Loading...
Loading...
Pennsylvania barber license — 1,250 training hours, exam details, fees ($170), 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.
63% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 2 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,250 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$170
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires April 30, even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
8th grade education or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Criminal history check required from every state lived/worked in past 5 years.
Total Training Hours
1,250 hours
Barber school or barber shop apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,250 hours required
Pennsylvania allows the 1,250 hours of training to be completed in a licensed barber shop under a licensed barber manager or barber teacher, as an alternative to barber school. The training must be completed within a minimum of 9 months.
Online Hours Allowed
Theory hours only; practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
PA Barber Theory Examination
130 questions (110 scored + 20 pretest), 2 hours 15 min. Available in English and Spanish. One of the largest exams nationally.
Pennsylvania Barber Practical Examination
Practical exam in English only.
Shaving, cutting, trimming, and styling of hair; trimming and grooming of beards and mustaches using straight razors; shampooing; applying hair tonics and chemical treatments; scalp massage and treatments; and related barbering services for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $30 |
Exam Fee Theory exam ($63) + practical exam ($77), paid to Pearson VUE | $140 |
License Fee Application fee covers initial license issuance | Included in $33 application fee |
Total Government Fees App ($30) + theory ($63) + practical ($77) | $170 |
Barber School Tuition: $8,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Apprenticeship in a barber shop may reduce education costs.
Direct reciprocity with CA, DE, ID, KS, ME, MS, MT, NM, NY, SC, SD, VA (12 states). Non-reciprocity states: endorsement with theory exam only.
Additional Requirements: Must hold active license in good standing and provide verification from originating state.
States with Specific Agreements
Cosmetologist crossover: 555 hours credited toward the 1,250 requirement, leaving 695 additional hours.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires April 30, even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$160
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $72 (Barbershop owner renewal fee; initial fee may differ)
Any person, partnership, or corporation desiring to operate a barber shop must first secure a license from the board. Barbershops must meet health and safety requirements and pass inspections.
Pennsylvania is notable for allowing the full 1,250-hour barber training to be completed as an apprenticeship in a licensed barber shop under a barber manager or barber teacher, making it one of the more flexible states for apprenticeship-based training. The state also has a well-defined cosmetology crossover program that credits cosmetologists with 555 hours, requiring only 695 additional barber-specific hours. Pennsylvania's Barber Manager license is a distinct tier required to manage a barbershop.
Pearson VUE exam — 130 questions (110 scored + 20 pretest), one of the largest nationally.
Written exam available in English and Spanish. Practical in English only.
Criminal history check from every state lived/worked in past 5 years.
Cosmetologist crossover: 555 hours credit toward 1,250 requirement.
Extensive reciprocity: direct with 12 states (CA, DE, ID, KS, ME, MS, MT, NM, NY, SC, SD, VA).
9-month temporary license for graduates awaiting exam.
Total fees: $170.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Pennsylvania.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#17 of 36
Salary
#17 of 36
Cost
#20 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$29,140
25th percentile
Median
$42,570
+9% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$50,000
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
920 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: Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 48–79 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
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
1,250-hour requirement with school or shop training options
Accessed 2026-02-26
Training can be in school or shop; minimum 9 months
Accessed 2026-02-26
Shop license requirement from PA code
Accessed 2026-02-26
Cosmetology to barber crossover: 555 hours credit, 695 remaining
Accessed 2026-02-26
Crossover program details
Accessed 2026-02-26
Pennsylvania requires 1,250 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.