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Virginia barber license — 1,100 training hours, exam details, fees ($299), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
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63% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 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
1,100 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$299
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (by last day of month of issuance)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
Not specified for barber (may vary by school)
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Must declare misdemeanors within 2 years and felonies within 20 years.
Total Training Hours
1,100 hours
Licensed Virginia barber school or registered apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
2,000 hours (18 months; minimum 144 hours instructional per year).
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact DPOR for current policy
Curriculum Includes
Virginia Barber Written Examination
Written examination covering barber theory, sanitation, and Virginia regulations.
Virginia Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation procedures.
Haircutting, shaving, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, and scalp treatments for compensation. Barbers in Virginia do not perform chemical services (coloring, perming) without a master barber license.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Increased from $90 eff. Sept 2024 | $105 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($99) + practical exam ($95), paid separately to exam vendor | $194 |
License Fee The $95 application fee covers the initial license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Written ($99) + practical ($95) + application ($105) | $299 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Title: Master Barber
Virginia accepts licensed barbers from other states by endorsement. Applicants must hold a valid license from another state with training hours meeting or exceeding Virginia's requirements.
Additional Requirements: Must submit endorsement application form, verification of out-of-state license, and applicable fees.
Virginia maintains separate barber, master barber, and cosmetology licenses under the same Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR). Each license has its own scope of practice. The standard barber license does not allow chemical services; those require a master barber license. The dual Barber/Master Barber 1,500-hour program allows both scopes.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (by last day of month of issuance)
Renewal Fee
$105
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $220 (Initial barbershop license application fee; reinstatement fee is $440)
Barbershops must be separately licensed through DPOR. The initial shop license application fee is $220. Shops must meet health, safety, and sanitation standards.
Virginia uniquely distinguishes between Barber (1,100 hours) and Master Barber (additional 400 hours), where the standard barber license does NOT permit chemical services like hair coloring or perming. This is unusual as most states allow all barbers to perform coloring. Virginia also offers a dual Barber/Master Barber 1,500-hour program. The Board is currently undergoing regulatory amendments with changes effective December 1, 2025, and new curriculum requirements being phased in through 2026.
MULTI-TIER: Barber (1,100 hrs, no chemicals) / Master Barber (1,500 hrs, chemical texture) / Dual (1,500 hrs, both).
Exam vendor changed to Prov in 2024 (was PCS/Ergometrics).
VA among first 10 states to enact Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
Updated curriculum requirements eff. Dec 1, 2025; schools must submit by March 1, 2026.
Criminal history: declare misdemeanors within 2 yrs, felonies within 20 yrs.
Endorsement: 80%+ of VA hours needed; if less, 5 yrs experience may substitute.
Total fees: $299.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#13 of 36
Salary
#14 of 36
Cost
#33 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$38,040
25th percentile
Median
$44,760
+15% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$72,680
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
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: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR) — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 43–71 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR) — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Biennial renewal
Accessed 2026-02-26
Endorsement application form
Accessed 2026-02-26
Shop licensing requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Separate barber and cosmetology licenses
Accessed 2026-02-26
Virginia requires 1,100 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.