Tennessee licenses barbers through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, which operates under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). You need a Tennessee master barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus written theory and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is $200. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 16 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Tennessee Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Master Barber |
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (under TDCI) |
| Statutory Authority | TCA Title 62, Chapter 3 (Barbers) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a registered barber school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 750 classroom hours + remaining hours under mentor |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion or equivalent |
| Exam Required | Written theory + practical exams (PSI Services, National Exam content) |
| Passing Score | 70% on both exams |
| Exam Fees | $70 theory + $70 practical = $140 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $60 |
| Total Initial Cost | $200 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (biennial anniversary of issuance) | $60 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Tennessee CORE Licensing Portal |
| Board Website | tn.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners |
Recent Changes to Tennessee Barber Licensing
Davidson County Court Order (August 5, 2020, still in effect): The Board is enjoined from enforcing the requirement that master barber applicants obtain a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET equivalence. Only the 10th-grade education requirement remains enforceable.
Domestic Violence Training Requirement (Effective January 1, 2022): All barber applicants must complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training from an approved nonprofit before applying for their initial license.
License Reinstatement Reform (2024): SB 1247/HB 1291 gave the Board more discretion to reinstate lapsed licenses. Practitioners with 20+ years of experience whose licenses expired 3–8 years ago may qualify for reinstatement without re-examination.
Shop Equipment Waiver Rules (Effective January 14, 2024): Shops providing specialized or limited services may now request waivers for equipment not needed for their specific services (does not apply to sanitation or safety equipment).
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Tennessee barber program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Education: Completed at least two years of high school (10th grade) or equivalent
- Domestic Violence Training: Complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training (typically completed during school or online)
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, both require 1,500 hours in Tennessee. Barbering emphasizes straight razor shaving and men’s grooming, while cosmetology includes skin care and nail services. For a full comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,500 Hours at a Registered Barber School
You must complete 1,500 hours of instruction at a registered barber school or college. Training cannot exceed 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. No student may render clinical services on patrons until they have completed at least 100 hours of instruction. The curriculum includes:
- Scientific fundamentals of barbering, hygiene, and bacteriology
- Histology of hair, skin, muscles, and nerves
- Structure of the head, face, and neck
- Elementary chemistry relating to sterilization and antiseptics
- Diseases of the skin, hair, and glands
- Massaging and manipulating of muscles
- All practices of barbering as defined in TCA 62-3-105
Apprenticeship Pathway: Tennessee offers an apprenticeship option. Complete 750 classroom hours first, pass the theory exam, then complete the remaining hours under a pre-approved mentor who has held an active license for at least 10 years. Schools may develop curricula allowing 50% classroom instruction and 50% supervised training.
Crossover from Cosmetology: Licensed Tennessee cosmetologists may complete just 300 hours of additional barber training (focusing on straight razor techniques and barbering fundamentals) to qualify for a master barber license, instead of the full 1,500 hours. A specific “Licensed Applicant Request for Crossover Testing” form is available on the Board’s Forms page.
Barber Technician (Limited License): Tennessee also offers a barber technician license requiring only 340 hours of continuous instruction. Technicians have a limited scope that includes tinting/dyeing hair, shampooing, manicuring, and applying cosmetic preparations, but does not include cutting, shaving, or chemical services.
At 1,500 hours, Tennessee’s master barber requirement is above the national average. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your training, you must pass both a written theory exam and a practical exam administered by PSI Services. As of February 1, 2022, Tennessee uses National Barber Exam content.
How to register: Your barber school submits your eligibility to PSI electronically. PSI sends you an approval postcard with payment and scheduling instructions. Schedule through PSI Exams or call 855-340-3710.
Written Theory Exam:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 90-minute time limit
- Content areas: scientific concepts (35%), implements and equipment (10%), hair care services (40%), and facial hair shaving/treatments (15%)
- Available via remote proctoring or in-person
- A passing score of 70% is required
Practical Exam:
- Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills
- Available as virtual practical or in-person at PSI centers
- A passing score of 70% is required
Exam Fees: $70 theory + $70 practical = $140 total. Fees expire if unused within 6 months. A $15 rescheduling fee applies with less than 10 business days’ notice. Results available same day.
Step 4: Apply for Your Tennessee Master Barber License
After passing both exams, apply through the Tennessee CORE licensing portal. The application fee is $60.
You may NOT practice until you receive your license or confirm active status at verify.tn.gov. Processing typically takes 3–4 weeks.
License Renewal
Tennessee master barber licenses expire every two years on the biennial anniversary of the original issuance date. The Board sends renewal notices approximately one month before expiration.
To renew:
- Renew online through the CORE licensing portal
- Pay the $60 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Tennessee does not require continuing education for master barber license renewal.
Lapsed License Reinstatement:
- Expired less than 3 years: Pay twice the renewal fees that would have been due for timely renewal
- Expired 3+ years: Must submit a new application, pay exam fees, and pass the practical examination
- 20+ year practitioners (expired 3–8 years): May qualify for reinstatement with waived re-examination under 2024 reform (SB 1247)
Transferring Your Barber License to Tennessee (Reciprocity)
Tennessee grants reciprocity without examination to master barbers who hold a valid license from another state and have substantially met Tennessee’s qualifications. A military occupational skill (MOS) rating in barbering for 2+ years also qualifies.
Reciprocity Requirements:
- Hold a valid, active barber license in good standing from another state
- Submit a License Certification History from every state where you have been licensed
- Provide valid photo ID matching your license name
- Pay the $100 reciprocity fee
If your training hours are lower: Submit notarized proof of 5 continuous years of licensed barber work experience (employer statements, tax records, shop licenses, self-employment documentation).
Practical exam requirement: If your previous state did not require a practical exam, you must pass Tennessee’s practical exam.
Processing time: Allow 3–4 weeks after all required documents are submitted.
Compare requirements with nearby states like Georgia (1,500 hours) or North Carolina (1,528 hours).
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Tennessee provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Military License Exemption: Active members of the U.S. armed forces, reserves, or Tennessee National Guard stationed in Tennessee — and their spouses — may practice without obtaining a Tennessee license if they hold a valid license from another state with reasonably similar standards. Register through the CORE portal by selecting “Armed Forces Registration for License Exemption.”
Military MOS Pathway: Persons who held a military occupational skill (MOS) rating requiring barbering duties for 2+ years may qualify for master barber certification. A specific application form (“Application for Master Barber With Military Experience”) is available on the Board’s Forms page.
Expedited Licensing: If out-of-state credentials meet substantial equivalency, the Board may issue an immediate license. If not, a temporary permit may be issued while completing additional requirements.
Renewal Protection: Active-duty personnel whose licenses expire during activation may renew without late fees or penalties, extending 6 months from release from active duty.
Contact: reg.boards@tn.gov or (615) 741-3449.
What Can You Do with a Tennessee Master Barber License?
A Tennessee master barber license authorizes you to perform:
- All hair cutting, trimming, tapering, and styling services
- Shaving and beard grooming, including straight razor shaves
- Facial and scalp massages and treatments
- Hair coloring, bleaching, straightening, and chemical services
- Shampooing and hair tonic application
- Manicuring and nail care
- Wig and hairpiece fitting, cutting, and measuring
- Hair weaving (excluding medical/surgical procedures)
Services may only be performed in a registered barber shop, barber styling shop, barber school, licensed funeral establishment, registered mobile shop, nursing home or hospital, or the residence of the person receiving services (with a Residential Barber Certificate per TCA 62-3-135).
Barber vs Cosmetologist in Tennessee: Both require 1,500 hours. The key distinction is that barbers may use a straight razor, while cosmetologists may only use a safety razor. Cosmetologists have broader scope in pedicuring and certain chemical services. Both may cut, style, and color hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Tennessee?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 16 months. Full-time master barber programs (1,500 hours) typically take 10 to 14 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 3 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Tennessee?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is $200: $140 in exam fees paid to PSI ($70 theory + $70 practical) and $60 application fee paid to the Board.
Does Tennessee require continuing education for barbers?
No. Tennessee does not require continuing education for master barber license renewal. You simply pay the $60 biennial renewal fee. The one-time domestic violence awareness training (1 hour, free) is the only additional requirement.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Tennessee?
Yes. Licensed Tennessee cosmetologists may complete 300 hours of additional barber training (focusing on straight razor techniques) to qualify for a master barber license, instead of the full 1,500 hours.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Tennessee?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). You must hold a valid license and have substantially met Tennessee’s 1,500-hour requirement. If your state had fewer hours, 5 years of continuous practice can substitute. If your state did not require a practical exam, you must pass Tennessee’s practical. Allow 3–4 weeks for processing.
What is a barber technician license in Tennessee?
A barber technician license requires only 340 hours of training and has a limited scope: tinting/dyeing hair, shampooing, manicuring, and applying cosmetic preparations. Technicians cannot cut hair, shave, or perform chemical services. It is a separate, more limited license than the master barber license.
Does Tennessee offer an apprenticeship for barbering?
Yes. Complete 750 classroom hours first, pass the theory exam, then apprentice under a licensed professional with at least 10 years of experience for the remaining hours. You must enroll as an apprentice student from the start.
Does Tennessee have a high school diploma requirement for barbers?
No. A Davidson County Chancery Court order issued August 5, 2020 enjoined the Board from enforcing the high school diploma/GED/HiSET requirement. Only 10th-grade completion (or equivalent) is currently required.
Official Resources
- Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (official website)
- Online License Application (CORE Portal)
- PSI Exams (exam registration)
- License Verification
- Reciprocity Information
- Forms and Downloads
- Military License Exemption
- Board Phone: (615) 741-2515 | Toll-Free: (800) 480-9285
- Email: Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov
- Address: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-0565