New Jersey licenses barbers through the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs. New Jersey merged its barber and cosmetology boards in 1984, so both professions are governed by a single board. You need a New Jersey barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in New Jersey.
New Jersey requires 900 hours of approved training plus written and practical exams administered through Prometric. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $183 to $232. Most people complete the full process in 8 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Changes to New Jersey Barber Licensing
P.L. 2025, c.018 (A3414 — signed February 3, 2025): Creates a new “shampoo technician” certification requiring a 60-hour program or 60 hours of on-the-job training. Also expands student permit eligibility. While this primarily affects cosmetology, it reflects the Board’s broader regulatory updates.
A3891 / S2808 (proposed — not yet enacted): This bill would create a new “general barber” license level requiring no more than 550 hours of instruction, establish a 2-year barber apprenticeship program, and eliminate the practical exam requirement. The bill passed the Assembly in 2024 and was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee. Companion bills (S2808/A4299) were reintroduced in the 2026 session. As of February 2026, this has not been enacted.
New Jersey Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 900 hours at a Board-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No (pending legislation would create this pathway) |
| State Board Exam | Written (115 questions, 2 hours) + Practical exam, via Prometric |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Board Examination/Application Fee | $50 |
| Initial License Fee | $90 (Year 1 of cycle) or $45 (Year 2) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$183–$232 (depending on cycle year; excluding fingerprinting) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years, even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $90 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | NJ Board Applications Page |
| Board Website | njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos |
Education & Training Requirements
New Jersey requires completion of 900 hours of barbering instruction at a Board-approved school (N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29B). Full-time programs typically take 6 to 9 months to complete. Part-time schedules may extend the timeline to 12 to 18 months.
Curriculum breakdown (per N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29B):
- 243 hours theory and 657 hours practical, including:
- Men’s hair cutting and styling (225 hours)
- Chemistry and chemical-related services (210 hours)
- Shaving (125 hours)
- Hair color and lightening (110 hours)
- Women’s hair cutting and styling (70 hours)
- Men’s hairpiece services (55 hours)
- Decontamination and infection control (20 hours)
- Shampooing and temporary rinses (20 hours)
- Beard and mustache trimming (15 hours)
- Facials and facial massage (15 hours)
- New Jersey laws and rules (10 hours)
No apprenticeship pathway: New Jersey does not currently offer an apprenticeship for barbering. Pending legislation (A3891/S2808) would create a 2-year apprenticeship program if enacted.
Crossover from cosmetology: A barber who holds a New Jersey barbering license issued after 1985 can obtain a cosmetology and hairstyling license by completing a 300-hour bridging course (N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.28A) rather than the full 1,200-hour program.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide. New Jersey’s 900-hour barber requirement is moderate nationally. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Exam Requirements
New Jersey requires both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam, administered through Prometric.
| Exam | Details | Time Limit | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 115 questions (105 scored + 10 experimental) | 2 hours | 75% |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration assessed by examiners | Varies | 75% |
Written exam content: Infection control, tools and equipment, hair and scalp analysis, client consultation, haircutting and styling, shaving services, chemical services with basic chemistry, and New Jersey state laws and rules. Available in English and Spanish.
How to register: Your school electronically submits your eligibility to Prometric. Register through ISO Quality Testing or call 1-866-773-1114. You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical exam.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 900 hours of barbering instruction at a Board-approved school
- School submits your eligibility electronically to Prometric
- Submit your exam application to the Board with the $50 examination/application fee
- Complete fingerprinting for criminal background check (~$43)
- Register for and pass the written exam (75% minimum) through Prometric
- Register for and pass the practical exam (75% minimum)
- Pay the initial license fee ($90 in Year 1 of cycle or $45 in Year 2)
- Receive your license from the Board
New Jersey Barber License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Examination/Application Fee | $50 | Board |
| Initial License (Year 1 of cycle) | $90 | Board |
| Total Initial Cost (Board fees) | $140 | |
| Criminal Background Check | ~$43 | IdentoGO |
| Biennial Renewal | $90 | Board |
| Late Renewal Fee | $30 | Board |
| Endorsement (out-of-state transfer) | $100 + license fee | Board |
| Reinstatement | $50 | Board |
| Duplicate License | $50 | Board |
| Shop License (initial) | $150 (application) + $200 (license) | Board |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
New Jersey barber licenses renew biennially (every 2 years), on even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $90. The Board sends renewal notices at least 60 days before expiration. A late fee of $30 applies for renewals within 30 days after expiration.
New Jersey does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply submit the renewal application and fee.
Reinstatement: If your license has been suspended for more than 5 years, you must retake and pass the Board examinations. The reinstatement fee is $50 plus delinquent renewal fees.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state barbers under N.J.S.A. 45:5B-28:
Standard endorsement:
- Hold a current, valid barber license in another state or country
- Your jurisdiction must have eligibility criteria “substantially similar” to New Jersey’s
- May be licensed without examination
- Pay endorsement fee ($100) plus license fee ($90 or $45)
- Provide certification of licensure from the other jurisdiction
Three-year experience alternative:
- If your state has less stringent requirements, you may qualify without examination with 3+ years of practical experience in a licensed shop
Temporary pilot program (N.J.S.A. 45:5B-28): New Jersey established a three-year pilot program allowing barbers from other states or countries to practice upon first arrival while awaiting license issuance.
Barbers from states with similar requirements like Illinois (1,500 hours) or Michigan (1,800 hours) will likely meet the endorsement standard, since New Jersey’s 900-hour requirement is lower.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
New Jersey provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
- Veterans: The Board gives credit toward licensing requirements for training, education, and experience received while serving in the Armed Forces (N.J.S.A. 45:1-15.3). Applicants must submit DD Form 2586 (VMET Document).
- Military spouses: Under N.J.S.A. 45:1-15.5, the Board issues a temporary courtesy license to nonresident military spouses transferred to New Jersey on permanent change-of-station orders. Fees are limited to the cost of a criminal history record check.
What Can You Do with a New Jersey Barber License?
Per P.L. 2018, c.126, a New Jersey barber license authorizes the following services performed primarily for male customers and for cosmetic purposes:
- Shaving or trimming of the beard, mustache, or other facial hair
- Shampooing, cutting, arranging, relaxing, or styling of the hair
- Singeing, dyeing, tinting, coloring, or bleaching of the hair
- Applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams to the hair, scalp, face, or neck
- Massaging, cleansing, or stimulating the face, neck, or scalp
- Cutting, fitting, coloring, or styling hairpieces or wigs (while worn)
Services NOT authorized by a barber license:
- Permanent waving or curling
- Hair removal using depilatories, waxing, or tweezers
- Manicuring or nail services
- Makeup application
- Services on the upper chest, upper back, arms, legs, or abdomen
Barber vs Cosmetologist in NJ: Barbers require 900 hours and focus on hair cutting, shaving, and men’s grooming. Cosmetologist-hairstylists require 1,200 hours and can additionally perform permanent waving, waxing, makeup, and nail services. A 300-hour bridging course allows barbers to upgrade to a cosmetologist-hairstylist license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in New Jersey?
Most people complete the process in 8 to 12 months. Full-time barber programs (900 hours) typically take 6 to 9 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in New Jersey?
Board fees total approximately $140 in Year 1 of the biennial cycle: $50 examination/application fee and $90 initial license fee. Criminal background check adds approximately $43. If applying in Year 2 of the cycle, the license fee drops to $45.
Does New Jersey require continuing education to renew a barber license?
No. New Jersey does not require any continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $90 biennial renewal fee.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to New Jersey?
Yes, through endorsement. If your state has substantially similar requirements, you may be licensed without examination. The endorsement fee is $100 plus the license fee. If your state has less stringent requirements, 3 or more years of work experience may qualify you.
Is there a barber apprenticeship in New Jersey?
Not currently. Legislation (A3891/S2808) has been proposed to create a 2-year barber apprenticeship program and a “general barber” license requiring no more than 550 hours, but this has not been enacted as of February 2026.
Can a barber upgrade to a cosmetology license in New Jersey?
Yes. Barbers who hold a New Jersey barbering license issued after 1985 can complete a 300-hour bridging course to qualify for a cosmetologist-hairstylist license, rather than completing the full 1,200-hour program.
Are barbers and cosmetologists regulated by the same board in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey merged its barber and cosmetology boards in 1984. Both are now governed by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling under the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Official Resources
- New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (official website)
- License Applications Page
- Endorsement Application (PDF)
- Fee Schedule (N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1)
- Barber Curriculum (N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29B)
- Prometric / ISO Quality Testing (exam registration)
- License Verification
- Board Contact: (973) 504-6400 | CosmetologyBoard@dca.njoag.gov
- Board Address: 124 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102