What to Expect on the Kansas Board of Barbering License Exam
The Kansas Board of Barbering Exam is the final, and most crucial, test on your road to becoming a barber, and getting you ready for it is one of Midwest Barber College’s main objectives. Once you pass it, you’ll be licensed and ready to start your career cutting hair!
Let’s make sure you’re ready. Here’s what you should expect on the exam.
Eligibility
First and foremost, we need to be sure you’re eligible to take the exam. In order to take the license exam, you must be a graduate of a Kansas barber college approved by the Board of Barbering. If you’ve graduated, or are about to graduate, from Midwest Barber College, then you’ve got this taken care of!
Requirements for Passing
Next, let’s get an idea of what the test will consist of, and what you need to do in order to pass. There are three parts to the exam:
Practical Examination: Here, you’ll show your skills by cutting hair on two live models. It is your responsibility to bring your own models.
Written Kansas Rules and Regulations Examination
Written NIC Barber Styling Theory Exam: This exam is taken on a separate date at a separate location.
In order to pass the exam, you’ll need to score a minimum of 80% on each of the three exams. Seems simple enough, right?
Just to be safe, let’s dive a little deeper on each part of the exam.
Practical Examination
As mentioned above, you’ll need to perform two haircuts - a trend haircut and a taper - on your own live models. According to the Board of Barbering’s directions for this exam, each model must have a “full head of hair and be in need of a haircut.” Additionally, the model you’re using for the taper haircut must have “visible beard growth” for the shave.
You’re also required to bring your own kit and supplies. You can view the full list of required tools here.
When performing the haircuts, you’ll need to choose one model to roll and wrap perm rods on.
When performing the outline on the taper haircut, you’re required to use an edger or straight razor. You’ll follow the designated order of procedures, then call for “checks” between each.
You’ll have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam, including the time it takes for them to check your work. The examiners will grade all aspects of the cut (front, back, sides, hairline, etc.).
Written Kansas Rules and Regulations Exam
You got through the cuts, nice job! Now it’s time to think back to your book work.
The Rules and Regulations exam has 25 questions on, you guessed it, rules and regulations in Kansas. The questions are multiple choice and True/False. You’ll have thirty minutes to complete this exam.
NIC Barber Styling Theory Exam
The NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) exam is a little longer, with 110 questions. They’re multiple choice, and relate to your overall knowledge of barbering. The sections include Scientific Concepts, Implements and Equipment, Hair Care Services, and Facial Hair and Skin Care Services.
You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the NIC exam. Click here to read more about what’s on the exam, and even see some sample questions.
Conclusion:
Here it is. You’ve applied for the exam, studied relentlessly, poured hours upon hours into cutting hair, and graduated from Midwest Barber College. You’re ready for this exam; the last step is to go and do it! You got this!
If you haven’t attended a barber college yet, but are looking ahead at what to expect on the road to becoming a barber, there’s no better place to prepare you for your career than Midwest Barber College! Our program is carefully crafted by our expert instructors to teach you everything you need to know to not only pass the Board exams and earn your license, but how to run a successful business, market yourself, and maximize your earning potential. Apply today!