Texas licenses barbers through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You need a Texas Class A Barber license to legally perform barbering services including hair cutting, styling, coloring, shaving with a straight razor, beard services, and chemical treatments for compensation anywhere in the state.
Texas requires 1,000 hours of approved training at a TDLR-licensed barber school and passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The total application and exam fees are approximately $181. Most people complete the full process in 6 to 10 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Texas Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Class A Barber |
| Governing Agency | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | None specified by TDLR (schools may have requirements) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a TDLR-licensed barber school |
| State Board Exam | Written Exam (75 questions, 70% to pass) + Practical Exam (hands-on, 70% to pass) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Testing Services |
| Written Exam Fee | $55 (paid to PSI) |
| Practical Exam Fee | $77 (paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $50 (non-refundable, paid to TDLR) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $182 (plus school tuition) |
| License Term | 2 years from date of issue |
| Renewal Fee | $66 |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours per renewal cycle (effective September 1, 2025) |
| Apply Online | TDLR.Texas.gov |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Texas Class A Barber license, you must be at least 17 years old. As of September 1, 2023, the minimum age was changed from 16 to 17 years old. TDLR does not require a high school diploma or GED for barber licensure, though individual schools may have their own educational requirements for enrollment. There is no citizenship or residency requirement, though you will need a Social Security Number to complete the application.
Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours at a TDLR-Licensed Barber School
You must complete 1,000 clock hours of instruction at a barber school licensed by TDLR. Students enrolled in a TDLR-licensed school will be issued a student permit while in training, which allows them to perform barbering services under supervision as part of their education.
The curriculum covers hair cutting and styling techniques, shaving with a straight razor, beard and mustache services, shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring and bleaching, permanent waving and chemical relaxing, sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology, and Texas laws and rules.
Most full-time programs take 6 to 9 months to complete. Part-time schedules may take 10 to 14 months. Tuition ranges widely, typically from $8,000 to $18,000 depending on the school and location.
Important: Texas does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barber licensing. You must complete your training at a TDLR-licensed school. Apprenticeship training from other states is also not accepted for licensure by equivalence in Texas.
Alternative pathway for licensed cosmetologists: If you already hold a current, active Cosmetology Operator license in Texas, you can obtain a Class A Barber license by completing only 300 hours of additional barber training (instead of 1,000 hours) and passing both exams.
Early testing option: Texas allows students to take the written examination after completing 900 of the required 1,000 hours. Your school will notify TDLR of your eligibility. However, you must complete all 1,000 hours AND pass the written exam before you can take the practical exam.
Step 3: Apply for Your License
Once you have completed your training, you can apply for your Class A Barber license. You can apply online through the TDLR website or by mail using the paper application form.
The application fee is $50 (non-refundable). Online applications are processed faster and sent directly to the Licensing Division. You will need to provide your Social Security Number, proof of training completion from your school, and disclose any criminal history.
Criminal background check: TDLR conducts a criminal background check on all applicants. If you have a criminal history (excluding minor traffic violations), you must complete a Criminal History Questionnaire. Review typically takes 1 to 6 weeks depending on your history. If you are concerned about your criminal history affecting your license, Texas allows you to request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter before applying.
Step 4: Pass the Written Examination
The Texas Class A Barber written examination is administered by PSI Testing Services at testing centers throughout Texas. You can take the written exam after completing 900 hours of training.
Written Exam Details
| Number of Questions | 75 multiple choice questions |
| Passing Score | 70% (approximately 53 correct answers) |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Languages Available | English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Simplified Chinese |
| Exam Fee | $55 paid to PSI |
Written Exam Content Areas
The Texas Class A Barber written exam covers the following subject areas based on the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin:
Infection Control and Sanitation (25%): Sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, infection control procedures, and safety precautions.
Haircutting and Hair Styling (25%): Cutting techniques, tapering, clipper work, styling, blow drying, and thermal styling.
Chemical Waving and Relaxing Services (14%): Permanent waving, chemical straightening (relaxing), and safety precautions for chemical applications.
Haircoloring (13%): Hair coloring theory, application techniques, and color correction.
Licensing and Regulation (9%): Texas Occupations Code, TDLR rules, scope of practice, and establishment requirements.
Shampooing and Conditioning Hair (7%): Shampooing techniques, conditioning treatments, and scalp analysis.
Nail Care/Skin Care (7%): Basic nail and skin services within barber scope of practice.
Scheduling Your Written Exam
After completing 900 hours, your school will notify TDLR of your eligibility. Once TDLR verifies your eligibility, PSI will send you an email with instructions for scheduling. Schedule online at psiexams.com or call PSI at (833) 333-4741. Written exams are offered in Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, and other locations throughout Texas.
Step 5: Pass the Practical Examination
After you have completed all 1,000 hours and passed the written exam, you will be notified of your eligibility to take the practical exam. The practical exam tests your hands-on barbering skills.
Practical Exam Details
| Format | Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $77 paid to PSI |
| Live Model Required | Yes (you must bring a live model) |
What to bring: You must bring a live model for the practical examination. If your model is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a release form. You must also bring all required implements, supplies, and a valid government-issued ID that exactly matches your TDLR records.
Practical exams are offered in Austin, San Antonio, the DFW Metroplex, the Greater Houston area, McAllen, El Paso, Midland, and Amarillo.
If You Fail Either Exam
If you do not pass either exam, you may retake it by paying the exam fee again and scheduling a new appointment with PSI. There is no limit on the number of retakes. A diagnostic report will show which areas you need to improve.
Step 6: Receive Your License
Once you pass both exams and your application is processed, your Class A Barber license will be issued. You can print your license from your online TDLR account. Texas Class A Barber licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.
Note: Unlike Cosmetology Operators, Class A Barber applicants are not currently eligible for temporary licenses at the PSI testing site after passing the practical exam. You must wait for your permanent license to be issued.
License by Equivalence: Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Texas
If you already hold a current, active barber license in another U.S. state, you may be eligible for licensure by equivalence (reciprocity) without completing Texas training.
Equivalence Requirements
Texas evaluates each state’s requirements to determine equivalence. Depending on your original state, you may qualify for:
License without additional requirements: If your state’s requirements are substantially equivalent to Texas (similar or greater training hours and exam requirements).
License with work experience: Some states require 1 or 2 years of documented work experience in addition to your out-of-state license.
Exam required: If your state’s requirements are not equivalent, you may need to take the Texas written and/or practical exams.
Use TDLR’s online tool to check if your state qualifies for equivalence. If your state required fewer training hours than Texas, you may substitute work experience at a rate of 25 hours per month, up to a maximum of 300 hours.
Important: Texas does not accept apprenticeship training from other states for licensure by equivalence. If you obtained your license through an apprenticeship, you must complete school-based training in Texas or take the Texas exams.
How to Apply for Equivalence
Apply online through the TDLR Out-of-State Applicants page. Submit proof of your current, active license from your original state. Pay the application fee and any required exam fees. Pass required exams if applicable.
License Renewal
Texas Class A Barber licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of issue.
| Renewal Fee | $66 |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours per renewal cycle (effective September 1, 2025) |
| Renewal Method | TDLR Online Renewal |
New Continuing Education Requirements (Effective September 1, 2025)
Barber licenses were previously exempt from continuing education requirements. Starting September 1, 2025, all barbers must complete CE to renew:
Licensed fewer than 15 years: 4 hours of CE required, including 1 hour of sanitation, 1 hour of human trafficking prevention, and 2 hours of barbering topics.
Licensed 15 years or more: 2 hours of CE required, including 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking prevention.
TDLR sends renewal reminders 60 days before expiration. Late renewals incur additional fees. Licenses expired for more than five years may require retaking the written and practical exams.
HB 1560: Consolidation of Barbering and Cosmetology Programs
House Bill 1560, passed by the 87th Texas Legislature and signed into law on June 15, 2021, combined the previously separate Barbering and Cosmetology programs under TDLR. Key changes include:
Combined regulation: Both barbering and cosmetology are now regulated under a single program with unified rules and one advisory board (the Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board).
Crossover pathways: Licensed Cosmetology Operators can now obtain a Class A Barber license with only 300 additional hours of training. Licensed Class A Barbers can obtain a Cosmetology Operator license with 300 additional hours.
Age requirement change: As of September 1, 2023, the minimum age for licensure increased from 16 to 17 years old.
Schools can teach both: Schools can now apply for approval to provide instruction in both barbering and cosmetology services.
Updated license numbers: Existing barbershop licenses received updated license numbers and license types as part of the consolidation.
What Can You Do with a Texas Class A Barber License?
Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603, a Class A Barber license authorizes you to perform:
Hair services: Arranging, beautifying, bleaching, bobbing, cleansing, clipping, coloring, cutting, dressing, dyeing, processing, shaping, singeing, straightening, styling, tinting, trimming, or waving.
Shaving with any razor type: Shaving a person’s face, neck, mustache, or beard with a razor of any type, including straight razors. This is the key distinction between barbers and cosmetologists—only Class A Barbers can use straight razors.
Mustache and beard services: Arranging, beautifying, coloring, processing, styling, trimming, or shaving.
Massage: Massaging a person’s scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, face, hands, or feet.
Nail treatments: Cutting, trimming, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, manicuring, pedicuring, or attaching false nails.
Hair weaving: Weaving of hair to attach commercial hair to a person’s hair or scalp.
Services NOT Allowed with a Class A Barber License
Eyelash extensions: Applying semipermanent, thread-like extensions to a person’s eyelashes. This service is exclusive to Cosmetology Operators and Eyelash Extension Specialists.
Services outside barbering scope: Laser treatments, microblading, permanent makeup, injectable treatments, or any service that breaks the skin.
Class A Barber vs. Cosmetology Operator in Texas
| Service | Class A Barber | Cosmetology Operator |
| Straight razor shaving | Yes | No |
| Eyelash extensions | No | Yes |
| Hair cutting and styling | Yes | Yes |
| Chemical services (color, perm) | Yes | Yes |
| Beard/mustache services | Yes | Yes (safety razor only) |
| Nail services | Yes | Yes |
| Skin care/facials | Yes (basic) | Yes |
| Hair weaving | Yes | Yes |
| Training hours required | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Because of the significant overlap, licensed Cosmetology Operators can add a Class A Barber license with just 300 additional hours, and vice versa.
Military Provisions
Texas offers special accommodations for military members, veterans, and military spouses:
Expedited licensing: TDLR offers expedited processing for military service members, veterans, and their spouses.
Military experience credit: TDLR may credit military training and experience toward licensing requirements if substantially equivalent to Texas requirements.
License renewal extensions: If your license expired while you were serving on active duty, TDLR provides pathways to reinstate your license.
Fee waivers: Certain fees may be waived for qualifying military applicants.
For more information, visit the TDLR Military Outreach page.
Texas Barber Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the national median hourly wage for barbers was $16.95 per hour (approximately $35,250 annually). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.82 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.76 per hour. Employment of barbers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Texas has strong demand for barbers, particularly in major metropolitan areas including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin. Barber school tuition in Texas ranges from $8,000 to $18,000 for the complete 1,000-hour program. Note that BLS data does not capture income from tips, commissions on product sales, or self-employment earnings, all of which are common in the barbering industry and can significantly increase total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed barber in Texas?
Most people complete the process in 6 to 10 months. A full-time 1,000-hour training program typically takes 6 to 9 months. After completing training, the application and exam process adds another 2 to 6 weeks. You can take the written exam after 900 hours to speed up the process.
Does Texas require both a written and practical exam?
Yes. Texas requires both a written examination (75 multiple-choice questions, 70% to pass) and a practical examination (hands-on skills demonstration, 70% to pass). Both are administered by PSI Testing Services.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Texas without taking an exam?
It depends on your state’s requirements. If you hold a current, active license from a state with substantially equivalent requirements, you can apply for licensure by equivalence without taking Texas exams. Use TDLR’s online tool to check if your state qualifies. Texas does not accept apprenticeship training from other states.
Does Texas offer an apprenticeship pathway for barber licensing?
No. Texas does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barber licensing. You must complete your training at a TDLR-licensed barber school.
What continuing education is required in Texas?
Barber licenses were previously exempt from CE requirements. Starting September 1, 2025, all barbers must complete continuing education: 4 hours for those licensed fewer than 15 years (including sanitation, human trafficking prevention, and barbering topics), or 2 hours for those licensed 15+ years (sanitation and human trafficking prevention only).
What is the difference between a Class A Barber and a Cosmetology Operator in Texas?
Both licenses require 1,000 hours of training and have significant overlap in scope of practice. The key differences are: Class A Barbers can perform straight razor shaving but cannot do eyelash extensions. Cosmetology Operators can do eyelash extensions but cannot use straight razors. Each can add the other license with only 300 additional hours of training.
Can I perform straight razor shaves with a cosmetology license?
No. In Texas, straight razor shaving (using any razor that is not a safety razor) is exclusively within the Class A Barber scope of practice. Cosmetology Operators can only shave using a safety razor.
What if I already have a cosmetology license and want to add a barber license?
If you hold a current, active Cosmetology Operator license in Texas, you can obtain a Class A Barber license by completing only 300 additional hours of barber training at a licensed school and passing both the written and practical exams.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Barbering and Cosmetology Program
920 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701
PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202 (in-state)
Email: cs.barbering@tdlr.texas.gov
Website: TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology
Apply for a Class A Barber License:
TDLR Online Application
Cosmetologist to Barber Crossover:
Use Your Cosmetology License to Apply for a Barber License
Out-of-State Applicants (License by Equivalence):
Apply for License by Equivalence
Examination Information:
TDLR Exam Information
Schedule Your Exam (PSI Testing Services):
PSI Exams – TDLR
Phone: (833) 333-4741
Candidate Information Bulletin:
PSI TDLR Candidate Information
License Verification:
TDLR License Search
View Student Permit Hours:
Barber and Cosmetology Exam Data Search
Military Services:
TDLR Military Outreach
Continuing Education Requirements:
TDLR CE Requirements
Scope of Practice Guide:
Class A Barber Scope of Practice
Criminal History Information:
Guidelines for Applicants with Criminal Convictions
Criminal History Evaluation Letter:
Request Pre-Application Criminal History Review
Forms and Publications:
TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology Forms
Laws and Rules:
TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology Laws and Rules
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603:
Regulation of Barbering and Cosmetology
News and Updates:
TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology News