StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in Texas

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1000 hrs
Upfront cost
$181
Exam
PSI Written (Theory) Examination — Texas Barber, PSI Practical (Skills) Examination — Texas Barber
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old, pass a criminal background check. TDLR's Class A Barber page states two eligibility requirements: be at least 17 years of age and complete the 1,000-hour course — it lists no high-school-diploma/GED requirement for the barber license (unlike TDLR's cosmetology operator page). Applicants with a felony or misdemeanor conviction must submit a Criminal History Questionnaire (with a $10 fee per crime for a pre-application criminal history evaluation), which TDLR reviews case-by-case. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1000 hours of training at a state-approved program. A Class A Barber course of 1,000 hours of instruction at a TDLR-licensed barbering/cosmetology school (reduced in recent years from the former 1,500-hour requirement). After completing 900 of the 1,000 hours, the school notifies TDLR of eligibility to take the written exam. TDLR's barber page lists no apprenticeship alternative to the school-based course. [1]

  3. 3

    PSI Written (Theory) Examination — Texas Barber

    Pass the PSI Written (Theory) Examination — Texas Barber (fee: $55). 85 scored multiple-choice items in 90 minutes (plus 8 non-scored items in 10 additional minutes); closed book; 70% correct to pass. Topics include Licensing and Regulation, Health and Safety/Infection Control, Shaving, Hair and Scalp Care, and Chemical Processing (per the Barber License Examination Candidate Information Bulletin dated 2026-01-01). May be taken after completing 900 of the required 1,000 training hours. Exam eligibility lasts 5 years with unlimited attempts (24-hour wait after a failed attempt; no same-day retake); each attempt requires a separate fee, and the fee is forfeited if you do not test within 1 year of PSI receiving payment. [2]

  4. 4

    PSI Practical (Skills) Examination — Texas Barber

    Pass the PSI Practical (Skills) Examination — Texas Barber (fee: $76). Hands-on skills demonstration; candidates must pass the written examination before sitting for the practical. Requires completion of all 1,000 training hours and a passing written-exam score first. No review of the practical examination is available. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) with the $50 application fee. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues your Class A Barber License for Texas.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $50
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $50
PSI Written (Theory) Examination — Texas Barber [2] $55
PSI Practical (Skills) Examination — Texas Barber [2] $76
License by Reciprocity application fee (out-of-state licensees, form BAC-LIC-003) [3] $100
Late renewal (expired less than 18 months) [3] $75
Late renewal (expired 18 months to 3 years) [3] $100

The $50 non-refundable application fee is paid after passing both PSI exams and covers issuance of the initial 2-year license — TDLR does not itemize a separate license fee, so license is null. PSI exam fees ($55 written, $76 practical) are paid directly to PSI. Fee amounts effective 09/01/2023 per TDLR's fee-changes page. A license expired more than 3 years cannot be renewed.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 4 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Class A Barber licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue; on-time renewal is $50. Continuing education is 4 hours of department-approved courses every two years: 1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking awareness, and 2 hours of approved electives (e.g. sanitation, law/rules, mental health awareness). Practitioners who have held a Texas license 15+ years need only the 2 required hours, with electives waived.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Barbers licensed in another US state (including Barber and Master Barber license types) may apply for a Texas license by reciprocity/equivalence using form BAC-LIC-003 with a $100 non-refundable fee and a sealed letter of certification from the issuing state, using the out-of-state license as proof of training and experience — no Texas exam is required when the issuing state's requirements are substantially equivalent. No interstate compact covers barbering; Texas has introduced but not enacted cosmetology-compact legislation, which would not cover barber-only licenses in any case.

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

Cost calculator

  • $50
  • $55
  • $76
Total$181

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Texas require for a Class A Barber license?

1,000 hours of instruction at a TDLR-licensed barbering/cosmetology school, reduced from the former 1,500-hour requirement.

When can I take the Texas barber exams?

After completing 900 of the 1,000 required hours, your school notifies TDLR of your eligibility for the written exam. You must pass the written exam and finish all 1,000 hours before taking the practical exam.

Who administers the Texas barber exams and what do they cost?

PSI Services LLC under contract with TDLR. The written exam costs $55 (85 scored items, 70% to pass) and the practical exam costs $76, both paid directly to PSI.

How much does the Texas Class A Barber license cost and how long is it valid?

The application fee is $50 after you pass both exams, and the license is valid for two years. On-time renewal is $50, with late fees of $75 (under 18 months expired) or $100 (18 months to 3 years).

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

Yes — apply for a license by reciprocity (form BAC-LIC-003, $100 non-refundable fee) with a sealed letter of certification from your state. If your state's requirements are substantially equivalent, no Texas exam is required.

Sources

  1. [1] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-barber.htm — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/701 — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/feechanges.htm — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/continuing-education.htm — accessed 2026-07-11
  5. [5] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/out-of-state/ — accessed 2026-07-11