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South Carolina barber license — 1,500 training hours, exam details, fees (~$200+), 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.
74% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 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
1,500 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 or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
TB test required.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,920 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
SC Barber Theory Examination (NIC)
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).
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 |
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.
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.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires June 30 of renewal year)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$125
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $250 (Barbershop license fee)
To open a barbershop, you must submit a completed application, pay $250 fee, provide documented proof of federal tax identification number (EIN), and designate a licensed registered barber, master hair care specialist, or barber instructor as the manager.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#18 of 36
Salary
#18 of 36
Cost
#34 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$28,440
25th percentile
Median
$37,300
-4% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$49,500
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
490 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: South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 56–91 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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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
South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.