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Mississippi barber license — 1,500 training hours, exam details, fees ($150), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
68% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. 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
$150
Gov. Fees
Not available
Apprenticeship
2 years
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Barber school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Limited; check with the Board for current distance learning policies
Curriculum Includes
Mississippi Barber Examination (NIC written + state law test)
Includes NIC written exam + state law test. Board-administered.
Mississippi Barber Practical Examination
The practical exam requirement has been modified. The Board has been updating guidelines for practical assessments. Check with the MSBCB for the most current exam format.
Haircutting, shaving with straight razor, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, and scalp treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Non-refundable application to test fee | $25 |
Exam Fee The $25 application fee covers the exam; additional exam reservation fees may apply | Included in application fee |
License Fee | $50 |
Total Government Fees Exam ($100) + license ($50) | $150 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Mississippi accepts licensed barbers from other states by reciprocity or under the Uniform Recognition of Occupational Licensing Act (UROLA). Applicants must hold a current, valid license.
Additional Requirements: Application under reciprocity or UROLA costs $55. Must provide license verification from originating state.
Cosmetologist-to-barber crossover: must complete additional 600 hours in a licensed barber school + pass barber exam.
Initial License Term
1 year
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $85 (Initial salon/barbershop application and inspection fee; $60 annual renewal)
Barbershops must be separately licensed by the MSBCB. Initial application includes an inspection fee. Annual shop renewal is $60 with a $50 penalty for delinquent renewal. Reinspection fee is $35.
Mississippi recently underwent a major regulatory change by merging its separate barber and cosmetology boards into the MSBCB effective January 2025. The Board is still modifying licensing guidelines, making this a period of transition. The elimination of the standalone practical exam for some applicants is also notable. Mississippi has one of the higher minimum age requirements at 18.
No apprenticeship currently available; legislation under discussion.
Cosmetologist-to-barber crossover: 600 additional hours in barber school + pass exam.
Exam structure: practical skills + NIC written + state law test (3 components).
First retake included in $100 exam fee; subsequent retakes $55 each.
If failed 3 times, must complete 60 hours additional training per subject.
If failed 4th time, must appear before state board for permission to re-examine.
Temporary permit available for up to 6 months while waiting for exam.
MS consolidated some barber/cosmetology statutes effective Jan 1, 2025 (HB 313, 2024).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Mississippi.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#18 of 36
Salary
#36 of 36
Cost
#3 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$19,110
25th percentile
Median
$24,110
-38% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$44,980
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
60 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: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 56–86 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) — Licensing Requirements
2–3 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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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
Official Mississippi combined board for cosmetology and barbering (effective 2025)
Accessed 2026-02-26
Official fee schedule
Accessed 2026-02-26
Single practitioner license tier
Accessed 2026-02-26
Combined board effective 2025
Accessed 2026-02-26
Board is actively modifying licensing guidelines
Accessed 2026-02-26
Mississippi 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.