Arkansas licenses barbers through the Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners, which operates under the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing. This is a separate board from the Cosmetology Section that licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians. You need an Arkansas barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Arkansas requires 1,500 hours of approved barber training plus written and practical exams. The total cost including exam and license fees is approximately $125. Most people complete the full process in 9 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Arkansas Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners (Dept. of Labor and Licensing) |
| Minimum Age | 16 and a half years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 8th grade education or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a Board-approved barber school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No |
| Exam Required | Written + practical exam (administered by the Board) |
| Passing Score | 75% on all subjects |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| License Fee | $34 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $84-$125 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires September 1) |
| Renewal Fee | $34 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Board of Barber Examiners |
| Board Website | labor.arkansas.gov |
Education and Training Requirements
You must complete 1,500 clock hours of instruction at a barber school approved by the Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners. Training is limited to a maximum of 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, and programs must span a minimum of 9 months.
The curriculum covers:
- Scientific fundamentals and physiology
- Hygiene and sanitation
- Chemistry
- Massage techniques
- Hair cutting and clipper techniques
- Shaving and facial hair grooming
- Hair coloring and chemical services
- Styling and finishing
Crossover from Cosmetology: If you already hold an Arkansas cosmetologist license, you may qualify for a reduced 550-hour barber program instead of the full 1,500 hours.
Arkansas does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbers. All training must be completed at an approved barber school. If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your 1,500 hours of training, you must pass both a written and practical exam. The Board administers its own examinations at monthly meetings held in Little Rock (or other locations if warranted by sufficient applicants).
Application deadline: You must apply at least 10 working days before the examination date. Applications must include proof of qualifications, payment of the exam fee, and two signed passport photographs.
Written and Oral Exam
The written and oral test covers subjects taught in Board-approved barbering schools, including scientific fundamentals, hygiene, sanitation, and Arkansas barber law. You must score at least 75% to pass.
Practical Exam
The practical demonstration tests your hands-on barbering skills including hair cutting, shaving, and other services. You must score at least 75% to pass.
Retake Policy
If you fail either exam, you may retake it at the next Board meeting by submitting a new application and paying the exam fee again. Students receive credit for all school hours completed.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved barber school.
- Have your school certify your hours to the Board.
- Submit your application with two passport photographs at least 10 working days before the exam date.
- Pay the exam fee ($50).
- Pass both the written and practical exams.
- Pay the $34 license issuance fee.
- Receive your Arkansas barber license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $50 | Per Arkansas Code 17-18-208 |
| License Issuance | $34 | Per Arkansas Code 17-18-208 |
| Total Initial Cost | $84 | |
| Annual Renewal | $34 | Due by September 1 |
| Restoration (expired <60 days) | $42 | |
| Restoration (expired >3 years) | Must retake exam | |
| Reciprocity | $150 | Includes license until next renewal |
| Duplicate Certificate | $5 |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Arkansas barber licenses expire annually on September 1. You may renew between July 1 and September 1 each year. A $25 penalty applies for renewal after September 1.
To renew:
- Renew online at the Board’s online renewal portal.
- Pay the $34 annual renewal fee.
Arkansas does not require continuing education for barber license renewal.
Restoration: If your license has expired for less than 60 days, you must pay a $42 restoration fee. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must retake and pass the barber examination before your license can be restored.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Arkansas offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states. To qualify, you must:
- Have at least 1,500 hours of barber training
- Hold an unrevoked or unexpired barber license from another state
- Submit proof of good moral character
- Pay the $150 reciprocity fee (includes license until the next renewal period)
If you have fewer than 1,500 training hours: You must also have been continuously engaged in the practice of barbering for at least one year, in addition to providing proof of licensure in your original state.
For more details on barber licensing in other states, see our guides for Texas and Florida.
Military Provisions
The Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners provides accommodations for military-connected applicants:
- Military spouse expedited licensing: The Board will expedite out-of-state barber license transfers for spouses of active duty military personnel moving to Arkansas, provided the license is current.
- Renewal exemption: The Board exempts the spouse of an Armed Forces member from licensure renewal provisions during their absence from the state due to military duties.
- Military spouse licensure: The Board may issue a professional license to the spouse of an active duty Armed Forces member who applies in the format prescribed by the Board.
The 2023 SCRA amendment provides additional portability protections for military spouses with professional licenses practicing in their new state of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Arkansas?
Most people complete the process in 9 to 14 months. A full-time 1,500-hour barber program must span at least 9 months per Arkansas law. After completing training, you must wait for the next Board meeting to take your exams, which may add several weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Arkansas?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $84 to $125: $50 to $75 for the exam fee and $34 for the license issuance fee. Tuition at Arkansas barber schools varies by program.
Does Arkansas require continuing education for barbers?
No. Arkansas does not require any continuing education hours for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $34 annual renewal fee by September 1.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Arkansas?
Yes, through reciprocity. You must have at least 1,500 hours of training and a current, unrevoked license from another state. The reciprocity fee is $150 and includes your license until the next renewal period. If you have fewer than 1,500 hours, you must also have at least one year of continuous barbering practice.
What is the difference between a barber and cosmetology license in Arkansas?
Both require 1,500 hours, but they are governed by different boards. The barber license is under the Board of Barber Examiners (Department of Labor and Licensing), while the cosmetology license is under the ADH Cosmetology Section. Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and facial hair grooming. Cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nail services. Licensed cosmetologists can complete a reduced 550-hour barber crossover program.
Can I become a barber if I already have a cosmetology license?
Yes. If you hold an Arkansas cosmetologist license, you can complete a 550-hour barber crossover program instead of the full 1,500-hour curriculum. You must still pass the barber board exams.
Official Resources
- Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners (official website)
- Online License Renewal
- Reciprocity Information
- Testing Information
- Military, Veterans, and Spouses
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Board Address: Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, State Board of Barber Examiners, Little Rock, AR