Practice the exact content PSI puts on your California barbering exam. Mapped to the official topic breakdown below — no guessing, no generic Milady-style filler.
Direct from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and the PSI candidate bulletin.
Your SGS dashboard tracks your score in each of these categories so you know exactly where to study.
The tools students use every night in the 30 days before their test.
California uses the PSI exam, which requires 75% or higher to pass. Practicing at least 10% above that on SGS mock exams is the sweet spot students who pass on the first try hit.
California requires 1000 training hours for barbering, along with completing the PSI exam (written only). Minimum age is 17.
Every SGS practice question is mapped to the same topic categories PSI uses: Hair Cutting and Styling; Health and Safety (Infection Control, Chemistry); Shaving and Facial Hair Services; Chemical Services. Your progress dashboard shows which categories you're strong in and which need work before test day.
Yes. SGS works in any mobile browser — no app install required. Flashcards, practice tests, and The Final Look exam all work on iPhone, Android, and tablet. Save your seat in The Lounge to sync progress across devices.
A big one I see California candidates make with Hair Cutting and Styling is not going beyond basic definitions. Because it's such a large percentage (35%), the PSI exam won't just ask you to identify a taper; it'll test your understanding of how to achieve it, what tools are best, and how it differs from a fade. My advice? Don't just read about cutting; actively visualize yourself performing each step, from sectioning to finishing. Think about the "why" behind each angle and elevation. If you can explain *how* to do it, not just *what* it is, you'll be in much better shape.
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