New Jersey Laws and Regulations
What the exam tests
New Jersey law items test the Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling's authority under the Cosmetology and Hairstyling Act (N.J.S.A. 45:5B), licensure, scope of practice, shop requirements, inspections, and penalties. The exam expects you to know that barbering is regulated and that unlicensed practice is prohibited.
Core rules
- The Board licenses barbers and barber shops; a shop must hold a current shop license, and each licensed barber must display a license as required.
- New Jersey barber training is commonly 1,200 hours in an approved program, followed by the Board's written and practical examinations. Confirm current hour and renewal rules with the Board before relying on them.
- Perform only services within barber scope and your training. Do not let an unlicensed person cut, shave, or trim, even just the neckline.
- Cooperate with Board inspectors; keep sanitation, equipment, and facility conditions compliant.
- Advertising must be truthful and must not imply services you are not licensed to perform.
Worked example
A shop owner asks an unlicensed receptionist to trim a client's neckline during a rush. Reasoning: neckline trimming is barbering. Only a licensed barber may perform it. The receptionist and owner risk discipline, and the shop risks penalties. Decline, explain the rule, and have a licensed barber complete the service.
Traps
Assuming shop licensure covers every worker; practicing on an expired license; advertising unlicensed services; ignoring inspection requests; treating Board rules as optional.