Massachusetts licenses barbers through the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering, which operates under the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL). You need a Massachusetts barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of approved barber training plus a written theory exam administered through PSI Services. The state eliminated its practical exam in October 2023. The total cost including the exam and application fee is approximately $175. Most people complete the full process in 7 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Massachusetts Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Journeyman Barber (entry-level) or Master Barber (managerial) |
| Governing Agency | Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (under DOL) |
| Statutory Authority | MGL Chapter 112, Sections 87F–87S |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a Board-approved barber school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering |
| Minimum Age | Not specified by statute (schools typically require 16 or 17) |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade education or equivalent |
| Exam Required | Written theory exam only (PSI Services) — practical exam eliminated October 2023 |
| Exam Fee | $155 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $20 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $175 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $78 (Master Barber) |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Massachusetts eLicensing Portal |
| Board Website | mass.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barbering |
Recent Changes to Massachusetts Barber Licensing
Practical Exam Eliminated (October 2, 2023): Massachusetts eliminated the practical (hands-on) portion of the barber licensing exam effective October 2, 2023. Applicants now only need to pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services. This change reduces both the cost and scheduling burden for new applicants.
Board Merger: The former Board of Registration of Barbers was merged with the Board of Registration of Cosmetology to form the current Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. Both professions are now overseen by a single board under DOL, though barbering and cosmetology remain legally separate license types with distinct requirements and separate statutes.
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Massachusetts barber program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: Massachusetts statutes do not specify a minimum age for barber licensure, though most approved schools require applicants to be at least 16 or 17 years old
- Education: Completion of the 10th grade or equivalent education
Massachusetts does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. The Board evaluates criminal backgrounds on a case-by-case basis under the state’s CORI review process.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, both require 1,000 hours in Massachusetts. Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and beard grooming, while cosmetology includes hair, skin, and nail services. For a full comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours at a Board-Approved Barber School
You must complete 1,000 hours of barber training at a Board-approved school. Full-time programs typically take 7 to 12 months. The curriculum must cover:
- Hair cutting, clipper techniques, and tapering
- Shaving and facial hair grooming (including straight razor techniques)
- Hair coloring and chemical services
- Shampooing, scalp treatments, and conditioning
- Sanitation, sterilization, and infection control
- Anatomy, physiology, and dermatology
- Massachusetts laws and regulations
- Business management and professional ethics
No Apprenticeship: Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering. All training must be completed at an approved school program.
Crossover from Cosmetology: Licensed Massachusetts cosmetologists may receive credit for up to 500 hours of their 1,000-hour cosmetology training toward barber licensure. This means cosmetologists can add a barber license by completing approximately 500 additional hours of barber-specific training. This crossover pathway makes it significantly easier for cosmetologists to expand their scope of practice.
Massachusetts requires the same 1,000 hours for barbers as it does for cosmetologists. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
After completing your 1,000 hours, you must pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services. Massachusetts eliminated its practical exam effective October 2, 2023, so only the written portion is required.
How to register:
- Complete your training program and receive your school completion certificate
- Register for the exam through the PSI Exams website or by calling PSI
- Pay the $155 exam fee to PSI
- Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center
Written Exam Details:
- Computer-based multiple-choice format
- Covers barbering theory, sanitation, safety, anatomy, and Massachusetts laws and regulations
- A passing score of 75% is required
- Results are available immediately after completing the exam
Retake Policy: If you fail the exam, you may retake it by re-registering through PSI and paying the exam fee again.
Step 4: Apply for Your Massachusetts Barber License
After passing the written exam, apply for your barber license through the Massachusetts eLicensing portal. The application fee is $20.
You will need to provide:
- Proof of completing 1,000 hours at an approved barber school
- Passing exam score (PSI sends results to the Board automatically)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment of the $20 application fee
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. New barber applicants receive a Journeyman Barber license, which authorizes you to perform all barbering services in any licensed establishment.
Master Barber License: After gaining at least 2 years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Barber, you may apply for a Master Barber license. A Master Barber license is required to operate and manage a barbershop.
License Renewal
Massachusetts barber licenses expire every two years on December 31 of odd-numbered years. This is a fixed schedule, unlike cosmetology licenses which expire on your birthday.
To renew:
- Renew online through the Massachusetts eLicensing portal
- Pay the $78 renewal fee (Master Barber rate)
- No continuing education is required
Massachusetts does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee and update your information.
Late Renewal: If your license expires, you may still renew within a grace period by paying an additional late fee. If your license has lapsed for an extended period, you may need to retake the licensing exam or provide evidence of continued practice in another state.
Transferring Your Barber License to Massachusetts (Endorsement)
Massachusetts offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other states. The endorsement fee is $225.
To apply for endorsement:
- Submit your application through the eLicensing portal
- Request that your current state send official license verification directly to the Board
- Provide proof of your original training hours
- Pay the $225 endorsement fee
If you hold an active barber license in good standing from a state with substantially equivalent training requirements, you may qualify for endorsement without taking the Massachusetts exam. If your original state’s requirements do not fully meet Massachusetts standards, you may be required to take the written theory exam.
If you are considering a move between states, compare requirements with neighboring states like New York or Ohio.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Massachusetts provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Expedited Processing: The Board prioritizes license applications from active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses.
Military Spouse Provisions: Under Massachusetts law, military spouses who hold a valid barber license from another state and are relocated to Massachusetts due to military orders may receive expedited licensure by endorsement.
SCRA License Portability (2023): The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), amended in January 2023, allows servicemembers and their spouses to use professional licenses from their home state when relocated due to military orders. To qualify, you must provide a copy of your military orders and hold an active license in good standing from another state.
What Can You Do with a Massachusetts Barber License?
A Massachusetts barber license authorizes you to perform:
- All hair cutting, trimming, tapering, and clipper services
- Shaving and beard grooming, including straight razor shaves
- Shampooing, scalp treatments, and conditioning
- Hair coloring and chemical services
- Styling and finishing services
Barbers in Massachusetts must work in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own barbershop, you will need a separate shop license from the Board.
Barbering vs Cosmetology in Massachusetts: Although both require 1,000 hours, they are legally separate licenses. Barbering emphasizes hair cutting, shaving, and men’s grooming services, while cosmetology includes skin care and nail services. A cosmetology license does not authorize straight razor shaves. If you want the broadest scope, you may consider holding both licenses — the crossover pathway (500 hours credit) makes this more practical than in most states.
Massachusetts Barber Salary and Career Outlook
According to BLS data, barbers in Massachusetts earn a median annual salary of approximately $35,000 to $45,000. The Boston metro area and surrounding suburbs tend to offer higher wages. Tips typically add 20–25% to base compensation, and barbershop owners with established clienteles can earn considerably more. These figures do not include tips or self-employment income.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Massachusetts?
Most people complete the process in 7 to 12 months. A full-time 1,000-hour training program typically takes 7 to 10 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Massachusetts?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $175: $155 in exam fees paid to PSI and $20 application fee paid to the Board. Massachusetts has one of the lower application fees for barber licensure in the country.
Does Massachusetts still require a practical exam for barbers?
No. Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam for barbers effective October 2, 2023. You now only need to pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services with a score of 75% or higher.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Massachusetts?
Yes. Licensed Massachusetts cosmetologists receive credit for 500 of the 1,000 required barber training hours. You would need to complete approximately 500 additional hours of barber-specific training, pass the barber theory exam, and apply for your barber license.
Does Massachusetts require continuing education for barbers?
No. Massachusetts does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee by December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Massachusetts?
Yes, through endorsement. The endorsement fee is $225. Your original state must have substantially equivalent training requirements. If your state’s requirements do not meet Massachusetts standards, you may be required to take the written theory exam.
What is the difference between a Journeyman Barber and a Master Barber in Massachusetts?
A Journeyman Barber license is the entry-level license issued to new barbers. It authorizes you to perform all barbering services. A Master Barber license requires at least 2 years of experience as a Journeyman Barber and is needed to manage or operate a barbershop.
Does Massachusetts offer an apprenticeship for barbering?
No. Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering. All training must be completed at a Board-approved barber school.
Official Resources
Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
Division of Occupational Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Website: mass.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Apply for a License:
Massachusetts eLicensing Portal
Exam Registration (PSI):
PSI Exams
License Verification:
Massachusetts eLicensing Portal — License Lookup