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Barber
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — administered by the Office of Professional Regulation under the Secretary of State
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
750 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$130
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
Up to 2 years per OPR schedule
Renewal Cycle
24 hrs
CE Required
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent (12th grade)
Residency
Vermont residency preferred but not strictly required
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
750 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
2,000 hours (24 months under licensed barber in licensed shop).
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact the Board for current policy
Curriculum Includes
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VT Barber Theory Examination (NIC)
Vermont requires both a general written examination and a separate jurisprudence exam covering Vermont Barber and Cosmetology Laws and Rules. The written exam is 90 minutes, multiple-choice format. Administered in partnership with Professional Credential Services (PCS).
VT Barber Practical Examination (NIC)
Hands-on practical exam offered in Montpelier. Candidates must bring their own mannequin and supply kit. Simulates a real-world barber experience.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 31/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Barber State Board Exam
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Barber Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Haircutting, shaving, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, scalp treatments, and facial treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Biannual license fee; endorsement applicants pay $110 application fee plus $160 for jurisprudence exam | $130 |
Exam Fee Exam fees are bundled with the license application fee | Included in application/license fee |
License Fee The $130 application fee is the combined initial license fee; the same $130 fee applies at renewal (biannual). No separate license issuance fee. | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Application/license fee ($130); exam fees included | $130 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Vermont has limited barber schools.
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.
License by endorsement: $110 application + $160 jurisprudence exam. Case-by-case; applicants lacking hours need 1,500+ hours professional experience over 1+ year.
Additional Requirements: Endorsement application fee of $110 plus $160 jurisprudence exam fee. Must pass the Vermont jurisprudence exam covering Vermont-specific laws and rules.
Vermont maintains separate barber and cosmetology licenses under the same Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Each license has its own scope of practice and training requirements.
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Initial License Term
2 years (expires September 30 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
Up to 2 years per OPR schedule
Renewal Fee
$130
Continuing Education
24 hours — 24 hours per 2-year renewal — highest CE requirement for barbers nationally.
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $130 (Verify current shop license fee with your state barber board.)
The Director shall issue a license to the person who owns or controls a shop of barbering who has paid the required fee and is in compliance with the rules and provisions of the chapter.
Vermont is notable for requiring 24 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, which is significantly higher than most states for barbers. The state also requires a separate jurisprudence exam in addition to the standard written exam, testing knowledge of Vermont-specific barber laws and rules. Vermont requires only 750 school hours (among the lower requirements nationally), but has very few barber schools, making the 1,125-hour apprenticeship pathway an important option for aspiring barbers.
TRAINING HOURS RECENTLY REDUCED: 750 hours per VT statute (eff. July 2025). Older sources cite 1,000 or 1,500.
CE REQUIRED: 24 hours per 2-year renewal — highest CE for barbers nationally.
Three exams: NIC theory + NIC practical + VT Jurisprudence.
Unique inmate license: limited barbering license for incarcerated individuals (10 hrs training).
Barbering scope includes esthetics in VT — broader than most states.
Reciprocity: case-by-case; 1,500+ hrs professional experience over 1+ year may substitute.
Barber Schools in Vermont
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (you) | — | — | |
| Massachusetts | $200 | 40–66 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | — | — | → |
| New York | $70 | 26–46 wks | → |
See how Vermont 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 Vermont 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.
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Other professional licenses in Vermont
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Vermont.
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Official Sources
Barber requirements in Vermont verified against Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — administered by the Office of Professional Regulation under the Secretary of State, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
PCS exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-26
Application/license fee structure
Accessed 2026-02-26
Moving to Vermont? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Transfer your Barber license from Vermont to: Massachusetts → | New Hampshire → | New York →