State cosmetology or barber license
Granted by state barbering and cosmetology boards, not by a national exam alone. A state-approved barber or cosmetology program, leading to a certificate or other postsecondary nondegree award (hours set by each state).
How to get licensed
A state-approved barber or cosmetology program, leading to a certificate or other postsecondary nondegree award (hours set by each state).
- Meet the state's minimum age and schooling (for example 17 and 10th grade in California, 16 in Florida)Exam
- Finish a state-approved barber or cosmetology program (900 to 1,200 hours in the four states shown)
- Pass the state written exam (and a practical exam in states such as Texas and New York)Exam
- Pay the license fee; renew on time, with continuing education where requiredLicense
The exams
National bodies write the exams; the state board decides who is licensed. None: each state sets its own hours and exams; California and Texas give exams through the testing company PSI.
- State licensing examA written test and, in some states, a practical test of styling skills or an oral exam (BLS). California gives only a written exam: 100 scored questions in 120 minutes for cosmetologists, 85 for barbers.
BBC
Applicants: About the License ExaminationCalifornia Board of Barbering and Cosmetology- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules and other states
All states require barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed, and qualifications vary by state. In many states cosmetology training may be credited toward a barbering license or the reverse, and a few states combine the two licenses (BLS).
What 5 state boards publish
| State | What the board asks for | Exam | Fee | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) | Cosmetology Operator and Class A Barber: each a 1,000-hour course at a licensed school. The written exam opens after 900 hours, then a practical exam. At least 17; $50 application fee; licenses last two years. TDLRApply for a Cosmetology Operator LicenseTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation
TDLRApply for a Class A Barber LicenseTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation
| |||
| California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) | Cosmetologist or barber: at least 17, 10th grade completed, and a 1,000-hour course at a board-approved school (barbers may instead finish a board-approved apprenticeship). Written exam only (cosmetologist 100 scored questions, barber 85, 120 minutes each). BBCLicense Requirements (Business and Professions Code ss. 7321, 7321.5, 7362.5)California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
BBCApplicants: About the License ExaminationCalifornia Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
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| New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services | Cosmetology: at least 17, a 1,000-hour approved course, a health certification by a physician, PA or nurse practitioner, and both the written (2 hours 30 minutes) and practical exams. Fees: $40 application, $15 per exam. NY DOSBecome a CosmetologistNew York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
dos.ny.gov returns 403 to our browser; read through the Internet Archive copy of 12 July 2026. View source | |||
| Florida Board of Cosmetology; Barbers' Board (DBPR) | Cosmetologist: at least 16 or a high school diploma and 1,200 hours (exam allowed after 1,000). Barber: at least 16 and 900 hours (exam allowed after 600). Fla. Stat.Florida Statutes s. 477.019 (Cosmetologists; qualifications; licensure)The Florida Legislature
Fla. Stat.Florida Statutes s. 476.114 (Barbering: examination; prerequisites)The Florida Legislature
| |||
| Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology (Department of State) | 10th grade or equivalent and at least 1,250 hours in a licensed cosmetology school (over at least 8 months as a day student), or an apprenticeship route of up to 2,000 hours. PA DOSCosmetologist Licensure Requirements SnapshotPennsylvania Department of State, State Board of Cosmetology
| State theory and practical (procedural) exams | Initial $119 ($26 application, $93 to the testing organization) | $97 every 2 years; no continuing education |
Each row is copied from that board's own page and cites it. A dash means the board page we read did not state it. Other states have their own rules: check the board where you will work, or open the state pages.
Good to know
Changes to watch
- Hours change by law: California's course minimum is 1,000 hours for barbering or cosmetology (Business and Professions Code s. 7362.5), and Florida lets schools certify students for the exam before the full hours (after 1,000 cosmetology or 600 barbering hours).