Texas Class A Barber License Exam: What's on the Written Test and How to Pass It
A complete guide to the Texas Class A Barber written exam — what it covers, how it is structured, and how to prepare effectively.
Published April 15, 2026
The Texas Class A Barber written exam is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and is one of two exams required to obtain a Texas barber license — the other being the practical skills examination. This guide covers what the written exam tests and the most effective way to prepare for it.
What the License Authorizes
A Texas Class A Barber license authorizes you to perform all barbering services including haircutting, shaving, beard trimming, hair coloring, chemical texture services, and scalp treatments. Texas Class A Barbers can work in licensed barbershops and can eventually apply for a barber instructor or shop owner permit with additional experience.
Exam Format
- Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Passing score: 70%
- Format: Computer-based at PSI testing centers
- Cost: $55 per attempt
Education Requirements
Before sitting for the Texas barber exams you must complete 1,500 hours of barber education at a TDLR-licensed barber school. The curriculum covers all topics that appear on both the written and practical exams. Your school is required to prepare you for the state exam — use your school's practice materials alongside independent practice questions.
What the Written Exam Covers
Sanitation, Sterilization, and Safety (approximately 30%)
The largest content area on the Texas barber written exam. Covers disinfection methods and their classifications (bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal), proper sanitation of implements and work surfaces, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standards, safe chemical handling, and Texas barbershop sanitation rules as defined in TDLR regulations. The distinction between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization — and which level of decontamination applies to which implement — is tested precisely.
Anatomy and Physiology
Structure and function of the skin, hair, and scalp — hair growth cycles (anagen, catagen, telogen), hair structure (cuticle, cortex, medulla), skin layers, and common scalp and skin conditions a barber is likely to encounter. Know which conditions are contraindications for service (ringworm, impetigo, open lesions) and which are safe to work around.
Chemical Services
Hair color theory — primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, color wheel relationships, and how to predict color results. Chemical texture services — the chemistry of permanent waves and relaxers, the role of pH in chemical services, and proper application and timing. Safety precautions for chemical services including patch testing requirements appear regularly.
Haircutting and Styling
The four basic haircut shapes, sectioning patterns, elevation angles and their effect on weight and length, and the techniques used to create specific results. Razor cutting, clipper techniques, and scissor-over-comb methods are all tested. Shaving technique and straight razor safety are Class A Barber-specific topics that cosmetology exams do not cover.
Texas Barber Laws and Regulations
TDLR licensing requirements for barbers and barbershops, continuing education requirements, permit and license display rules, customer record requirements, and the specific sanitation standards in the Texas Barbering rules. The TDLR administrative rules for barbering are the source material for this section — candidates who studied only general cosmetology materials miss Texas-specific barber regulation questions.
How to Study
The sanitation and Texas law sections are where most candidates lose points. For sanitation, build a simple reference: each implement type mapped to its required disinfection method and contact time. For Texas law, read through the TDLR Barbering rules directly — the exam pulls questions directly from these rules and general study materials do not cover them adequately. Practice under timed conditions in the final week before your exam.
After You Pass
After passing both the written and practical exams, submit your license application to TDLR with the required fee. Your Class A Barber license must be renewed every two years with 4 hours of continuing education. With additional experience you can pursue a Barber Instructor permit or register a barbershop.