Loading...
Loading...
Hawaii barber license — 1,500 training hours, exam details, fees ($200), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 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
$200
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires Dec 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school graduate or equivalent
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 (increased from 1,500 via Act 073, SLH 2022; effective for apps filed after July 1, 2024). Grandfathering applies to permits issued before July 1, 2023 if application filed before July 1, 2024.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact the board
Curriculum Includes
Hawaii Barber Written Examination (NIC)
Written exam covering barbering theory and Hawaii laws.
Hawaii Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills.
Haircutting, shaving, trimming beards, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, scalp treatments, and facial treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee | $20 |
Exam Fee Written ($90) + practical ($90) | $180 |
License Fee Initial license fee | Varies by year (prorated to next odd-year expiration) |
Total Government Fees Total of application, exam, and license fees | $200 |
Barber School Tuition: $8,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Hawaii does NOT have license reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must demonstrate equivalent training and may need to take the exam.
Additional Requirements: License verification and NIC exam scores may be required.
Cross-over training: licensed barbers can train beauty apprentices in hairdresser category, and vice versa.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires Dec 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$146
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $50 (Shop license fee)
Barbershops must be separately licensed and pass health/safety inspections.
Hawaii recently doubled its apprenticeship hours from 1,500 to 3,000 (effective July 1, 2024), while school training remains at 1,500 hours. This makes the apprenticeship pathway significantly longer than the school pathway.
CRITICAL: Apprenticeship hours doubled from 1,500 to 3,000 via Act 073 (2022). Grandfathering for permits before July 1, 2023.
Hawaii does NOT have license reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must demonstrate equivalent training.
Exams given 4 times per year (March, June, September, December).
If exam failed 4 times, must complete 6-month apprenticeship before retaking.
Temporary permit allows supervised work for approximately 1 year ($37).
Cross-over training: licensed barbers can train beauty apprentices, and vice versa.
Forfeited licenses can be restored within 3 years; after 3 years requires board approval.
Computer-based exams on Oahu/Big Island; paper exams on Kauai/Maui.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Hawaii.
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
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Hawaii 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.