StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in Kentucky

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1500 hrs
Upfront cost
$450
Exam
Apprentice Barber Examination, Barber Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 1 year
Issuing board
Kentucky Board of Barbering

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17.5 years old, High school graduation or GED. Per the board's Apprentice Barbers page: at least 17½ years of age, of good moral character and temperate habit, high school graduate or GED, 1,500 school hours, graduation from an accredited/licensed barbering school, and passage of the board's examination. No fingerprint or criminal background check is listed. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-05-27. [4]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1500 hours of training at a state-approved program. Kentucky uses a two-step pathway: (1) complete 1,500 hours at an accredited or licensed school of barbering and pass the Apprentice Barber examination to receive an Apprentice Barber license; (2) work 6 continuous months as an apprentice in a licensed shop, then pass the Barber examination (taken between the 6th and 9th month, before the apprentice license expires) to receive the full Barber license. barbering.ky.gov blocks automated access (403); pages verified via archive snapshots 2026-04-17 (Barbers), 2026-05-27 (Apprentice Barbers), and 2026-03-05 (License Fees). [1]

  3. 3

    Apprentice Barber Examination

    Pass the Apprentice Barber Examination (fee: $200). Written examination plus a practical examination of 1 hour 20 minutes Taken after completing 1,500 school hours. Fee per the board's fee schedule effective July 1, 2023. Verified via archive snapshots (board site blocks automated access). [2]

  4. 4

    Barber Examination

    Pass the Barber Examination (fee: $200). Practical only (no written portion), 1 hour 10 minutes; candidate performs one board-chosen chemical application (permanent wave, straightener, or coloring) and must be prepared for all three Taken after 6 continuous months of work as a licensed Apprentice Barber, between the 6th and 9th month of apprenticeship. Fee per the board's fee schedule effective July 1, 2023. Verified via archive snapshots 2026-04-17 (exam description) and 2026-03-05 (fee). [3]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Kentucky Board of Barbering. [2]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Kentucky Board of Barbering issues your Apprentice Barber License for Kentucky.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [2] None specified
License fee [2] $50
Renewal fee [2] $50
Apprentice Barber Examination [2] $200
Barber Examination [3] $200
Apprentice Barber initial license [2] $50
Licensure by endorsement (out-of-state) [2] $250
Late renewal fee (after July 1) [2] $25
One-month apprentice license extension (with explanatory letter) [2] $50

Per the board's fee schedule (as of July 1, 2023): initial Barber license $50, initial Apprentice license $50, renewals $50 each, endorsement $250. The board does not list a separate application fee distinct from exam and license fees — recorded as null. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-03-05 (board site blocks automated access).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 1 year.

Every license renewable by the Board of Barbering expires July 1 each year; renewal opens June 1 and applications must be postmarked by July 1 to avoid the $25 late fee. Renewal costs $50. No continuing-education requirement appears on the board's licensure or fee pages, so ceHours is recorded as unspecified. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-04-17.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

The board's fee schedule lists licensure by endorsement at $250 for out-of-state barbers; endorsement application details (experience/verification requirements) are handled through the board office. No interstate barber compact exists. Fee schedule verified via archive snapshot 2026-03-05.

1 state-approved training provider in Kentucky — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $50
  • $200
  • $200
Total$450

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a licensed barber in Kentucky?

Two steps: complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school and pass the Apprentice Barber exam ($200) to get your Apprentice Barber license ($50); then work 6 continuous months in a licensed shop and pass the practical-only Barber exam ($200) to receive the full Barber license ($50).

What is on the final Barber exam?

It is practical only (no written portion), lasting 1 hour 10 minutes. You perform one chemical application chosen by the Board on exam day — a permanent wave, straightener, or coloring — so you must be prepared to do all three.

When must I take the Barber exam during my apprenticeship?

Between your 6th and 9th month of continuous apprenticeship work — you must test by the 9th month because your apprentice license expires then. A one-month extension is possible for $50 with a letter explaining the delay.

When do Kentucky barber licenses expire?

Every license expires July 1 each year. Renewal opens June 1, costs $50, and applications postmarked after July 1 incur a $25 late fee.

Can I transfer an out-of-state barber license to Kentucky?

Yes — the board offers licensure by endorsement for a $250 fee. Contact the board office for the endorsement application and verification requirements.

Sources

  1. [1] barbering.ky.gov/licensure/Pages/Apprentice-Barbers.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] barbering.ky.gov/licensure/Pages/License-Fees.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] barbering.ky.gov/licensure/Pages/Barbers.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] barbering.ky.gov/licensure/Pages/Probationary-Barbers.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11