Barber in Illinois

IL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Illinois licenses barbers through IDFPR; the barber theory exam is the NIC National Barber Theory test — 60 items (50 scored) in 90 minutes, computerized, with a scaled score of 75 to pass. It is developed and scored by Continental Testing Services (CTS) and delivered at PSI test centers. Today the written barber exam is offered in English and Spanish. Language note: Continental Testing has announced that — effective October 1, 2026 — the barber, cosmetology, esthetician and nail exams will also be available in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese (five languages total). You need 1,500 training hours to be licensed (you may sit the exam at 1,200). Our multilingual practice questions are a study aid.

📋 Exam facts

Real Illinois exam administration — from the official source

Practice questions (this site): 452
Testing agency: PSI (CTS / NIC)
Real written-test languages: English · Spanish
To pass: NIC National Barber Theory: 60 items (50 scored), 90 min; scaled score of 75 to pass
Fee: IDFPR barber exam fee $112 (all language options)
Training hours: 1,500 hours to license (may sit the exam at 1,200)
Coming 2026-10-01: Exam adds Chinese, Korean & Vietnamese (→ 5 languages) per Continental Testing / IDFPR

Schedule / register ↗Official source ↗

🗓️ Last updated: 2026-07-06

📄 Based on: IDFPR barber page + CTS NIC-Exams Candidate Bulletin + CTS application instructions (4/16/2025) + NIC Barber Theory CIB, checked 2026-07-06

✍️ Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team · How we verify →

🎯 Practice for this exam

Jobs and next steps

Can help you move up

Shampooer / Salon Assistant

Shampooing/hair/scalp work overlaps duties performed by licensed barbers; barber is a related licensed next path, not a universally automatic progression.

Requirements vary by state and locality. Check the authority for where you plan to work.

View Shampooer / Salon Assistant job guide

Why this is linked: Shampooer / Salon Assistant

Shampooing/hair/scalp work overlaps duties performed by licensed barbers; barber is a related licensed next path, not a universally automatic progression.

varies by state

Official or authoritative source:

Reviewed 2026-08-17

PassPrep is an independent study resource. It is not a government agency, state board, NHA, CTEC, IRS, employer, or testing provider.

State rules and fees change often. This table shows only facts confirmed from an official board or vendor source on the date noted; anything unconfirmed is marked “to confirm.” Always verify current requirements with your state board or its testing vendor before you register. Our practice questions are a study aid and never imply your state offers the exam in a language it does not.