Barber or cosmetologist: a state-approved program (900 to 1,200 hours in the four states shown), the state exam, a state license
All states require barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed. Candidates typically graduate from a state-approved barber or cosmetology program and pass a state exam (written, and in many states practical). Required hours, minimum age and exams differ by state.
For: Creative, people-friendly workers who like hands-on styling and can stand for long shifts.
Route 1: State-approved school → state exam → license Every state
Admission varies by state; some programs require a high school diploma. In many states cosmetology training counts toward a barber license or the reverse.
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Start here
High school (diploma or the state's minimum grade)
BLS
Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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900 to 1,200 hours
State-approved barber or cosmetology program
A mix of classroom studies and hands-on training, leading to a certificate or other postsecondary nondegree award; some states require health and safety training.
Hours by stateBLS
Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
State licensing exam
A written test and, in some states, a practical or oral exam.
BLS
Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
State barber or cosmetology license
A fee is usually required; renewals may need continuing education.
Cosmetology licenseBLS
Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Registered Apprenticeship (where the state accepts it) Earn while you learn
DOL lists Barber and Cosmetologist (Hair Stylist) as apprenticeable; California law, for example, accepts a board-approved barbering apprenticeship in place of school.
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Start here
Meet the state's age and schooling minimum
BBC
License Requirements (Business and Professions Code ss. 7321, 7321.5, 7362.5)California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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2,000 hours
Barber (RAPIDS 0030) or Cosmetologist (RAPIDS 0096)
Time-based minimum term: 2,000 hours each.
USDOL
Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.
View source -
Exam gate
State licensing exam
BLS
Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Licensed barber or cosmetologist
BLS
Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.