StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in Georgia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1500 hrs
Upfront cost
—
Exam
Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Written (Theory) Examination (NIC-based), Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Meet the eligibility requirements set by the issuing board. The board's accessible pages (FAQ, how-to guides, school rules) do not state a minimum age or education prerequisite for Master Barber/Barber II licensure; those requirements sit in O.C.G.A. 43-10-9, which is not published on a retrievable official site (Georgia's code is not hosted free by the state). No fingerprint background check is required: applicants self-disclose criminal convictions and board sanctions on the application, and 'yes' answers are reviewed by the Board before licensure (conviction/sentencing documents required). Applicants must also submit a Secure & Verifiable Document and Affidavit of Citizenship. Verified via archive snapshots 2025-11-10. [3]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1500 hours of training at a state-approved program. Master Barber: a complete course of at least 9 months totaling 1,500 hours at a board-licensed school of barbering (Rule 240-14-.02), OR an apprenticeship of at least 18 months and 3,000 hours under a Master Barber. Barber II (hair-cutting-focused tier): at least 7 months totaling 1,140 hours in school (Rule 240-14-.03), OR an apprenticeship of at least 14 months and 2,280 hours. Barber schools may teach only the Master Barber and Barber II programs (not cosmetology). Apprentices licensed after July 1, 2019 must take the theory portion of the state board exam within the first 12 months of apprenticeship (O.C.G.A. 43-10-13(c)). sos.ga.gov blocks automated access (Cloudflare); board pages verified via archive snapshots 2025-11-10 and 2026-05-28; rules chapter verified via archive snapshot 2025-07-12. [1]

  3. 3

    Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Written (Theory) Examination (NIC-based)

    Pass the Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Written (Theory) Examination (NIC-based). Written multiple-choice theory exam, given in English Exam fees are paid directly to PSI and published in PSI's Georgia candidate bulletin, not on the board's site, so no amount is recorded here. Candidates who completed required hours on or after July 1, 2018 have 48 months to take and pass both exam sections. Board FAQ verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10 (sos.ga.gov blocks automated access). [2]

  4. 4

    Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Practical Examination

    Pass the Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Practical Examination. Hands-on practical demonstration Both a board-approved written and practical examination must be passed for licensure. If one section is failed, only that section is retaken through PSI. Fee is paid to PSI and published in PSI's candidate bulletin. Board FAQ verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division). [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division) issues your Master Barber License for Georgia.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] None specified
Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Written (Theory) Examination (NIC-based) [2] None specified
Georgia Master Barber / Barber II Practical Examination [2] None specified

The board publishes exact fee amounts only in the fee schedule inside the GOALS licensing portal (goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/fee-schedules), a dynamic application that could not be retrieved during this research; the how-to guide pages only link to it ('View the current fee schedule'). All application fees are non-refundable per the board FAQ. Board pages verified via archive snapshots 2025-11-10 (sos.ga.gov blocks automated access).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 5 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Master Barber and Barber II licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years (late-renewal period January 1-31). 5 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle: 3 hours in a board-approved health & safety course (TCSG-developed curriculum) plus 2 hours in registered courses (industry trends, business management, etc.). The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE; licensees who have held a license 25+ years may request a waiver. Board FAQ verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Georgia does not reciprocate with any state, but licensees active and in good standing in another U.S. state or territory may apply for licensure by Endorsement (mail-in only; not available in the online portal). Applicants licensed with fewer school hours than Georgia requires may still apply without acquiring additional hours. Proof of passing a national or state-approved written and practical exam in English exempts the applicant from re-examination; otherwise the board issues an exam-approval letter (maximum three attempts). Verification of licensure is required from every state where the applicant has ever been licensed. No interstate barber compact exists. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10.

17 state-approved training providers in Georgia — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Georgia require to become a barber?

A Master Barber must complete a 1,500-hour school program over at least 9 months, or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship over at least 18 months. The Barber II tier requires a 1,140-hour school program over at least 7 months, or a 2,280-hour apprenticeship over at least 14 months.

Can I become a barber in Georgia through an apprenticeship?

Yes. Georgia licenses Master Barber apprentices (18 months / 3,000 hours) and Barber II apprentices (14 months / 2,280 hours) training under a Master Barber. Apprentices licensed after July 1, 2019 must take the theory portion of the state board exam within their first 12 months.

Who administers the Georgia barber exams?

PSI Services LLC administers both the written (NIC-based theory) and practical examinations. If you fail one part, you retake only that part through PSI. Candidates who finished their hours on or after July 1, 2018 have 48 months to pass both sections.

When does a Georgia barber license expire?

Master Barber and Barber II licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years, with a late-renewal window through January 31. After the first renewal, 5 hours of continuing education (including 3 hours of health & safety) are required every 2 years.

Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Georgia?

Georgia does not offer reciprocity, but you can apply for licensure by Endorsement if you are actively licensed and in good standing in another U.S. state or territory — even if your original school hours were fewer than Georgia requires. Proof of passing a national or state-approved written and practical exam in English exempts you from retesting.

Sources

  1. [1] rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-14 — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-state-board-cosmetology-and-barbers-faq — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-master-barber-barber-ii-barber-instructor — accessed 2026-07-11