Loading...
Loading...
New Jersey barber license — 900 training hours, exam details, fees (~$155), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Governing Authority
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
63% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
900 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
~$155
Gov. Fees
Not available
Apprenticeship
2 years (even-numbered years, by last day of birth month)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
New Jersey requires a criminal background check as part of the licensing process through the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Total Training Hours
900 hours
Barber school only
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Limited; practical hours must be completed in-person
Curriculum Includes
NJ Barber Theory Examination
110 questions, 2 hours. Administered by Prometric — this is NOT NIC-based.
NJ Barber Clinical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills. Both written and practical exams must be passed.
Haircutting, shaving with straight razor, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, and scalp treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Licensing fee; $30 if applying during the second year of a licensing cycle | $60 |
Exam Fee Theory exam (Prometric) | $45 |
License Fee Combined practical exam + license fee | $110 |
Total Government Fees Theory ($45) + practical/license ($110) | ~$155 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. New Jersey's 900-hour requirement keeps costs moderate.
Endorsement available for out-of-state barbers with 3 years experience + current license.
Additional Requirements: Must provide verification of out-of-state license and proof of training hours. May need to pass New Jersey exams.
New Jersey maintains barber licensing under the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, but barber and cosmetology/hairstyling are separate license types. Practitioners need the appropriate license for each profession.
Initial License Term
2 years (biennial, even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (even-numbered years, by last day of birth month)
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
Not required
Shop License Fee: $56 (Estimated shop license fee; verify with the Board)
Barbershops must be separately licensed and must meet health and safety standards. Local municipalities may have additional requirements for barbershop permits and inspections.
New Jersey's 900-hour requirement is relatively low nationally, and the state does not offer an apprenticeship alternative. Students can sit for the theory exam at the 720-hour mark (80% completion), which is an early testing option. The state manages barber licensing under its Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling rather than a separate barber board. License renewals are uniquely tied to each licensee's birth month, creating staggered renewal dates.
NJ uses Prometric for written/theory exam and Board administers practical — NOT NIC-based.
Theory exam is 110 questions, 2 hours — notably large compared to most states.
Renewal fee: $60 per barber-license.com / barber-schools.org (beautyschoolsdirectory.com says $90 — verify).
Endorsement available for out-of-state barbers with 3 years experience + current license.
NJ does not allow apprenticeship — school pathway only.
Physical examination required as part of application.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#2 of 36
Salary
#7 of 36
Cost
#7 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$31,470
25th percentile
Median
$49,360
+27% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$59,830
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,150 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.
Estimated total: 36–61 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
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
Official NJ cosmetology and barbering board page
Accessed 2026-02-26
900 hours at an approved barber school
Accessed 2026-02-26
Application and exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-26
New Jersey requires 900 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.