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Texas barber license — 1,000 training hours, exam details, fees (~$183), 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. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
~$183
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years
Renewal Cycle
4 hrs
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
7th grade education or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
TDLR conducts a criminal history background check as part of the application process. Applicants with felony or misdemeanor convictions (excluding minor traffic violations) must submit a Criminal History Questionnaire. Review may take 1 to 6 weeks. Licenses may be denied based on the nature and timing of convictions.
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
TDLR-licensed barber school
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
2,000 hours (16 months minimum) under a master barber.
Online Hours Allowed
250 hours
Curriculum Includes
Texas Class A Barber Written Examination
PSI, 100 questions, 90 min. Can take at 900 hours (early access). 45% theory pass rate.
Texas Class A Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills. Must pass the written exam and complete all 1,000 hours before scheduling the practical exam.
Shaving, trimming beards and mustaches, cutting and styling hair, shampooing, hair coloring, chemical texture services, scalp treatments, and facial treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50–$55 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($55) + practical exam ($78), paid separately to PSI | $133 |
License Fee The $50 application fee covers the initial license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees | ~$183 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Texas barber schools range widely in tuition. The 1,000-hour requirement keeps costs relatively moderate.
Texas allows out-of-state licensed barbers to apply for licensure by endorsement. Applicants must hold an active license in good standing from another state and meet TDLR requirements. Cosmetologists with a valid Texas cosmetology license can also apply for a barber license through a crossover pathway.
Additional Requirements: Must submit official verification of out-of-state license and may need to pass the Texas written and/or practical exam.
Texas cosmetologists with a valid cosmetology license can apply for a Class A Barber license through a crossover pathway, which may require additional training hours. Barbers cannot perform cosmetology services without a separate cosmetology license. TDLR oversees both barbering and cosmetology under a combined program.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$55–$60
Continuing Education
4 hours — 4 hours (eff. Sept 1, 2025). Includes mandatory human trafficking prevention component.
Late Renewal Fee
$75-$100
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $78 (Application fee for barbering establishment license (full-service, mobile, or specialty))
Barbershops must obtain a separate establishment license from TDLR. Fee is $78 for full-service, mobile, and specialty establishments. Establishments must meet health and safety standards.
Texas requires only 1,000 training hours for barbers, which is among the lower requirements nationally. Students can sit for the written exam before completing all training hours (at the 900-hour mark). TDLR administers both barbering and cosmetology licensing under one combined program, and mandates human trafficking prevention training as part of CE requirements starting in 2025.
CRITICAL: Training is 1,000 hours (not 1,500).
NEW CE eff. Sept 1, 2025: 4 hours including mandatory human trafficking prevention.
45% theory pass rate — one of the lowest nationally.
Up to 250 hours can be completed online.
Early exam access at 900 hours.
Apprenticeship: 2,000 hours / 16 months under master barber.
70% passing score.
Total fees: ~$183.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#4 of 36
Salary
#22 of 36
Cost
#21 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$29,150
25th percentile
Median
$36,400
-7% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$64,140
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,920 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: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 40–66 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-23
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Accessed 2026-03-23
Scheduling through PSI
Accessed 2026-02-26
Biennial renewal
Accessed 2026-02-26
Out-of-state application options
Accessed 2026-02-26
Cosmetology-to-barber crossover
Accessed 2026-02-26
Establishment licensing requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Texas requires 1,000 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.