Barber in Washington

WA State Dept. of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program

Washington licenses barbers through the Department of Licensing (DOL). As of May 1, 2026 the testing vendor is Prov (provexam.com), which replaced D.L. Roope. The exam is the NIC Barber 1 (No Chemical) theory test — 60 items (50 scored) in 90 minutes — and you need a scaled score of 75.00 on both the written and practical exams. Washington's official Prov bulletin says the written exam can be taken in additional translated languages selected when you apply with Prov, but the official page does not publish the exact list, so we confirm English and tell you to confirm your language with Prov rather than name languages we haven't verified. A barber license needs 1,000 school hours (or a 2,000-hour apprenticeship). Our multilingual practice questions are a study aid.

📋 Exam facts

Real Washington exam administration — from the official source

Practice questions (this site): 452
Testing agency: Prov (NIC)
Real written-test languages: English
To pass: NIC Barber 1 (No Chemical) theory: 60 items (50 scored), 90 min; scaled score 75.00 (written & practical each)
Fee: To confirm
Training hours: 1,000 hours (school) or 2,000 (apprenticeship)
Written-exam languages: English confirmed; the WA Prov bulletin says additional translated languages can be selected when you apply — confirm your language with Prov

Schedule / register ↗Official source ↗

🗓️ Last updated: 2026-07-06

📄 Based on: WA DOL cosmetology/barber licensing page + WA Prov Cosmetology CIB (2026-04-16) + WA Barber 1 NIC 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.