Wyoming licenses barbers through the Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners, which is a separate board from the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology — though both share the same website at cosmetology.wyo.gov. You need a Wyoming barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in Wyoming.
Wyoming requires 1,250 hours of approved training plus NIC theory and practical exams administered by Prov. The exam fee is $125 for a registered barber exam. Unlike cosmetology licenses in Wyoming which renew biennially, barber licenses renew annually at $75. Here is exactly how to do it.
Wyoming Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners |
| Training Hours Required | 1,250 hours at a state-approved barber school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Wyoming does not offer an apprenticeship pathway |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion or equivalent |
| State Board Exam | NIC theory + practical exam (administered by Prov) |
| Exam Fee | $125 (registered barber exam) |
| Retake Fee | $65 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $75 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $125+ (excluding tuition and license fee) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual | $75 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners |
| Board Website | cosmetology.wyo.gov/barber-information |
Education & Training Requirements
You must complete 1,250 hours of barber training at a state-approved barber school. Full-time programs typically take 8 to 12 months to complete.
The curriculum must cover:
- Hair cutting, trimming, and tapering techniques
- Shaving and facial hair grooming
- Hair coloring and chemical services
- Scalp treatments and shampooing
- Sanitation and infection control
- Wyoming laws and rules
- Shop management and professional ethics
No apprenticeship pathway: Wyoming does not offer an apprenticeship alternative for barber licensing. All training must be completed at a state-approved barber school.
Separate board from cosmetology: While the Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners and the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology share a website, they are separate regulatory bodies with different requirements, fees, and renewal schedules. The barber board can be reached at 307-777-8572.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology in Wyoming, note that barbers require 1,250 hours while cosmetologists require 2,000 hours. Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and grooming, while cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nails. For a full comparison, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Wyoming’s 1,250-hour barber requirement is near the national average. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your 1,250 hours, you must pass both a theory exam and a practical exam. Wyoming uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by Prov.
- Theory Exam: Multiple-choice questions covering barbering theory, sanitation, anatomy, infection control, and Wyoming laws and rules.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including hair cutting, shaving, and styling techniques.
- Passing Score: 75% on each exam
- Exam Fee: $125 for the registered barber exam
- Retake Fee: $65 per exam
Temporary Practice Permit: Wyoming offers a temporary permit to practice for $75 while you are preparing for or awaiting exam results.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,250 hours of training at a Wyoming-approved barber school.
- Register for the NIC barber theory and practical exams through Prov.
- Pay the exam fee of $125.
- Pass both exams with a score of 75% or higher.
- Submit your license application to the Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners.
- Pay the applicable license fee.
- Receive your Wyoming barber license.
Wyoming Barber License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| NIC Exam (registered barber) | $125 | Prov |
| Exam Retake | $65 | Prov |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $75 | Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners |
| Annual Renewal | $75 | Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners |
| Endorsement (Out-of-State Transfer) | $273 | Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Wyoming barber licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is $75. This differs from cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology licenses in Wyoming, which renew biennially.
Wyoming does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply submit your renewal application and pay the fee before your license expires.
If you fail to renew on time, contact the Board at 307-777-8572 for reinstatement procedures.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Wyoming offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other states. The endorsement process is similar to cosmetology. You must:
- Hold a current, active barber license in good standing from another state
- Have graduated from an accredited or state-approved barber program
- Have passed a state board examination in your original licensing state
- Submit a notarized application
- Have your current state send a license certification directly to the Board
No additional exam is required for endorsement applicants who meet all requirements. The endorsement fee is payable by money order only.
If you are considering transferring to other states, compare barber requirements in Colorado (1,500 hours) or Texas (1,500 hours).
Military Provisions
Wyoming provides licensing accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses. The Board of Barber Examiners may expedite license processing for active-duty military members and their spouses who hold equivalent licenses from other states.
The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides additional portability protections, allowing military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions. Each military branch reimburses spouses up to $1,000 for relocation-related licensing costs.
Contact the Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners at 307-777-8572 for specific military licensing procedures and any available fee waivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours do I need for a Wyoming barber license?
Wyoming requires 1,250 hours of barber training at a state-approved school. Full-time programs typically take 8 to 12 months to complete. Wyoming does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbers.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Wyoming?
The exam fee is $125 for the registered barber exam paid to Prov, plus applicable license fees paid to the Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners. A temporary practice permit costs $75. Annual renewal is $75.
Does Wyoming require continuing education to renew a barber license?
No. Wyoming does not require any continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $75 annual renewal fee.
Is the Wyoming barber board the same as the cosmetology board?
No. Wyoming has a separate Board of Barber Examiners, although it shares a website with the Board of Cosmetology at cosmetology.wyo.gov. The barber board has its own requirements, fees, and renewal schedule. Notably, barber licenses renew annually at $75, while cosmetology licenses renew biennially at $72.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Wyoming?
Yes, through endorsement. You must hold a current license from another state, have graduated from an accredited or state-approved barber program, and have passed a state board exam. No additional exam is required. Your current state must send a license certification directly to the Board.
What is the difference between a barber and cosmetologist in Wyoming?
Barbers require 1,250 hours and focus on hair cutting, shaving, and grooming. Cosmetologists require 2,000 hours and are trained in hair, skin, and nail services. Barbering is regulated by the Board of Barber Examiners, while cosmetology is regulated by the Board of Cosmetology.
Official Resources
- Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners (official website)
- Online License Application
- Board Phone: 307-777-8572
- Board Address: 2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 302, Cheyenne, WY 82002