Loading...
Loading...
Barber
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (within DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$155
Gov. Fees
Not available
Apprenticeship
Barber licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
No specific education level required
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
1,500 hours
Barber school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact DORA
Curriculum Includes
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Colorado Barber Written Examination
Computer-based written exam, 100 minutes. Can be taken at out-of-state PSI centers.
Colorado Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on practical exam, ~145 minutes. Must be taken in Colorado (cannot be taken at out-of-state PSI centers).
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: 37/100
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 treatments, scalp treatments, and facial treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee | $28 |
Exam Fee Written ($56) + practical ($71) | $127 |
License Fee License fee included in application | Included in application |
Total Government Fees Application ($28) + written exam ($56) + practical exam ($71) | $155 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000-$18,000
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.
No direct reciprocity — Colorado offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees, reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Requirements: License verification required from issuing state.
No crossover between cosmetology and barbering — must meet full training requirements for each license type.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Colorado with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
Barber licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years
Renewal Fee
$40
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$15
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $76 (Shop registration fee)
Barbershops must be registered and pass health/safety inspections.
Colorado's barber licensing is administered by DORA's Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. The renewal fee of $26 is notably low compared to most states.
Colorado uses a credit-hour system (50 credits = 1,500 contact hours).
No direct reciprocity — offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees, reviewed individually.
No crossover between cosmetology and barbering — must meet full training requirements for each.
60-day grace period after expiration during which services may still be provided.
Practical exam must be taken in Colorado; written can be taken at out-of-state PSI centers.
Instructor qualifications governed by Private Occupational School Board, not the barber board.
Barber Schools in Colorado
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
See how Colorado 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 Colorado 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 Colorado
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
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.
Official Sources
Barber requirements in Colorado verified against Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (within DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations), 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
Accessed 2026-03-23
Moving to Colorado? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to Colorado →
Transfer your Barber license from Colorado to: Arizona → | Kansas → | Nebraska → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma → | Utah → | Wyoming →