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 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
~$200+
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
9th grade education or its equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
TB test required.
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
1 hours required
South Carolina offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 1,920 hours (minimum 12 months) of on-the-job training in a licensed barbershop under a licensed barber instructor. Apprentice hours from other states are not accepted.
Online Hours Allowed
Limited; practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
National Interstate Council (NIC) examination – theory component
NIC (National Interstate Council) theory exam. Can be taken individually ($110) or combined with practical ($165 for both).
SC Barber Practical Examination (NIC)
NIC hands-on practical examination demonstrating barbering skills. Can save $45 by taking both theory and practical together ($165 vs $210 separately).
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: 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
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
Shaving, cutting, trimming, and styling of hair; trimming and grooming of beards and mustaches; shampooing; applying hair tonics and chemical treatments; scalp massage and treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Student permit application fee | $35 (student permit fee confirmed) |
Exam Fee Combined NIC theory + practical exam fee (saves $45 vs. taking separately at $110 + $100) | $165 |
License Fee Biennial license fee | $125 |
Total Government Fees Student permit ($35) + exams ($165 combined) + license | ~$200+ |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Apprenticeship pathway may reduce education costs.
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.
Title: Master Hair Care Specialist
The Master Hair Care Specialist is an advanced license tier in South Carolina. A licensed cosmetologist can become a master hair care specialist by satisfying educational requirements prescribed by the board. This license allows broader scope of practice combining barbering and cosmetology services.
SC does NOT accept apprentice licenses from other states. Out-of-state barbers apply by endorsement.
Additional Requirements: Must provide proof of current, active license and training equivalent to SC requirements. Apprentice hours from other states are not accepted.
A licensed cosmetologist can become a Master Hair Care Specialist by completing additional board-prescribed educational requirements, which provides a broader scope of practice combining barbering and cosmetology services. Barbers cannot directly perform cosmetology services without a separate cosmetology license.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare South Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires June 30 of renewal year)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$125
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $250 (Barbershop license fee)
Submit completed application, pay $250 fee, submit documented proof of federal tax identification number (EIN), designate licensed registered barber/master hair care specialist/barber instructor as manager, pass satisfactory inspection.
South Carolina has a unique 'Master Hair Care Specialist' license tier that bridges barbering and cosmetology, available to licensed cosmetologists who complete additional education. The state's total government fees of approximately $325 are among the higher amounts nationally. South Carolina does not accept apprentice hours from other states, which is stricter than most states. A TB test or doctor's note is required as part of the application process, which is an unusual health requirement.
TB test required for licensure.
50-hour re-training penalty per failed exam section.
SC does NOT accept apprentice licenses from other states.
Master Hair Care Specialist tier available for cosmetologists.
NIC exams via PCS. Combined same-day fee: $165.
Renewal fee: verify $125 — sources conflict on biennial vs annual.
Barber Schools in South Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | $325 | 56–91 wks | |
| Georgia | $215 | 56–91 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $125 | 57–93 wks | → |
See how South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
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.
Official Sources
Barber requirements in South Carolina verified against South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
1,500 school hours or 1,920 apprenticeship hours
Accessed 2026-02-26
Training pathways confirmed
Accessed 2026-02-26
Biennial renewal
Accessed 2026-02-26
Master Hair Care Specialist requirements from state code
Accessed 2026-02-26
Moving to South Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to South Carolina →
Transfer your Barber license from South Carolina to: Georgia → | North Carolina →