StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in New Jersey

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
900 hrs
Upfront cost
$143
Exam
Barber theory (written) examination, Barber practical examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    High school diploma, certified high school transcript, or GED. Board rules require satisfactory proof of age (birth certificate, passport, NJ driver's license, or equivalent) but do not state a numeric minimum age in N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1. Proof of high school completion or equivalent is required. No criminal background check requirement appears in the Board's rules. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 900 hours of training at a state-approved program. 900-hour course of instruction in barbering at a New Jersey-licensed cosmetology and hairstyling school or state-approved vocational program (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(e)(1)(iii)); curriculum detailed in N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29B (243 classroom + 657 practical hours). New Jersey has no apprenticeship alternative to school hours. Board rules PDF verified via archive snapshot 2025-02-20 (direct fetch is bot-blocked). [1]

  3. 3

    Barber theory (written) examination

    Pass the Barber theory (written) examination (fee: $53). Computer-based written exam; minimum 75% required before taking the practical exam N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2 allows a computer-based test administered by a Board-approved third-party vendor, paid directly to the vendor. Prometric's New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling page lists a $53 written exam fee (as of 12/1/2023) and an NJ Barber Candidate Information Bulletin. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-01-15. [2]

  4. 4

    Barber practical examination

    Pass the Barber practical examination. Hands-on practical examination; passing grade required on each part No separate practical exam fee — the Board's $50 examination fee (includes application, N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1) entitles the applicant to take or be scheduled for the practical portion up to two times (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2(d)). [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. [1]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling issues your Barbering License for New Jersey.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] None specified
License fee [1] $90
Renewal fee [1] $90
Barber theory (written) examination [2] $53
Barber practical examination [1] None specified
Examination fee (includes application fee) [1] $50
Initial license fee if issued in second year of renewal cycle [1] $45
Endorsement application (plus license fee) [1] $100
Late renewal fee [1] $30

No standalone application fee — the $50 examination fee includes the application fee (N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1(a)(4)). Initial individual license is $90 if paid during the first year of a renewal cycle, $45 during the second year. Biennial renewal is $90. Fee schedule from the Board's official Chapter 28 rules PDF (rev. 02/26/2024), verified via archive snapshot 2025-02-20.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Licenses renew biennially (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1); $30 late fee applies after expiration. No continuing-education requirement for barbers appears anywhere in the Board's Chapter 28 rules.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Licensure by endorsement is available ($100 endorsement fee plus license fee). Out-of-state applicants who have practiced barbering (or a related licensed practice) for at least three years may submit a notarized affidavit of work experience and a certification of licensure in lieu of training documentation (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1), but must still pass the New Jersey Board's examination. No interstate compact covers barbering.

9 state-approved training providers in New Jersey — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $90
  • $53
Total$143

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does New Jersey require for a barbering license?

900 hours of instruction in barbering at a New Jersey-licensed school or state-approved vocational program, broken into 243 classroom hours and 657 practical hours under the Board's required curriculum (N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29B).

Is the barbering license the same as the cosmetology-hairstylist license in New Jersey?

No. New Jersey issues a distinct Barbering license (900 hours) alongside the Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license (1,200 hours). Both are issued by the same combined State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, which has regulated barbers since the former Board of Barber Examiners was merged into it.

What exams do I have to pass?

A written theory exam (75% minimum, currently delivered by Prometric as the Board's third-party vendor, $53 paid to the vendor) followed by a practical exam administered by the Board. The Board's own $50 examination fee includes your application.

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

Yes, via endorsement ($100 plus the license fee). If you have at least three years of licensed practice, an affidavit of work experience and a certification of licensure can substitute for training documentation — but you must still pass New Jersey's examinations.

How often do I renew, and is continuing education required?

Renewal is every two years for $90. New Jersey's board rules impose no continuing-education requirement on barbers.

Sources

  1. [1] njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-28-Board-of-Cosmetology-and-Hairstyling.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] prometric.com/exams/njsbch — accessed 2026-07-11