Tennessee · Barbering

Tennessee Barbering State Board Exam Prep

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

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The Tennessee exam, at a glance

Direct from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and the PSI candidate bulletin.

Required Hours
1500 hrs
Exam Provider
PSI
Exam Format
written + practical
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
16
Renewal
Every 2 years
CE Hours
16
Reciprocity
Yes

Source: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

PSI topic breakdown for Tennessee

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

How SGS gets Tennessee 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 — Tennessee barbering licensing

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

Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Tennessee requires 1500 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: 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 Tennessee

  1. Since Infection Control and Safety, along with Hair Cutting and Styling, each make up 30% of your PSI exam, dedicate extra study time to these two areas. They're your biggest slices of the pie, so mastering them will give you a strong foundation for passing.
  2. Don't overlook Facial and Shaving Services. Even though it's 20%, it's often where candidates lose easy points if they haven't practiced their shaving procedures and safety protocols thoroughly. Get those steps down cold.
  3. Chemical Services also account for 20%, so make sure you understand the science behind perms, relaxers, and color. It's not just about mixing; it's about client protection, proper application, and understanding potential reactions.

A common mistake Tennessee candidates make

A common pitfall for Tennessee barbering candidates is underestimating the depth of knowledge required for the Scientific Concepts section, especially Infection Control. Many candidates focus heavily on the practical cutting and styling, but PSI's questions on disinfectants, sterilization levels, bloodborne pathogens, and client safety protocols can be very detailed. Don't just memorize definitions; understand *why* certain procedures are followed and *how* they prevent the spread of disease. Practice scenarios in your head: "What do I do if..." for every safety rule.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review your notes on Infection Control and Safety. Focus on differentiating between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization, and know your chemical disinfectants.
  2. Day 6: Practice hair cutting and styling terminology. Can you name all the parts of the shears? Do you know the different types of lines and angles?
  3. Day 5: Go through all your shaving service steps, from client preparation to aftershave. Visualize yourself performing each step safely and efficiently.
  4. Day 4: Tackle Chemical Services. Review product ingredients, strand testing, and client consultation forms related to perms, relaxers, and color.
  5. Day 3: Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions. Identify your weakest areas.
  6. Day 2: Focus your final review on the areas identified from yesterday's practice test. Get a good night's sleep!
  7. Day 1: Pack your required identification, comfortable clothes, and any snacks for the breaks. Briefly review your most challenging concepts, but don't cram. Trust your preparation!

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