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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.
1,500 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
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
Limited; check with the Board for current distance learning policies
Curriculum Includes
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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.
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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
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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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
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.
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.
600 hours in a licensed barber school + pass barber exam
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Mississippi with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
1 year
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $85 (Initial salon/barbershop application and inspection fee; $60 annual renewal)
Confirmed except renewal cadence (annual vs biennial not stated on fee page)
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).
Barber Schools in Mississippi
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
See how Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.
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Other professional licenses in Mississippi
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Barber requirements in Mississippi verified against Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB), April 2026.
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
Moving to Mississippi? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to Mississippi →
Transfer your Barber license from Mississippi to: Alabama → | Arkansas → | Louisiana → | Tennessee →