Massachusetts · Barbering

Massachusetts Barbering State Board Exam Prep

Practice the exact content PSI puts on your Massachusetts barbering exam. Mapped to the official topic breakdown below — no guessing, no generic Milady-style filler.

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The Massachusetts exam, at a glance

Direct from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering and the PSI candidate bulletin.

Required Hours
1000 hrs
Exam Provider
PSI
Exam Format
written + practical
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
16
Renewal
Every 2 years
CE Hours
0
Reciprocity
Yes

Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering

PSI topic breakdown for Massachusetts

Your SGS dashboard tracks your score in each of these categories so you know exactly where to study.

How SGS gets Massachusetts students over the passing line

The tools students use every night in the 30 days before their test.

The Final Look
Full-length mock exam built on the PSI topic map above. Every wrong answer is tagged back to the category so your weak areas surface fast.
Practice Tests
Chapter-by-chapter quizzes. Scoreboards + streaks so it doesn't feel like a textbook.
Flash & Know
Spaced-repetition flashcards. 15 minutes a night covers a full chapter.
The Board Game
Category-style trivia. Turns review into addictive play so studying doesn't feel like studying.

FAQ — Massachusetts barbering licensing

What score do I need to pass the Massachusetts barbering state board exam?

Massachusetts 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.

How many hours are required for barbering licensing in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires 1000 training hours for barbering, along with completing the PSI exam (written + practical). Minimum age is 16.

How does SGS align with the PSI exam content?

Every SGS practice question is mapped to the same topic categories PSI uses: Hair Cutting and Styling; Health and Safety (Sanitation, Infection Control); Shaving and Facial Hair Services; Chemical Services. Your progress dashboard shows which categories you're strong in and which need work before test day.

Can I study on my phone?

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.

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Three study tips specific to Massachusetts

  1. Don't skimp on the health and safety sections! With 30% of your exam dedicated to Sanitation and Infection Control, it's just as important as your cutting and styling skills. Master those disinfection procedures cold.
  2. Practice your shaving technique until it's second nature. While Hair Cutting and Styling is 30%, Shaving and Facial Hair Services is a solid 20%. That means a significant portion of your practical and written exam will hinge on knowing proper safety and client preparation for these services.
  3. Balance your study time across all topics, but give extra love to the top two. Since Hair Cutting & Styling and Health & Safety each make up 30% of your exam, acing these areas will give you a huge advantage. Don't neglect Chemical Services or Shaving, but prioritize those heavy hitters.

A common mistake Massachusetts candidates make

Many candidates focus so much on the "art" of barbering that they overlook the critical details in Hair Cutting and Styling. For example, they might know how to execute a fade beautifully but forget specific client consultation steps, draping procedures, or how to correctly identify different hair types for optimal cutting. Remember, it's not just about the final look; it's about the entire process, including safety, client comfort, and proper tool usage. Don't just practice cuts; practice the full client experience from start to finish, including the verbal steps and safety checks.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review all Health and Safety material. Drill infection control steps, blood exposure procedures, and proper sanitation for all tools.
  2. Day 6: Focus on Shaving and Facial Hair Services. Practice client preparation, proper razor handling, and post-shave care.
  3. Day 5: Deep dive into Chemical Services. Review different product types, patch testing, application techniques, and safety precautions.
  4. Day 4: Go over Hair Cutting and Styling techniques. Review sections on different cuts, styling products, and client consultation.
  5. Day 3: Take a full-length practice exam under timed conditions. Identify weak areas for a quick review.
  6. Day 2: Light review of your weakest topics identified from the practice exam. Pack your kit for the practical exam, double-checking all required items.
  7. Day 1: Relax! Review your notes briefly, visualize success, and get a good night's sleep. Avoid cramming.

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