Nebraska licenses barbers through the Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners (NBBE) — a separate, independent board from the DHHS agency that governs cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology. You need a Nebraska barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and related services for compensation.
Nebraska requires 1,800 hours of barber school training plus both written and practical exams administered directly by the board. Unlike cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech (which only require a written exam), barbers must still pass a practical demonstration. The combined exam and license fee is $200. No continuing education is required. Here is exactly how to get your Nebraska barber license.
Nebraska Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners (NBBE) |
| Statutory Authority | Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-201 to 71-248 (Barber Act) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 1,800 hours at an approved barber school |
| Exam Required | Written + Practical (administered by the Board) |
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
| Exam + License Fee | $200 combined |
| Total Initial Cost | $200 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires June 30 of even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $90 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | NBBE Applications Page |
| Board Website | barbers.nebraska.gov |
Recent Changes Affecting Nebraska Barber Licensing
LB 160 (2025): Significantly reformed the exam retake policy. Previously, failing the exam once required 500 additional hours of study. Now, you may retake up to 2 additional times without further study. Only after 3 total failures is 500 additional hours required. A new provision allows applicants who complete 250 hours to demonstrate proficiency and potentially waive remaining hours (board approval required).
Education & Training Requirements
You must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Complete 1,800 hours at an approved barber school or college. Training must be completed in no more than 10 hours per working day.
The curriculum covers shaving and trimming the beard, cutting hair, dressing/arranging/styling hair, curling/waving/straightening/relaxing hair by chemical or mechanical means, and giving face and scalp massages.
Crossover from cosmetology: Licensed cosmetologists receive 1,000 hours credit toward the 1,800-hour barber requirement (per Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-208.08), reducing barber training to approximately 800 additional hours. The reverse also applies — barbers receive 1,000 hours credit toward the 1,800-hour cosmetology requirement.
For comparisons of barber licensing, see our barber license guide and barber vs cosmetology comparison.
Exam Requirements
The NBBE administers both written and practical exams at scheduled dates and locations (exams are held at least 4 times per year). Both written and practical exams are required — this is a key difference from DHHS-regulated licenses, which require only a written exam.
Passing score: 75% on each portion.
Retake policy (per LB 160, 2025): If you fail only one portion, you retake only the failed part. You may retake up to 2 additional times without further study. After 3 total failures, you must complete 500 additional hours. The new 250-hour proficiency demonstration provision may waive remaining hours with board approval.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,800 hours of barber training
- Apply to the NBBE through barbers.nebraska.gov/apps.html
- Pay the $200 combined examination and license issuance fee
- Take the written and practical exams at a scheduled exam date
- Receive your license upon passing both exams
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination + License issuance (combined) | $200 |
| Biennial renewal | $90 |
| Reciprocity/credentials | $235 |
| Barber shop renewal | $100 |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Nebraska barber licenses expire biennially on June 30 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $90. No continuing education is required — unlike DHHS-regulated cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech licenses, which all require 8 hours of CE.
Late renewal is allowed within 60 days of expiration with a late fee. Inactive status is available for up to 5 years; after 5 consecutive years of non-renewal, you must re-examine.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Reciprocity fee is $235. You must hold a current, active license and provide certification from your home state’s board. The board may issue a license without examination if your state has substantially equivalent requirements. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-239.01, the board evaluates each application individually.
Military Provisions
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-211.01, service members whose licenses expire while serving in the armed forces may have licenses reinstated without further examination upon discharge. Reinstatement must be requested within 90 days after discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Nebraska?
Most people complete the process in 12 to 18 months. The 1,800-hour program takes 12 to 18 months full-time, with the board-administered exam adding a few additional weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Nebraska?
$200 total (combined exam and license fee). This is a single payment to the Board of Barber Examiners.
Why is barber licensing different from cosmetology in Nebraska?
Barbers are regulated by the independent Board of Barber Examiners under the Barber Act (Chapter 71), while cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech are under DHHS (Chapter 38). Barbers require both written and practical exams, have different renewal dates (June 30 vs. December 31), and have no CE requirement.
Does Nebraska require continuing education for barbers?
No. Nebraska barbers have no CE requirement, unlike the 8-hour requirement for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians under DHHS.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Nebraska?
Yes. Licensed cosmetologists receive 1,000 hours credit toward the 1,800-hour barber requirement, reducing additional training to approximately 800 hours.
Official Resources
- Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners (official website)
- License Applications
- Fee Schedule
- FAQs
- Reciprocity Application (PDF)
- Board Contact: (402) 471-2051 | barbers.board@nebraska.gov
- Address: 1220 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100, PO Box 94723, Lincoln, NE 68509-4723