Loading...
Loading...
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.
1,100 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$339
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
Biennial; Regular renewal: Jan 2 – Mar 1; Late renewal online for 45 days until April 15
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
18 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
1,100 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
NEW as of 11/22/2025 — HB 336 (2025 Legislature) legalized apprenticeships. Must be registered through Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program. Minimum 2,000 hours per federal requirements. Prior to this, Montana did NOT allow apprenticeships.
Online Hours Allowed
Limited; check with the Board for current distance learning policies
Curriculum Includes
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
NIC Barber Written Examination
National Interstate Council (NIC) barber written examination administered by Prov, Inc. Candidates must score at least 75% to pass.
NIC Barber Practical Examination
National Interstate Council (NIC) barber practical examination administered by Prov, Inc. Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills.
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: 41/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
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 with straight razor, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, and scalp treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application/license fee | $80 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($50) + practical exam ($119), paid to Prov | $169 |
License Fee The $80 application fee covers the license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Written ($80) + practical ($179) + application ($80) | $339 |
Barber School Tuition: $8,000–$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.
Credentialing by out-of-state license: $80 fee. Must show NIC passage proof or retake NIC exams.
Additional Requirements: Must submit license verification, proof of training hours, and pass NIC exams if not previously taken.
Montana-licensed cosmetologists may obtain a barber license by completing a supplemental barbering course rather than the full 1,100 hours. The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists oversees both professions. Barbers seeking cosmetology licensure would need to meet full cosmetology training requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Montana with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
Biennial; renewal window Jan 2 – Mar 1
Renewal Cycle
Biennial; Regular renewal: Jan 2 – Mar 1; Late renewal online for 45 days until April 15
Renewal Fee
$80
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$80
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $125 (Shop license fee (original and renewal); inspection may be required)
Barbershops and salons must be separately licensed. The 2025 updated rules set the original and renewal salon/shop license fee at $125. Shops must meet health and safety standards.
Montana recently legalized apprenticeship pathways for barbering through HB 336 (2025 Legislature), making it one of the newest states to add this option. The state uses NIC exams with a 75% passing threshold, which is higher than the 70% standard used in many states. The combined Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists allows for some cross-licensing flexibility for cosmetologists seeking barber licensure.
Montana has TWO barber tiers: Barber (1,100 hrs, includes chemicals) and Barber Nonchemical (900 hrs, clipper cuts/shaves only).
NEW: HB 336 (2025 Legislature) legalized apprenticeships effective 11/22/2025. Must be registered through MT Registered Apprenticeship Program. Min 2,000 hours.
Prior to 11/22/2025, Montana did NOT allow apprenticeships.
CE conflict: older source mentions 30 credits but current official sources confirm no CE required.
Total fees (school pathway): $339 (written $80 + practical $179 + application $80).
Credentialing by out-of-state license: $80, must show NIC proof or retake.
Barber Schools in Montana
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (you) | — | — | |
| Idaho | — | — | → |
| North Dakota | $100 | 58–94 wks | → |
| South Dakota | — | — | → |
| Wyoming | — | — | → |
See how Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Montana.
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.
Barber requirements in Montana verified against Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, 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
Prov exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-26
Credit hours for licensed professionals in crossover programs
Accessed 2026-02-26
Moving to Montana? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to Montana →
Transfer your Barber license from Montana to: Idaho → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wyoming →