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Tennessee 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
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79% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 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
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade (initial) / 12th grade or GED (Master Barber)
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Registered barber school
Apprenticeship Alternative
750 hours required
750 classroom hours + apprenticeship (alternative pathway to 1,500 school hours).
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact the Board for current policy
Curriculum Includes
Tennessee Master Barber Written Examination
Theory and law written examination administered by PSI Services. Must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher.
Tennessee Master Barber Practical Examination
3 hours 10 min. Live male model required.
Shaving or trimming beards, cutting or styling hair, giving facial and scalp massages or treatments with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations by hand or mechanical appliances, singeing, curling, shampooing, coloring, bleaching or straightening hair, applying hair tonics, cutting/fitting/measuring head caps for wigs or hairpieces, hair weaving (excluding medical/surgical procedures), applying cosmetic preparations to scalp/face/neck, and manicuring/nail care.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $60 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($70) + practical exam ($70), paid separately to PSI | $140 |
License Fee Master barber license fee | $75 |
Total Government Fees App ($60) + theory ($70) + practical ($70) | $200 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school and program; NOT a government fee
Title: Master Barber
In Tennessee, 'Master Barber' is the primary full-service barber license requiring 1,500 hours. There is also a lesser 'Barber Technician' license requiring only 340 hours with a more limited scope of practice. The Master Barber is the standard license, not an advanced tier above a basic barber license.
Reciprocity $150. 5 years experience can substitute for school. 3-year exam window.
Additional Requirements: Must provide verification of out-of-state license and meet hour requirements.
Tennessee maintains separate barber and cosmetology licenses under the same board. Licensed cosmetologists may take a crossover course to become licensed barbers. A Tennessee cosmetology license holder may credit 300 hours of approved cosmetology training toward the 1,500-hour master barber requirement.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $150 (Initial barber shop application fee of $150. All full-service shops must have a master barber acting as manager at all times the shop is open.)
Barbershops must be separately licensed. All full-service barber shops must have a master barber acting in the role of manager at all times the shop is open. Shop must meet health and safety standards.
Tennessee uniquely calls its standard barber license 'Master Barber' (1,500 hours), while offering a reduced 'Barber Technician' license at only 340 hours for a limited scope of practice. This two-tier system allows faster entry into basic barbering services. The state also allows cosmetologists to credit 300 hours toward the barber license. All full-service barber shops must have a master barber serving as manager whenever the shop is open.
MULTI-TIER: Master Barber (1,500 hrs) vs Barber Technician (340 hrs).
70% passing score — below the 75% standard.
Practical exam: 3h 10min with live male model required.
Apprenticeship alternative: 750 classroom hrs + apprenticeship.
Reciprocity $150; 5 years experience can substitute for school.
3-year exam window after training completion.
Education dual: 10th grade (initial) / 12th grade (Master).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Tennessee.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#18 of 36
Salary
#31 of 36
Cost
#32 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$22,240
25th percentile
Median
$31,230
-20% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$41,600
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
280 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: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 56–91 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and 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
PSI exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-26
Reciprocity and cosmetology credit information
Accessed 2026-02-26
Barber Technician is a lesser license at 340 hours
Accessed 2026-02-26
Barber shop licensing requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Tennessee 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.