names and signatures must
match exactly. If you have had a name change since sub-
mitting your application, you MUST bring a copy of the
official document affecting the name change (example:
marriage certificate or divorce decree). If you fail to pro-
vide these documents you will be denied admission to
the examination and you will be liable for all fees.
The theory examination will consist of multiple choice
questions and “pretest” questions. (Pretest questions
are questions on which information is being collected
for use in making future exams. Your answers to pretest
questions do not affect your score. Pretest questions are
mixed in with the scored questions and are not identi-
fied.) The chart below identifies how many items you will
see for both the general and state portion as well as the
total time allotted for each examination.
EXAMINATION
TOTAL
ITEMS
SCORED
ITEMS
PRE-
TEST
ITEMS
EXAM
TIME
ALLOTTED
Teacher 75 60 15 1 hour 45
min
Barber 130 110 20 2 hours 15
min
Barber
Manager
45 40 5 1 hour
If you give help to someone or receive help from anyone
during the exam, you will be asked to leave the room
immediately. The results will not be scored and the inci-
dent will be reported to the Pennsylvania State Board
of Barber Examiners. Anyone who takes or tries to take
materials or information from the testing room is subject
to prosecution.
The theory examinations are offered in the following
languages:
EXAM LANGUAGES OFFERED
Barber English, Spanish
Barber Endorsement English, Spanish
Teacher English
Manager Barber English, Spanish
9
THEORY EXAM
CONTENT OUTLINES
CONTENT OUTLINE – BARBER
110 scored items (100 general, 10 state)
20 pretest items (15 general, 5 state)
I. Rules, Regulations, and Safety (25% to 30%)
A. Safety
1. Knowledge of products, tools and equipment
a. Thermal appliances
b. Patch Test precautions
2. Patron protection
a. Sanitation
b. Procedures
c. Professional Conduct
d. Consultation
e. Record keeping
3. Maintaining safe working conditions
a. Labeling
b. Handling/Storing chemical products
c. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
4. First aid/OSHA
a. Handling blood-contaminated tools
b. Disposing of blood-contaminated
objects
B. Sanitation and disinfection
1. Personal hygiene
2. Cleaning and disinfection of supplies,
implements, and tools
3. Single-use items
4. Dispensing / disposal of products
5. Prevention of infectious disease/referral
6. Cleaning and disinfecting work surfaces
II. Hair / Scalp Structure and Care (5% to 10%)
A. Properties of hair
1. Structure
2. Growth phases
3. Disorders
4. Hair loss
B. Hair type
1. Pigment
2. Wave pattern/follicle formation
3. Texture
4. Density
5. Porosity
6. Elasticity
C. Hair and scalp care services
1. Scalp analysis/Disorders and diseases of scalp
2. Shampooing and conditioning
a. Procedure
b. Products
3. Scalp treatment / scalp massage
a. Procedure
b. Products
III. Shaving / Beard Design (6% to 10%)
A. Shaving Safety
B. Procedures
1. Preparation
2. Shave / shaving areas
3. Post-shave
C. Techniques
1. Applying hot towels
2. Lathering
3. Shaving strokes
a. Freehand
b. Backhand
c. Reverse Freehand
d. Reverse Backhand
4. Beard and mustache design
D. Products and implements
IV. Haircutting and Hairstyling (25 - 30%)
A. Haircutting
1. Determination of appropriate cut and style
a. Hair texture and types
b. Hair condition
c. Hair length
d. Face shape
e. Establishing guideline
2. Blunt/one-length, graduated, and layered
haircuts
3. Thinning/texturizing
4. Using scissors/shears
5. Using clippers
6. Using a razor
B. Hairstyling
1. Wet styling
2. Blow-dry styling
3. Thermal styling
4. Braiding
5. Artificial hair
6. Products and styling aids
V. Chemical Services (20% to 25%)
A. Hair Coloring
1. Color Theory
2. Product Chemistry
3. Materials and Supplies
4. Procedures, Techniques, and Application
5. Patch test
B. Chemical Waving
1. Product Chemistry
2. Materials and Supplies
3. Procedures, Techniques, and Application
4. Precautions
C. Chemical Hair Relaxing
1. Product Chemistry
2. Materials and Supplies
3. Procedures, Techniques, and Application
4. Precautions
continues next page
10
VI. Skin Care (4% to 8%)
A. Skin analysis
1. Conditions that benefit from facial services
2. Diseases and disorders that preclude facial
services
B. Facial services
1. Purpose and procedures
2. Products, implements, and materials
3. Massage manipulations
4. Using electric skin devices and equipment
5. Special procedures for sensitive, acne-prone,
or aging skin
CONTENT OUTLINE — BARBER TEACHER
60 scored items (50 general, 10 state)
15 pretest items (10 general, 5 state)
I. Teaching Methods (14%)
II. Assessment Tools (16%)
A. Why
B. How
C. What
III. DeterminingEectiveInstruction(36%)
A. Establishing goals and objectives
B. Determining essential knowledge, skills, and
abilities
C. Understanding outcomes
IV. The Learner and Learning Environment
(34%)
A. Learning styles
B. Individual differences
C. Motivation
D. Record keeping
E. Classroom arrangement
CONTENT OUTLINE – MANAGER-BARBER
40 scored items, 5 pretest items
I. PA Barber Laws and Rules (40%)
A. Shop Requirements
1. General
2. Space
3. Equipment (Interior and Exterior)
4. Licensing/Display of License
B. Maintenance and Sanitation (PA-Specific)
C. Out-of-Shop Services
II. General Shop Management Principles (60%)
A. Safety and Sanitation
1. Sanitation and Disinfection
2. Maintaining Safe Working Conditions
B. Shop Operations
1. Managing Employees
2. Business Operations
3. Serving Customers
11
PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAM
CONTENT OUTLINES
BARBER
I. Infection Control & Safety
II. Shaving
III. Skin Care
IV. Haircutting
V. Haircoloring/ Bleaching
VI. Permanent Waving
VII. Chemical Hair Straightening and Relaxing
VIII. Honing and Stropping
PRACTICAL SKILLS LIST
Dress Code: All candidates scheduled for a practical
exam will be required to dress appropriately (busi-
ness casual attire is recommended) – no hats, ripped
jeans, tanks or halter tops, shorts, and skirts must be
to the knee or below. Candidates must have a clean,
well-groomed appearance and wear a salon smock or
apron that covers undergarments during the exami-
nation. If the smock or apron has a school name on
it, candidates are asked to ensure the school name is
covered prior to coming to the test site and remains
covered during the examination. If a candidate does
not bring a smock or apron with them on the day of
testing, they will not be allowed to test and will be
required to reschedule their practical examination for
a later date. Fees will apply.
INFECTION CONTROL & SAFETY COMPONENTS
FOR ALL LEVELS:
BARBER
INFECTION CONTROL & SAFETY
(10 minutes)
1 Arrives with disinfected implements in sealed
containers and clean supplies
2 Sanitizes hands. (This only has to be done one
time before ALL skills unless the hands become
unsanitary)
3 Sanitizes work area. (This only has to be done one
time before ALL skills unless the table becomes
unsanitary)
4 Universal precautions shall be utilized to clean blood
and body uids
5 Implements dropped on the oor shall not be used
until demonstrating mock disinfection
6 Places disposable materials in trash after use
7 Places used implements in container separate from
disinfected implements
8 Sanitizes work area after completing task. (This only
has to be done one time at the end of ALL skills)
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS - FOR BLOOD SPILL
1 Stops the skill immediately
2 Sanitizes hands
3 Puts gloves on
4 Cleans the wound using an antiseptic (not alcohol)
5 Bandages wound or applies styptic to stop bleeding
6 Puts all disposable items (including gloves) in one
baggie labeled “biohazard”
7 That baggie must then put in another baggie labeled
“biohazard”
continues next page
12
8 These bio-hazard baggies must be thrown in the
candidate’s own trash can and not left on the
premises anywhere at the test site
9 Candidate must sanitize hands after disposing
contaminated items
CHEMICAL RELAXER
CHEMICAL RELAXER – RETOUCH
(Barber, 15 minutes)
This will be performed on mannequins for Barbers.
1 Drapes for chemical service using chemical service
cape and 2 terry cloth towels
2 Sections the hair
3 Applies base cream to the hairline and ears
4 Wears disposable gloves during application
5 Applies relaxer to regrowth
6 Cross-checks section to ensure complete coverage
7 Smoothes hair with back of non-metal comb, ngers
or applicator brush
8 Keeps mid-shaft and ends free from product
9 Keeps unprotected area free from product
CHEMICAL RELAXER – VIRGIN
(Barber, 17 minutes)
This will be performed on mannequins for Barbers.
1 Drapes for chemical service using chemical service
cape and 2 terry cloth towels
2 Sections the hair
3 Applies base cream to the hairline and ears
4 Wears disposable gloves during application
5 Applies relaxer approximately 1/4” from scalp out to
1/2” from ends
6 Applies relaxer to scalp area and ends
7 Smoothes hair with back of non-metal comb, ngers,
or applicator brush
8 Cross-checks section to ensure complete coverage
9 Keeps unprotected area free from product
FACIALS
MALE FACIAL
(Barber, 20 minutes)
Note: Evaluators may ask candidates to perform
each of the massage manipulations to ensure
the evaluator sees each manipulation being
performed. Candidates will NOT be marked down
for demonstrating the massage manipulations
before being asked, but candidates should make
sure to demonstrate the massage manipulations
when asked.
This will be performed on a live model.
1 Drapes model to protect clothing and hair
2 Applies and distributes cleanser in direction of beard
growth
3 Avoids eye area
4 Tests temperature of steam cloth towel
5 Applies steam cloth towel to remove cleansing
product
6 Applies massage product in direction of beard
growth
7 Performs facial manipulations a minimum of one
time on entire face
8 Performs manipulations in direction of beard growth
9 Maintains hand contact with client’s skin throughout
manipulations
10 Uses cushions of ngertips or palms for facial
manipulations
11 Demonstrates eeurage manipulations
12 Demonstrates petrissage manipulations
13 Demonstrates tapotement manipulations
14 Applies steam cloth towel to remove massage
product
15 Applies toner or astringent to skin
16 Applies moisturizer in direction of beard growth
17 Prevents cross-contamination
13
HAIR COLORING
HAIR COLOR – RETOUCH
(Barber, 10 minutes)
This will be performed on a mannequin.
1 Drapes for chemical service using chemical service
cape and 2 terry cloth towels
2 Sections the hair
3 Wears disposable gloves during application
4 Using a bottle, or brush and bowl, applies product at
the scalp completely covering ½” to 1” of regrowth
5 Cross-checks section to ensure complete coverage
6 Removes excess color product from the skin
7 Avoids overlapping color onto previously colored hair
HAIR COLOR – VIRGIN
(Barber, 15 minutes)
This will be performed on a mannequin.
1 Drapes for chemical service using chemical service
cape and 2 terry cloth towels
2 Sections the hair
3 Wears disposable gloves during application
4 Using a bottle, or brush and bowl, applies product ½”
from scalp up to ½” from ends
5 Applies color to scalp area and ends of hair
6 Cross-checks to ensure complete coverage
7 Removes excess color product from the skin
HAIR CUTTING
BASIC LAYERED HAIRCUT – (SHEARS/SCISSORS)
(Barber, 20 minutes)
This will be performed on a mannequin, utilizing one
quadrant.
1 Drapes mannequin with a neckstrip or towel and
cutting or styling cape
2 Sections hair
3 Holds comb and cutting tool in hand(s) throughout
haircut
4 Establishes and follows guideline
5 Removes a minimum of ½” of hair
6 Completes a blended layered haircut
7 Uses cutting tools safely
8 Cleans or sweeps area when nished
TAPERED HAIRCUT BACK OF HEAD – (SCISSORS/
CLIPPERS)
Please see photo of nished haircut at www.
pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology for further
information.
(Barber, 20 minutes)
This haircut will be performed on a live model. The whole
back of the head will be tapered and the haircut will be
blended or nished as desired. You will be graded on the
overall, nished haircut.
1 Drapes model with neck strip and cape
2 Begins at 0 degrees on the base of nape
3 Tapers upwards to 2”
4 Removes at least 1/4” of hair
5 Uses cutting tools safely
6 Completes a blended taper
7 Cleans or sweeps area when nished
14
PERMANENT WAVING
PERMANENT WAVE
(Barber, 15 minutes)
This will be performed on a mannequin.
1 Drapes for chemical service using chemical service
cape and 2 terry cloth towels
2 Sections hair
3 Section width correlates with length of rod
4 Sub-section correlates with the diameter of the rod
size
5 Partings are straight and clean
6 Wraps three rods
7 Winds hair around rods evenly and smoothly
8 Fastens the band along the top of the rod not twisted
or touching the scalp
9 Applies protective cream or cotton around wrapped
section
10 Wears disposable gloves during saturation
11 Curl is evenly saturated for processing
12 Demonstrates mock test curl
13 Finishes without shhooks
SHAVING
SHAVING – FACE AND NECK
(Barber, 25 minutes)
This will be performed on live model with a razor blade.
1 Drapes model with cape and terry towel
2 Tests temperature of steam cloth towel
3 Applies a steam towel to the face and neck
4 Applies lather to face and neck with hands or brush
5 Removes lather from lips, nose, eyes, and ears
6 Demonstrates freehand (in correct section of face
using bladed straight razor and removing hair)
7 Demonstrates backhand (in correct section of face
using bladed straight razor and removing hair)
8 Demonstrates reverse freehand (in correct section of
face using bladed straight razor and removing hair)
9 Demonstrates stretching the skin taut under the
razor
10 Shaves in the direction of hair growth
11 Removes lather from the blade onto towel
12 Completes shaving face and neck
13 Tests temperature of steam cloth towel
14 Removes remaining lather from the face and neck
with warm towel
15 Applies astringent or toner to the face and neck with
a patting motion
16 Uses shaving tool safely
BARBER
HONING AND STROPPING
(Barber, 15 minutes)
This will be performed on hone and strop provided by test
center. Conventional razor required.
1 Holds hone at
2 Holds razor with ngers on the shank when honing
3 Holds the razor at on stone while performing the
gure-eight (“8” or “X”)
4 Applies pressure while honing
5 Turns razor on back while honing, prior to reversing
the blade
6 Applies pressure while stropping
7 Strops entire blade
8 Holds razor against strop
9 Turns razor with the back leading while stropping
15
TEACHER PRACTICAL
EXAMINATION CANDIDATE
INSTRUCTIONS
The Teacher practical examination will consist of two parts:
1) a Lecture evaluation, and 2) a Demonstration evaluation.
Candidates will receive a letter from Pearson VUE with their
assigned Lecture Topic and Demonstration Item based on
the type of Teacher Practical Examination.
In the Lecture evaluation, you will present an oral lesson
based on a topic that will be assigned to you. You must
develop a step-by-step lesson plan for conducting a class
using the appropriate principles of learning, motivation,
presentation, application, and evaluation. The lecture
requires the use of adequate instructional aids. In the
Demonstration evaluation, you will perform a basic,
field-related task as you would in a classroom. You will
be evaluated according to procedure, technical skill con-
tent, and delivery. You must bring 2 hard copies of the
lesson plan for the lecture and for the demonstration.
These lesson plans along with any instructional materials
and supplies used during the exam will be collected and
retained by the evaluator at the end of the exam.
LECTURE EVALUATION
You will have 10 minutes to prepare for the lecture, and up
to 50 minutes to execute it. In your introduction of mate-
rial, you must clearly state an objective and a purpose, and
explain the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students are
to acquire within the context of the lesson.
You must demonstrate that you are clearly prepared to
give the lecture. In order to accomplish this task, you
must begin your lecture on time. The subject matter of
the lesson must be clearly stated, accurate, presented
in a linear fashion, and it must relate directly to the
assigned topic. All necessary, relevant materials must be
prepared in advance, and visual aids must be legible. You
must not second-guess yourself as you are presenting
the material.
As with any valuable lesson, you must discuss the theory
of the subject and the practical application. At the con-
clusion of the lesson, you must summarize the subject.
As a teacher would do in a classroom setting, you must
describe some assessment methods that will be used to
determine your students’ retention of the subject mat-
ter, and list several student assignments that will be used
to reinforce subject matter.
DEMONSTRATION EVALUATION
You will have 10 minutes to prepare for the demonstra-
tion, and up to 50 minutes to execute it. You will be
expected to perform techniques for teaching manipula-
tive skills as you would in front of a classroom, discuss-
ing the steps of the procedure as you perform them.
Barbers require live models. Models must be at least
16 years of age, and must not be a Cosmetologist,
Barber, or Barber Instructor; and they may not be
going to school for any of these professions. You may
not communicate with them at the test site unless
required by the skill. Teacher Practical Candidates will
be evaluated on one of the following assigned demon-
stration items.
BARBER TEACHER
MALE FACIAL
You will be expected to demonstrate the male facial on
a live model. As an introduction, you must list equip-
ment, implements, cosmetics, and materials that are
used during a male facial. You must demonstrate how to
use equipment that may be unfamiliar to students, and
demonstrate how to properly prepare a client to receive
this service.
Before beginning the procedure, you must orally review
the procedures for a quality male facial. Then, you must
demonstrate the procedure while describing safety pro-
cedures that the students must follow. Discuss and
demonstrate the correct procedures for draping, cleans-
ing and preparing the skin and demonstrate the correct
procedure for the application of appropriate cosmetics
and supplies. Orally discuss the proper way to apply
needed products such as cleanser and massage cream
as you perform the demonstration. During the entire
demonstration you must use and explain professional
terminology in discussing all procedures.
In conclusion, you must review the proper use of imple-
ments, cosmetics, and materials, and explain appropri-
ate procedures to follow in case of an accident. You will
be expected to establish a set of criteria with which a
quality facial can be judged.
During the demonstration, you must maintain sanitary
conditions at all times.
SHAVE
You will be expected to demonstrate the correct form of
a shave on a live model, using the application of shaving
cream, steam towels and razor. As an introduction, you
must list equipment, implements, cosmetics, and materials
that are used during the shaving skill. You must demon-
strate how to use equipment that may be unfamiliar to
students, and demonstrate how to properly prepare a client
to receive this service.
Before beginning the procedure, you must orally review
the procedures for a quality shave. Then, you must
demonstrate the procedure while describing safety pro-
16
cedures that the students must follow. Discuss and
demonstrate the correct procedures for draping, cleans-
ing and preparing the skin and demonstrate the cor-
rect procedure for the application of shave cream and
steam towels. Discuss the proper hand manipulations
to move the razor across the face and hold skin taut
as you perform the demonstration, including fourteen
(14) shaving movements using correct strokes in the
proper order. You must also demonstrate how to do a
complete shave on the face and neck in the direction of
hair growth. During the entire demonstration you must
use and explain professional terminology in discussing
all procedures.
In conclusion, you must review the proper use of imple-
ments, cosmetics, and materials, and explain appropri-
ate procedures to follow in case of an accident. And
demonstrate the steps of Universal Safety Precautions.
You will be expected to establish a set of criteria with
which a quality shave can be judged.
During the demonstration, you must maintain sanitary
conditions at all times.
TEACHER PRACTICAL
EXAMINATION SKILLS LIST
Dress Code: All candidates scheduled for a practical
exam will be required to dress appropriately
(business casual attire is recommended) – no hats,
ripped jeans, tanks or halter tops, shorts, and skirts
must be to the knee or below. Candidates must
have a clean, well-groomed appearance and wear
a salon smock or apron that covers undergarments
during the examination. If the smock or apron
has a school name on it, candidates are asked to
ensure the school name is covered prior to coming
to the test site and remains covered during the
examination. If a candidate does not bring a smock
or apron with them on the day of testing, they
will not be allowed to test and will be required to
reschedule their practical examination for a later
date. Fees will apply.
LECTURE – BARBER TEACHER
1. Clearly presents lesson plan, including, topic,
objective and time required.
2. Objective explicitly states purpose of lesson.
3. Objective delineates the knowledge, skills and
abilities students should acquire within the lesson.
4. Subject matter of lesson plan is directly correlated to
selected topic.
5. Brings all necessary, relevant materials.
6. Presents material in a linear manner.
7. Visual aids are clear and easily legible.
8. Begins lesson on time.
9. Does not second-guess information being presented.
10. Information presented is accurate.
11. Describes safety and sanitation procedures of
subject matter.
12. Discusses theory of assigned subject.
13. Discusses practical application of assigned subject.
14. Summarizes subject at conclusion of lesson.
15. Describes assessment methods that will be used to
determine student's retention of subject matter.
16. Lists students' assignment(s) to reinforce subject
matter.
BARBER TEACHER DEMONSTRATIONS
MALE FACIAL - DEMONSTRATION
1. Identies equipment, implements, cosmetics and
materials that are used to perform a male facial
service.
2. Demonstrates preparation of client.
3. Explains and demonstrates correct safety and client
protection procedures.
4. Reviews basic male facial procedures including
application of massage product in direction of
growth of beard.
5. Demonstrates giving a facial with steam towels.
6. Stresses proper direction while conducting the
manipulations.
7. Reviews proper use of implements, cosmetics, and
materials.
8. Establishes criteria to evaluate a quality male facial.
9. Summarizes demonstration.
10. Speaks clearly and distinctly.
11. Follows time frame stated in lecture.
12. Maintains sanitary conditions throughout.
SHAVE - DEMONSTRATION
1. Identies equipment, implements, cosmetics and
materials that are used to perform a shave service.
2. Demonstrates preparation of client.
3. Explains and demonstrates correct safety and client
protection procedures including disinfection of the
straight razor prior to the service and applying an
astringent/toner after shaving the face.
4. Explains how to prepare client's face and beard for
shave.
5. Reviews basic shave of face and neck.
6. Demonstrates 14 shaving movements using correct
strokes in the proper order on client.
7. Demonstrates how and explains why holding the
skin taut and proper razor angle and stroking are
important in safely servicing a client.
8. Reviews proper use of implements, cosmetics, and
materials.
9. Establishes criteria to evaluate a quality shave.
10. Summarizes demonstration.
11. Speaks clearly and distinctly.
12. Follows time frame stated in lecture.
13. Maintains sanitary conditions throughout.
SCORE REPORTING
Score Reports for Practical examinations will be available
on your Pearson VUE account 48-hours after testing. If
Practical examination was failed, details of missed skills
and steps will be sent via PALS.
You must successfully complete all of the skills
in the skill form to pass the Practical Skills
Examination. If you fail the practical examination,
the complete practical exam must be retaken.
EQUATING AND SCALING
There are multiple versions of each of the licensing
examinations. These versions are known as forms.
Although all forms of an examination are developed
based on the content outlines, the difficulty of the forms
of an examination may vary slightly because different
questions appear on each form. To ensure that no can-
didate is put at an unfair advantage or disadvantage due
to the particular form of an examination that he or she is
given, a statistical procedure known as equating is used
to correct for differences in form difficulty.
For example, in an examination with two (2) forms, Form
A and Form B, the state licensing agency determines that
answering 30 questions correctly on Form A demon-
strates the minimum amount of knowledge necessary to
be licensed. It is further determined through the equat-
ing process that Form B contains slightly more difficult
questions than Form A; therefore, answering 30 ques-
tions correctly on Form A would indicate the same level
of knowledge as answering only 28 questions correctly
on Form B. Under this set of circumstances, a score of 30
questions correct would be used as the passing score on
Form A whereas a score of 28 questions correct would be
used as the passing score on Form B.
A second statistical procedure known as scaling is used
to derive the numerical score to report for each candi-
date. Scaling is used to place a raw score on a common
reporting scale on which each scaled score represents
a given level of knowledge regardless of the difficulty of
the form on which the raw score was achieved.
To illustrate how scaling works, suppose that in the exami-
nation example used above, the state licensing agency
decides to use a score of 500 as the passing score for report-
ing purposes. (Note that the score selected to be used as the
reported passing score is not related to, and has no bearing
on, the difficulty of the examination.) Based on the informa-
tion provided above, a raw score of 30 on Form A would
translate to a scaled score of 500; a raw score of 28 on Form
B would also translate to a scaled score of 500 since a raw
score of 30 on Form A represents the same level of knowl-
edge as a raw score of 28 on Form B.
17
18
SCALED SCORE
The passing scores of the licensing examinations were
set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners
(in conjunction with Pearson VUE) after a comprehensive
study was completed for each examination. Raw scores
are converted into scaled scores that can range from 0 to
100. To avoid misuse of score information, numeric scores
are only reported to failing candidates. The scaled score
that is reported to you is neither the number of questions
you answered correctly nor the percentage of questions
you answered correctly. With a passing score of 75, any
score below 75 indicates how close the candidate came to
passing, rather than the actual number or percentage of
questions the candidates answered correctly.
The Teacher Practical examination requires a passing score
of 85% for both the lecture and the demonstration portion.
PASSING
After you have successfully passed both the Practical Skills
Examination and the Theory Examination the state board
will issue your license within 10-15 business days.
If you have not received your license in the mail within 10
business days of passing the examination, please contact
Pearson VUE at 866-638-7502. If you have changed your
address from the time you submitted your application,
you must notify Pearson VUE prior to the printing of your
license.
To verify whether or not a license has been issued, an appli-
cant may search the State's web site using the following link:
www.licensepa.state.pa.us
FAILING AND RETAKING AN EXAMINATION
If you fail the Practical Skills Examination or the Theory
Examination, your Score Report will provide you with
information on how to re-take the examination. A new
examination fee is required each time you re-take the
examination.
To schedule a retake examination, contact the Pearson
VUE reservation line at 866-638-7502. Reservations for
reexamination cannot be made at the test center, and
you must wait twenty-four (24) hours from your failed
examination before making your reservation.
HOW TO READ A FAILING SCORE REPORT
If you do not pass the Practical Skills Examination, you
will receive an official Failing Score Report which will be
available in your Pearson VUE online account 48 hours
after testing. You must receive a Satisfactory result on all
skills in order to pass the Practical.
A message will be sent from PALS that details missed
steps or skills that resulted in unsatisfactory scores. Find
the skill you failed and study the steps, especially steps
listed as Unsatisfactory in your result details from PALS.
To study for re-taking the Practical Skills Examination,
candidates should refer to the Practical Skills List in this
handbook, and review all of the steps for the Infection
Control and Safety skill, especially steps 1, 2, and 4.
DUPLICATE SCORE REPORT
Your score report can be viewed in your Pearson VUE
online account. If you lose your Score Report or need
a duplicate Score Report, complete the Request for
Duplicate Score Report Form and mail it to Pearson VUE
(see Appendix A). Duplicate Score Reports are only avail-
able for Theory Examinations.
19
PRACTICAL EXAM
GRIEVANCE PROCESS
All complaints regarding the practical examination MUST be
submitted in writing directly from the candidate and should
contain as much detail as possible. (NOTE: Complaints will
not be accepted from any other person or entity without
the express written permission of the candidate.) The com-
plaint must be sent to [email protected].
All complaints are required to be submitted no more than
10 days after the examination.
Upon receipt of the complaint, Pearson VUE will acknowl-
edge receipt and conduct an investigation. Within ten
(10) business days of receipt of the complaint, the candi-
date will be emailed a response from Pearson VUE that
will detail the outcome of the investigation and remedy,
if any.
PLEASE NOTE: Oral complaints or complaints by parties
other than the candidate will not be accepted. Once an
investigation is completed and a final decision is made,
Pearson VUE will consider the case closed.
DIRECTIONS: You may use this form to ask Pearson VUE for a copy of your Score Report. Please print or type all
information on this form, or your request will be returned.
SEND TO: Pearson VUE/Barber Program
Duplicate Score Request
5601 Green Valley Drive
Bloomington, MN 55437
or email the request to:
Pennsylvania
Barber
REQUEST FOR DUPLICATE SCORE REPORT
APPENDIX A
Please complete the following form with your current name and address. All information must be complete and
accurate to ensure proper processing.
Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________________________________________________ State __________ Zip ___________________
Tel. (______)______________________ The last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number ________________________________
Name of Exam __________________________________________ Theory or Practical (circle one) ______________________________
Exam Date ______________________________________________
If the above information was different at the time you were tested, please indicate original information. If your
name has changed, you must attach a copy of a legal document authorizing the change (for example, a marriage
certificate or a divorce decree).
Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City ________________________________________________________ State ________ Zip _________ Tel. (______)__________________
I hereby authorize Pearson VUE to send me at the address above a duplicate of my score report.
Your Signature ________________________________________________________
Date __________________________________________________________________
Pennsylvania
Barber
PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINATION:
CANDIDATE EQUIPMENT LIST
APPENDIX B
Dress Code: All candidates scheduled for a practical
exam will be required to dress appropriately
(business casual attire is recommended) – no hats,
ripped jeans, tanks or halter tops, shorts, and skirts
must be to the knee or below. Candidates must
have a clean, well-groomed appearance and wear
a salon smock or apron that covers undergarments
during the examination. If the smock or apron
has a school name on it, candidates are asked to
ensure the school name is covered prior to coming
to the test site and remains covered during the
examination. If a candidate does not bring a smock
or apron with them on the day of testing, they
will not be allowed to test and will be required to
reschedule their practical examination for a later
date. Fees will apply.
NOTE: Barber candidates will perform the tapered haircut,
shave, and facial on a live model. Chemical services and lay-
ered haircuts will be performed on a mannequin. Each skill
should be considered a NEW SKILL, as if a new patron
were seated in your chair.
NOTE: Ensure all supplies are labeled correctly and with-
out a numbering system (numbering the supplies will be
construed as cheating). If you arrive at the testing location
without the required supplies, you risk disqualification and/
or failure of your examination.
Required equipment for the practical skills examination
include:
• First Aid Kit
• Conventional Razor
• Mannequin (not pre-sectioned)
• Live Model
• Smock or Apron (meets dress code requirements)
• Clippers/Scissors
GENERAL BAG
(These items should be in a large container or separate
container and labeled: “Disinfected”)
• Sanitizer/Disinfectant (Labeled: Sanitizer/
Disinfectant)
• Hand sanitizer (Labeled: Hand Sanitizer)
• Paper towels
• Spray bottle with water (Labeled: Water)
• First Aid kit containing: adhesive bandages, gauze or
cotton wipe, antiseptic (Labeled: Antiseptic), gloves,
and 2 small baggies (Labeled: Biohazard bags)
• Large separate trash bag/trash can (Labeled:
Trash)
• Large separate container (Labeled: Soiled) (All items
that are reusable go into this container after skill set)
• Clips
OTHER ITEMS TO BRING
• Plain colored smock or apron (Please note:
Candidates will be disqualified from the exam if
they do not have a smock or apron as defined.)
• Barbers must bring 1 live model and 1 mannequin
(Presectioned/pre-parted mannequins are prohib-
ited, and candidate will be disqualified)
• Mannequin stand and/or extender
• Small whisk broom and dustpan
• Instructor examinations:
Barbers must bring a live model. Models must be
at least 16 years of age and cannot be a licensed
Barber, or going to school for the profession.
Model’s hair must be at least 1” long on the top
of the head and no less than 1/4” at the nape of
the neck and sideburn area. The length must be
sufficient for the barber to demonstrate a shear
over comb tapered blend from the clippered
area up to the longer hair on top. If your model
does not meet these requirements, you will not
be permitted to test and you will forfeit your
fees. Model must have visible stubble on the
face to perform the 14 stroke shave.
Please Note: Candidates are expected to take home
all of their blood borne pathogenic materials in their
own trash.
CHEMICAL RELAXER
RETOUCH OR VIRGIN
• Towels
• Chemical cape
• Non metal comb or applicator brush
• Mock base cream (Labeled: Base cream)
• Disposable gloves
• Mock relaxer (Labeled: Relaxer)
MALE FACIAL
• Head drape (Both headband and cap)
• Cleanser (Labeled: Cleanser)
• 2–3 Mock steam towels
• Massage cream (Labeled: Massage cream)
• Toner (Labeled: Toner) or Astringent
(Labeled: Astringent)
• Moisturizer (Labeled: Moisturizer)
• Spatulas, or squeeze or pump bottles
• Chest drape
HAIRCOLOR
RETOUCH OR VIRGIN
• 3–4 towels
• Chemical cape
• Disposable gloves
• Applicator bottle or bowl and applicator brush
• Mock haircolor (Labeled: Haircolor)
• Weaving comb or comb
TAPERED HAIRCUT
SCISSORS/clippers
• Neckstrip
• Styling cape
• Scissors/Clippers
• Combs
• Clean-up items for removing cut hair
BASIC LAYERED HAIRCUT
SHEARS
• Neckstrip
• Styling cape
• Spray water bottle (Labeled: Water)
• Combs
• Razor
• Clean-up items for removing cut hair
• Clippies or Duck bill clips
PERMANENT WAVE
• 2–3 Towels
• Chemical drape
• 3–5 Permanent rods
• End papers
• Combs
• Protective cream (Labeled: Protective cream) or
Cotton
• Disposable gloves
• Perm bottle with water inside (Labeled: Perm wave
solution)
SHAVING
FACE AND NECK
• Haircutting cape
• 4–5 Terry towels
• Shaving cream or gel
• Straight razor or razor with disposable blade
• Astringent (Labeled: Astringent) or Toner (Labeled:
Toner)
HONING AND STROPPING
FACE AND NECK
• Conventional razor
• Hones and strops will be provided at test center
Stock #
1339-00 05/24
Once you have received your Authorization to Test notice, please schedule your test online by using the
Pearson VUE web reservations site at: www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology or you may speak to a
Pearson VUE Call Center representative at 1-866-638-7502.
The Theory Exam will be given at a Pearson VUE computer-based testing facility. The locations of these
centers and testing frequencies are listed below:
TEST CENTERS - THEORY EXAMS
Harrisburg 3-4 days per week
Philadelphia 3-4 days per week
Pittsburgh (East) 2-3 days per week
Pittsburgh (West) 2-3 days per week
Erie 1-2 days per week
Allentown 1-2 days per week
Scranton 2-3 days per week
Plymouth Meeting 1-2 days per week
Washington 1-2 days per week
Newark (Wilmington), DE 3-4 days per week
Morgantown, WV 2-3 days per week
TEST CENTERS - PRACTICAL EXAMS
THEORY EXAMS
EXAM
SERIES
CODE
EXAMINATION SECTION SCORED
ITEMS
PRE-TEST
ITEMS
TIME
ALLOTTED
EXAM FEE
PA-20-06 Barber General 100 20 120 minutes $63
State 10 5 15 minutes
PA-20-08 Barber Teacher General 50 10 60 minutes $63
State 10 5 15 minutes
PA-20-07 Barber
Manager
(One Part) 40 5 60 minutes $63
When scheduling your exam, be sure to look for the correct series codes if you are a Veteran or a
Barber by Endorsement.
Note: The theory examinations are available in English and Spanish.
PRACTICAL EXAMS
EXAM SERIES CODE EXAMINATION TIME ALLOTTED EXAM FEE
PA-20-P6 Barber Practical 2.5 hours $77
PA-20-BP Barber Teacher
Practical
2.5 hours $77
PRACTICAL EXAM SCHEDULE - CLICK HERE
