Loading...
Loading...
California barber license — 1,000 training hours, exam details, fees ($125), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Most information on this page has been verified.
89% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
$125
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
10th grade education or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,200 hours required
Apprenticeship requires 3,200 hours over 2 years under the Shelley-Maloney Apprentice Labor Standards Act. Related training for barber apprentices must provide a minimum of 216 hours of instruction.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact the board for details
Curriculum Includes
California Barber Written Examination
85 scored questions plus 10 pretest (unscored) questions, 120 minutes. Written exam only (no practical) since January 1, 2022 under SB 803. Available Mon/Thu at Los Angeles and Fairfield PSI locations. Exam available in multiple languages through interpreter accommodation (effective Jan 1, 2026 regulation).
Haircutting, shaving, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, chemical texture services, scalp treatments, and facial treatments incidental to barbering for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Includes examination and initial license issuance | $125 |
Exam Fee Included in $125 application fee | Included in application fee |
License Fee Included in $125 application fee | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Single fee covers application, examination, and initial license | $125 |
Barber School Tuition: $6,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
California allows out-of-state barbers to apply for licensure. Must hold a current valid license and demonstrate equivalent training hours.
Additional Requirements: Must pass the California written exam. May need to provide verification of out-of-state license and training hours.
California maintains separate barber and cosmetology licenses under the same board.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $50 (Establishment license fee)
Barbershops must be licensed as establishments and pass health and safety inspections.
California made sweeping changes in 2022 under SB 803, reducing training hours from 1,500 to 1,000 and eliminating the practical exam entirely. This makes California one of the more accessible states for barber licensure. The $125 all-inclusive fee is also notably streamlined.
SB 803 (2022) was a major reform: reduced hours from 1,500 → 1,000 and eliminated the practical exam.
The $125 fee is notably streamlined — one payment covers application, exam, and license.
California also has a separate Hairstylist license (600 hours, non-chemical services only).
Crossover: cosmetologist → barber crossover course available.
Applications via BreEZe online portal, processing typically 8–12 weeks.
Exam available in multiple languages through interpreter accommodation (effective Jan 1, 2026 regulation).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#14 of 36
Salary
#20 of 36
Cost
#9 of 36
Processing
#36 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$34,630
25th percentile
Median
$36,590
-6% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$57,240
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,630 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Barber income often includes tips and booth rental arrangements not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Barbers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+3,100
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,400
per year (avg.)
76,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 46–70 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Licensing Requirements
8–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
California requires 1,000 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.