North Dakota · Barbering

North Dakota Barbering State Board Exam Prep

Practice the exact content Prov/NIC puts on your North Dakota barbering exam. Mapped to the official topic breakdown below — no guessing, no generic Milady-style filler.

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The North Dakota exam, at a glance

Direct from the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology and the Prov/NIC candidate bulletin.

Required Hours
1550 hrs
Exam Provider
Prov/NIC
Exam Format
written + practical
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
16
Renewal
Every 1 year
CE Hours
0
Reciprocity
Yes

Source: North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology

Prov/NIC topic breakdown for North Dakota

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

How SGS gets North Dakota 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 Prov/NIC 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 — North Dakota barbering licensing

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

North Dakota uses the Prov/NIC 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 North Dakota?

North Dakota requires 1550 training hours for barbering, along with completing the Prov/NIC exam (written + practical). Minimum age is 16.

How does SGS align with the Prov/NIC exam content?

Every SGS practice question is mapped to the same topic categories Prov/NIC uses: Scientific Concepts (Infection Control, Safety); Hair Cutting and Styling; Facial and Shaving 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 North Dakota

  1. Since Scientific Concepts and Hair Cutting/Styling each make up 30% of your exam, make sure you’re dedicating nearly two-thirds of your study time to these two areas. Don't skimp on the safety and infection control stuff – it's foundational and a huge chunk of your score.
  2. Even though Chemical Services and Facial/Shaving Services are 20% each, don't just skim them. They’re still significant and offer easy points if you know your stuff. Think about how these services might tie into the safety and infection control concepts you’ve already mastered.
  3. Practice your practical skills for Hair Cutting and Styling and Facial/Shaving Services regularly. Knowing the theory is one thing, but visualizing or even performing the steps will solidify the concepts for the written exam, especially when questions involve sequences or best practices.

A common mistake North Dakota candidates make

A big mistake I see North Dakota candidates make is underestimating the depth of knowledge required for Scientific Concepts, specifically Infection Control and Safety. Because it's 30% of your exam, it's not enough to just know the basics. You need to understand the 'why' behind the 'what.' Don't just memorize definitions; grasp the principles of sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization, and how they apply in various barbering scenarios. Pay close attention to bloodborne pathogens, first aid procedures, and chemical safety. These aren't just checkboxes; they're critical for passing and for protecting yourself and your future clients. Review the specific regulations and guidelines for North Dakota if possible, as they can sometimes have unique requirements.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review all your notes on Scientific Concepts (Infection Control, Safety). Focus on understanding the distinctions between different levels of decontamination.
  2. Day 6: Dedicate your study to Hair Cutting and Styling. Go over different cutting techniques, styling tools, and hair types.
  3. Day 5: Tackle Facial and Shaving Services. Pay attention to facial anatomy, skin analysis, and proper shaving techniques.
  4. Day 4: Focus on Chemical Services. Review perming, relaxing, and coloring processes, including safety precautions and client consultations.
  5. Day 3: Take a full-length practice exam, simulating test conditions. Identify your weakest areas.
  6. Day 2: Review only your weakest areas identified from the practice test. Don't try to cram everything.
  7. Day 1: Light review of key terms and concepts. Get your test-day essentials ready, plan your route, and get a good night's sleep.

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