Barber

TennesseeMaster Barber (1,500 hrs) / Barber Technician (340 hrs) License Requirements

Exam: Yes

VerifiedLast verified: April 2026

Governing Authority

Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

Complexity:Clear Path

Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.

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1,500 hrs

Training Hours

Written + Practical

Exam Type

$200

Gov. Fees

Available

Apprenticeship

2 years

Renewal Cycle

CE Required

Basic Requirements

Minimum Age

16 years old

Verified

Education Level

10th grade (initial) / 12th grade or GED (Master Barber)

Verified

Residency

No state residency required

Mostly verified

Background Check

Not required

Mostly verified

Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.

Training Requirements

Total Training Hours

1,500 hours

Registered barber school

Verified

Apprenticeship Alternative

Available

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

Mostly verified

Curriculum Includes

Haircutting and clipper techniquesShaving and facial hair groomingHair coloring, bleaching, and straighteningScalp treatments and shampooingFacial massages and treatmentsWig fitting and hair weavingManicuring and nail careSanitation, sterilization, and safetyTennessee laws and regulations

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Licensing Exam

Examination

Written Exam

Tennessee Master Barber Written Examination

Verified

Administered by: PSI Services
Questions: 100
Time: 120 minutes
Passing Score: 70%
Fee: $70

Theory and law written examination administered by PSI Services. Must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher.

Practical Exam

Tennessee Master Barber Practical Examination

Verified

Administered by: PSI Services
Passing Score: 70%
Fee: $70

3 hours 10 min. Live male model required.

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Exam Difficulty

Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100

Clear Path

Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient

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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.

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Scope of Practice

Verified

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.

✓ Straight Razor Shaving✓ Facial Treatments✓ Hair Coloring / Chemical Services

Fee Breakdown

Fee	Amount	Confidence
Application Fee	$60	Verified
Exam Fee Written exam ($70) + practical exam ($70), paid separately to PSI	$140	Verified
License Fee Master barber license fee	$75	Verified
Total Government Fees App ($60) + theory ($70) + practical ($70)	$200	Verified

Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000

Varies by school and program; NOT a government fee

Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.

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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.

Master Barber License

Verified

Advanced Credential

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 & Crossover

Out-of-State Transfer

endorsement

Mostly verified

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.

Cosmetology Crossover

Verified

NoCosmetologist can perform barbering

NoBarber can perform cosmetology

300 hours of approved training in a registered school of cosmetology can count towards the 1,500 required hours if a Tennessee Cosmetology License is valid.

Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →

Compare Tennessee with other states →

See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.

License & Renewal

Initial License Term

2 years

Verified

Renewal Cycle

2 years

Verified

Renewal Fee

$60

Verified

Continuing Education

Not required

Mostly verified

Regulatory Board

Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.

Barbershop License

Verified

RequiredInspection Required

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.

Special Notes

★

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.

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MULTI-TIER: Master Barber (1,500 hrs) vs Barber Technician (340 hrs).

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70% passing score — below the 75% standard.

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Practical exam: 3h 10min with live male model required.

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Apprenticeship alternative: 750 classroom hrs + apprenticeship.

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Reciprocity $150; 5 years experience can substitute for school.

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3-year exam window after training completion.

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Education dual: 10th grade (initial) / 12th grade (Master).

Barber Schools in Tennessee

Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Complete 1,500 hours of training at a registered barber school Submit application and $60 application fee to the Tennessee Board Register for and pass the written examination ($70) through PSI Register for and pass the practical examination ($70) through PSI Pay the $75 license fee Receive master barber license from the Tennessee Board

Yes, Tennessee accepts out-of-state Barber credentials. Reciprocity $150. 5 years experience can substitute for school. 3-year exam window.

Becoming a licensed Barber in Tennessee requires approximately 1500 hours of training. Actual timelines vary based on your prior experience and how quickly you complete each requirement.

To obtain a Barber license in Tennessee, applicants must be at least 16 years old and 10th grade (initial) / 12th grade or GED (Master Barber).

Tennessee requires 1,500 hours of barber training. Registered barber school

300 hours of approved training in a registered school of cosmetology can count towards the 1,500 required hours if a Tennessee Cosmetology License is valid.