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Montana barber license — 1,100 training hours, exam details, fees ($339), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
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79% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 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
1,100 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$339
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (Jan 2 – Mar 1; late renewal through Apr 15)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
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
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.
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
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.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires March 1)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (Jan 2 – Mar 1; late renewal through Apr 15)
Renewal Fee
$80
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$80
Regulatory Board
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Montana.
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Prov exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-26
Credit hours for licensed professionals in crossover programs
Accessed 2026-02-26
Montana requires 1,100 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.