Loading...
Loading...
Georgia barber license — 1,500 training hours, exam details, fees ($177), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Most information on this page has been verified.
89% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$177
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
5 hrs
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 (school) / 16 (apprenticeship) years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
3,000 hours (minimum 18 months) under a Master Barber with 36+ months experience. Apprentices issued license after July 1, 2019 must take theory exam within first 12 months.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact the board
Curriculum Includes
Georgia Barber Written Examination (NIC)
Written exam covering barbering theory and Georgia laws.
Georgia Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills.
Haircutting, shaving with straight and safety razors, trimming beards, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, bleaching, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, scalp treatments, and facial treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application for licensure by exam | $30 |
Exam Fee Written ($59) + practical ($89) — combined same-day rate | $147 |
License Fee Initial license fee | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Exam ($147) + application ($30) | $177 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Title: Master Barber
Master Barber license: 1,500 hours training (includes chemical services). Barber II: 1,140 school hours or 2,280 apprenticeship hours (no chemical services).
No direct reciprocity — endorsement reviewed case-by-case.
Additional Requirements: Must provide license verification and proof of equivalent hours.
Cosmetologist-to-barber crossover: 300 additional hours + pass barber exams.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
5 hours — 5 hours per renewal: 3 hours health/safety + 2 hours industry elective. As of Jan 1, 2026, all CE must be tracked through CE Broker (cebroker.com/ga). First renewal after initial licensure is exempt.
Late Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $50 (Shop license fee)
Barbershops must be separately licensed and pass health/safety inspections.
Georgia has one of the more structured apprenticeship programs, requiring the supervising Master Barber to have held a license for at least 36 months. Georgia also requires 5 hours of CE per renewal cycle and offers crossover licensing for cosmetologists.
Georgia has TWO barber license types: Master Barber (1,500 hrs, includes chemical services) and Barber II (1,140 hrs school / 2,280 hrs apprenticeship, no chemical services).
Apprentices issued license after July 1, 2019 must take theory exam within first 12 months.
Cosmetologist-to-barber crossover: 300 additional hours + pass barber exams.
As of Jan 1, 2026, all CE must be tracked through CE Broker (cebroker.com/ga).
First renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE requirements.
48-month window to pass exams after completing training (for those trained after July 1, 2018).
No direct reciprocity — endorsement reviewed case-by-case.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Georgia.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#18 of 36
Salary
#10 of 36
Cost
#26 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$29,180
25th percentile
Median
$47,630
+22% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$63,810
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
650 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Barber income often includes tips and booth rental arrangements not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Barbers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+3,100
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,400
per year (avg.)
76,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 56–91 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers — Licensing Requirements
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.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Georgia requires 1,500 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.