Louisiana licenses barbers through the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners, a separate board from the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology. You need a Louisiana barber certificate to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in Louisiana.
Louisiana requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus NIC written and practical exams. Barbers must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma — higher requirements than for cosmetology (16 years old, 10th grade). Louisiana also offers a 4,000-hour apprenticeship pathway, one of the most extensive in the country. Here is exactly how to do it.
Louisiana Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a board-approved barber college (minimum 9 months) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — approximately 4,000 practical hours + 288 theory hours (about 2 years) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old (students may enroll at 16) |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical exams |
| Passing Score | 70% on both exams |
| Exam Fee (in-state) | $40 (may be waived for LA barber college graduates) |
| Exam Fee (out-of-state) | $80 |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (due by January 31) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | |
| Apply |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 18 years old to receive a barber certificate (students may enroll in barber school at 16)
- Education: High school diploma or GED (RS 37:361) — higher than cosmetology’s 10th-grade requirement
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, both require 1,500 hours in Louisiana. Barbering is governed by a separate board and has higher age and education requirements. For a comparison, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,500 Hours at a Board-Approved Barber College
You must complete 1,500 hours at a board-approved barber college, completed within 9 months with no more than 8 hours of instruction per day (RS 37:361). The curriculum covers shaving, hair cutting, styling, chemical services, and scalp treatments.
Apprenticeship Alternative: Louisiana offers one of the most extensive apprenticeship pathways nationally — approximately 4,000 practical hours of on-the-job training plus 288 theory hours, taking about 2 years. You must train under the direct supervision of a licensed barber in a licensed barbershop.
Cosmetology Crossover: A person holding a current Louisiana cosmetology certificate can qualify for a barber certificate (RS 37:354).
Step 3: Pass the NIC Exams
Exams are offered approximately 4 times per year by the Board of Barber Examiners.
Written Exam: Multiple-choice, 1 hour. Passing score: 70%.
Practical Exam: 3 hours. You must bring 3 models (2 male, 1 female). Passing score: 70%.
Exam Fees: $40 for in-state graduates (may be waived for students who hold a student certificate), $80 for out-of-state/country applicants.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate
After passing both exams and meeting all requirements, the Board issues your barber certificate.
License Renewal
Louisiana barber certificates renew annually, due by January 31 (calendar-based, not birthday-based like cosmetology). Renewal fee: $50.
Late Penalties (per RS 37:375):
- After January 31 but before March 31: $60 total ($50 renewal + $10 penalty)
- On or after March 31: $110 total ($50 renewal + $60 penalty)
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Louisiana
Under RS 37:369, out-of-state barbers may obtain Louisiana licensure if their state has equivalent requirements AND has reciprocal provisions for Louisiana certificate holders. If reciprocity qualifies, licensure is granted without further examination. If not, you must pass written and practical exams ($80) and meet other qualifications.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Under RS 37:3651 and RS 37:3652: temporary practice permits for military spouses, licensure by endorsement for military members and dependents assigned to Louisiana, and renewal fee waivers during active duty deployment outside the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Louisiana?
The school pathway takes approximately 9 to 12 months (1,500 hours). The apprenticeship pathway takes about 2 years (4,000 practical hours + 288 theory hours). Exam scheduling adds additional time since exams are offered approximately 4 times per year.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Louisiana?
In-state graduates pay approximately $40 for exams (may be waived) plus the certificate fee. Out-of-state applicants pay $80 for exams.
Does Louisiana require continuing education for barbers?
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Louisiana?
Yes. Under RS 37:354, a person holding a current Louisiana cosmetology certificate can qualify for a barber certificate.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
- Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners (DOA portal)
- Barber Fee Schedule (RS 37:375)
- Barber Qualifications (RS 37:354)
- Board Contact: (225) 925-1701
- Board Address: 4626 Jamestown Ave., Suite 1, Baton Rouge, LA 70808