MO Barber

The written exam is multiple-choice theory covering all nine content domains, including law and infection control. The practical exam asks you to physically perform services, such as a haircut, shave or chemical service, while an examiner watches your sanitation, tool use and client safety. Both must be passed to be licensed.

Question counts and time limits are set by the state board and its testing vendor, and they change from time to time. Rather than rely on a secondhand number, check the current candidate handbook or the board's website before you schedule, and plan your pacing around the format described there.

Passing scores and exam fees are published by the board and the testing vendor, not fixed here. Look up the current figures on the official site when you register. Budget separately for any retake fee, since a failed section usually has to be rescheduled and paid for again.

Most candidates find the written portion manageable if they have studied consistently, and the practical more stressful because it is observed in real time. The common failures are not knowledge gaps but sloppy sanitation, skipped steps and rushing. Practise full procedures end to end, out loud, until the sequence is automatic.

Retake rules, waiting periods and whether you must repeat both parts or only the failed part are set by the board. Confirm the current policy in the candidate handbook before your test date so a setback does not catch you unprepared. Many candidates retake only the section they failed.

Start with infection control and anatomy, since they support everything else. Move to hair and scalp care, then haircutting and shaving, which carry the most practical weight. Add colouring and chemical texture next, and finish with facial treatments and Missouri law, which are smaller but easy marks to secure.

Expect to bring your own implements, combs, clips, capes and sanitising supplies, and to wear professional attire with hair secured. Confirm the exact kit list and any model or mannequin requirements with the board or vendor beforehand, because arriving without a required item can end your session early.

Seats and practical slots can fill quickly, especially near graduation. Book as soon as your school confirms your hours are on file, and leave a buffer before your licence application deadline. Confirm your eligibility paperwork is submitted before paying for a slot.

No. Use it to orient yourself and to find weak spots, then study from your school's textbook and the board's official handbook. The law section in particular must be checked against the current statutes, since rules and sanitation requirements are updated and older study guides go stale.