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Barber
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) - Cosmetology Program
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.
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$195
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of approved barber training program
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Licensed barber school
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,200 hours required
1,200 hours state-approved apprenticeship.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact DOL for current policy
Curriculum Includes
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Washington Barber Written Examination
Written examination administered by D.L. Roope Administrations Inc. You are eligible to take exams within 100 hours of completing the required training. Credit card processing fee of $8 per exam applies.
Washington Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on practical examination. Credit card processing fee of $8 per exam applies.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 26/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Barber State Board Exam
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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, and scalp treatments for compensation. Washington distinguishes between barber (no chemical services) and barber with chemical endorsement.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial barber license application fee | $35 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($60) + practical exam ($120), paid separately to D.L. Roope. Additional $8 credit card processing fee per exam. | $180 |
License Fee $25 + $5 processing | $30 |
Total Government Fees Written ($55) + practical ($110) + license ($30) | $195 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
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Reciprocity: $60 fee. Must have active license + passed approved exams in originating state. Students can take exams when within 100 hours of completing instruction.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity application fee is $60. Must submit completed application form and verification of out-of-state license.
Washington maintains separate license categories: cosmetologist, hair designer, barber, manicurist, and esthetician. Each has its own scope of practice and training requirements. The barber license focuses on haircutting and shaving without chemical services. The DOL's Cosmetology Program oversees all these license types.
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Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$66
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$131
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $121 (Salon/shop application or renewal fee is $121; late renewal is $181)
Barbershops/salons must be separately licensed through the DOL. Application and renewal fee is $121. Late renewal is $181. Shops must meet health and safety standards.
Washington's barber license has a narrower scope than many states, excluding chemical services like hair coloring. Students can start taking exams when within 100 hours of completing their training, allowing for earlier exam preparation. The state uses D.L. Roope Administrations as its exam vendor rather than PSI or Prometric, which is used by many other states. Washington's $35 initial application fee is among the lowest nationally.
Uses D.L. Roope as exam administrator (NIC exams).
Students can take exams when within 100 hours of completing required instruction.
Reciprocity: $60 fee; active license + approved exams required.
Highest-paying state for barbers — median $70,750/year.
Total fees: $195.
Barber Schools in Washington
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
See how Washington compares: Barber License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Washington
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Barber requirements in Washington verified against Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) - Cosmetology Program, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
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1,000 hours required
Accessed 2026-02-26
Training hour requirements confirmed
Accessed 2026-02-26
D.L. Roope exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-26
$35 barber application fee
Accessed 2026-02-26
Separate license categories defined in statute
Accessed 2026-02-26
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