How many hours do I need before I can take the Texas barber written exam?

You need to complete 900 of the required 1,000 hours of a Class A Barber course at a TDLR-licensed school before you're eligible for the written exam.

Who administers the Texas barber licensing exams?

PSI, TDLR's third-party testing vendor, administers both the written and practical Class A Barber exams. Once your school reports your eligible hours, PSI emails you scheduling instructions.

Is fadejunkie free to use?

Creating an account is free, and gets you into flashcards, the practice quiz, and the practical exam guide. A one-time $15 lifetime pass unlocks full multi-topic study and the complete 300-question bank.

What topics does fadejunkie cover?

All 13 areas tested on the Texas barber state board exam: Life Skills, History, Sanitation, Tools & Equipment, Anatomy, Haircutting, Business, Science & Chemistry, Chemical Services, Hair Science, Skin Science, Disorders, and Shaving.

The Texas Barber State Board Exam, Explained

Q: When can I take the practical exam?

After you complete all 1,000 required hours and pass the written exam.

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The Texas Class A Barber license requires passing two exams administered by PSI on behalf of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): a written exam and a practical exam. Here's exactly how the process works, sourced from TDLR's own published requirements.

Before you can test

Complete a Class A Barber course — 1,000 hours of instruction at a barbering/cosmetology school licensed in Texas.
Be at least 17 years old to apply for a license.
Your school reports your hours to TDLR; allow 24–48 hours for your eligibility to generate in the system.

The written exam

Once you've completed 900 of the 1,000 required hours, your school notifies TDLR that you're eligible for the written exam. PSI then emails you scheduling instructions. The exam is offered in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese. The exact number of questions, time allotted, and passing score are set by TDLR's official Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) — download the current version before test day, since these details can change.

The practical exam

You become eligible for the practical exam only after completing all 1,000 hours and passing the written exam. fadejunkie's own TDLR Barber Practical Exam Guide breaks down every section with real time limits, Pre-Exam Setup & Disinfection (10 min), Manicure Service (22 min), Professional Shave Service (42 min), Blood Exposure Incident (12 min), Facial Service (17 min), Haircutting Service (37 min), Blow-Drying & Thermal Curling (22 min), Chemical Application Preparation (5 min), Permanent Wave Service (20 min), Single Color Retouch (22 min), and End of Exam Disinfection (5 min).

License & fees

Application fee: $50, non-refundable.
A Class A Barber license is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Applicants with a felony or misdemeanor conviction, or a deferred adjudication, must submit a Criminal History Questionnaire — TDLR reviews every case individually, not against a disqualifying-offense list. See fadejunkie's criminal history eligibility guide for the full review factors and how to check eligibility before enrolling.

How fadejunkie helps

299 practice questions across all 13 tested topics — flashcards, a timed practice quiz, and the practical exam guide above. Free account required; a one-time $15 lifetime pass unlocks full multi-topic study and the complete question bank. Already licensed? See the license renewal & continuing education guide for what happens after you pass. Licensed in another state already? See the license reciprocity guide.

FAQ

How many hours do I need before I can take the written exam?
900 of the required 1,000 hours.

Who administers the exams?
PSI, on behalf of TDLR.

When can I take the practical exam?
After all 1,000 hours are complete and you've passed the written exam.

Is fadejunkie free?
A free account unlocks flashcards, the quiz, and the practical guide. $15 one-time unlocks everything.