# The Texas Barber State Board Exam, Explained > What to expect on the Texas barber written and practical exams — required hours, PSI scheduling, exam sections, fees, and free fadejunkie prep tools. Canonical: https://fadejunkie.com/guide/texas-barber-state-board-exam Last updated: 2026-07-23 The Texas Class A Barber license requires passing two exams administered by [PSI](https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/tdlr/) on behalf of the [Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/examinations/): 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)](https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/701) — 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](https://fadejunkie.com/education/practical) 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](https://fadejunkie.com/guide/texas-barber-license-criminal-history) for the full review factors and how to check eligibility before enrolling. ## How fadejunkie helps 299 practice questions across all 13 tested topics — [flashcards](https://fadejunkie.com/education/flash), a [timed practice quiz](https://fadejunkie.com/education/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](https://fadejunkie.com/guide/texas-barber-license-renewal) for what happens after you pass. Licensed in another state already? See the [license reciprocity guide](https://fadejunkie.com/guide/texas-barber-license-reciprocity). ## 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. ## Sources - [TDLR — Exam Information for Barbers and Cosmetologists](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/examinations/) - [TDLR — Apply for a Class A Barber License](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-barber.htm) - [PSI — TDLR Certification Exams](https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/tdlr/) ## Related - [Texas Barber Guides](https://fadejunkie.com/guide) - [Barber Exam Practice Questions — All 13 Topics](https://fadejunkie.com/practice)