Loading...
Loading...
Barber
Exam: Yes
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
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
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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).
Ready to pass the Barber State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Barber licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overall licensing difficulty: 26/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Barber State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Barber Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Barber State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare California with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
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).
Barber Schools in California
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
See how California compares: Barber License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare barber requirements across all states →
Barber licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure barber is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does California compare to other states for barber? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your barber license →
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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Other professional licenses in California
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Barber requirements in California verified against California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Moving to California? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to California →