Alaska licenses barbers through the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, which operates under the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. You need an Alaska barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Alaska requires 1,650 hours of approved training at a licensed school (or 2,000 hours through apprenticeship) plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prov. Alaska also offers a non-chemical barber option at 1,350 school hours. The total cost for state fees is approximately $330 plus exam fees. Here is exactly how to do it.
Alaska Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Barber |
| Governing Agency | Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) |
| Statutory Authority | AS 08.13 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,650 hours (school) or 2,000 hours (apprenticeship) |
| Non-Chemical Barber Option | 1,350 hours (school) or 1,650 hours (apprenticeship) |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written Theory + NIC Practical (administered by Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% on each exam |
| Exam Fee | Paid directly to Prov |
| Application Fee | $150 (non-refundable) |
| Initial License Fee | $180 |
| Total Initial Cost (state fees) | ~$330 + exam fees |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial, expires August 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Renewal Fee | $180 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Alaska Professional License Portal |
| Board Website | Board of Barbers and Hairdressers |
Education and Training Requirements
Alaska requires completion of 1,650 hours of barber training at a state-approved school, or 2,000 hours through an approved apprenticeship program. Full-time school programs typically take 10 to 14 months to complete.
School pathway (1,650 hours): You must complete your training at a school approved by the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers. The curriculum covers hair cutting, clipper techniques, shaving, beard grooming, hair coloring, chemical services, sanitation, and Alaska laws and regulations.
Apprenticeship pathway (2,000 hours): Alaska allows apprenticeship as an alternative to school training. The conversion ratio is approximately 1.212 apprenticeship hours for every 1 school hour. Apprentices train under a licensed barber in a licensed establishment.
Non-chemical barber option: If you do not plan to offer chemical services (coloring, perming, relaxing), Alaska offers a reduced-hour pathway: 1,350 school hours or 1,650 apprenticeship hours. The non-chemical barber license limits your scope of practice to cutting, trimming, shaving, and styling without chemical treatments.
Important: If you interrupt your training for more than two years, your previously earned hours expire and you must start over. This applies to both school and apprenticeship pathways.
To enroll, you must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide. For a comparison of barber requirements across all states, see our barber license guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass two NIC (National Interstate Council) exams administered by Prov: a written theory exam and a practical exam. You must score at least 75% on each exam to pass.
Written Theory Exam: The NIC written exam is a multiple-choice test covering barbering theory, sanitation, infection control, and Alaska laws and rules. The exam is 90 minutes long.
Practical Exam: The NIC practical exam tests your hands-on skills in hair cutting, shaving, and other barbering procedures. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies as specified in the candidate information bulletin.
Exam fees: Exam fees are paid directly to Prov at the time of registration.
Retake policy: If you fail either exam, you may retake it by re-registering and paying the exam fee again.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 1,650 hours of approved school training (or 1,350 for non-chemical barber) or the equivalent apprenticeship hours.
- Register for and pass both the NIC written theory exam and NIC practical exam through Prov.
- Submit your application through the Alaska Professional License Portal.
- Pay the $150 non-refundable application fee.
- Pay the $180 initial license fee.
- Provide proof of education (school transcripts or apprenticeship completion documentation).
- Provide proof of passing exam scores.
- Receive your Alaska barber license upon approval.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $150 | CBPL |
| Initial License Fee | $180 | CBPL |
| Written Exam Fee | Varies | Prov |
| Practical Exam Fee | Varies | Prov |
| Total Initial Cost (state fees) | ~$330 + exam fees | |
| Temporary Student License | $100 | CBPL |
| Temporary Permit (waiver applicants) | $100 | CBPL |
| Biennial Renewal | $180 | CBPL |
Temporary student license: Alaska offers a temporary student license for $100, valid for 120 days.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Alaska barber licenses expire biennially on August 31 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $180.
Alaska does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply submit your renewal application and pay the fee before the expiration date.
Lapsed license reinstatement:
- 1-2 years lapsed: Standard renewal process
- 3-4 years lapsed: Renewal plus written exam
- 5+ years lapsed: Must reapply as a new applicant
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Alaska does not have reciprocity with any state. However, if you hold an active barber license in another state, you may apply for a waiver of examination if your state’s requirements equal or exceed Alaska’s 1,650-hour training standard.
To apply by waiver:
- Hold an active license in good standing from another U.S. state
- Your original state’s training requirements must equal or exceed Alaska’s requirements
- Submit a license verification from your current state
- Apply through the Alaska Professional License Portal and pay the $150 application fee plus $180 license fee
Important: Out-of-country license holders are not eligible for the examination waiver. International applicants must complete Alaska’s full education and examination requirements.
Temporary permit for waiver applicants: While your waiver application is being processed, you can obtain a temporary permit for $100, valid for six months.
To compare barber requirements in other states, see our guides for Florida, Texas, and California.
Military Provisions
The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides license portability protections for military service members and their spouses. Under the SCRA, if you hold a valid barber license from another state and relocate to Alaska due to military orders, your license may be recognized in Alaska for the duration of those orders, provided you meet certain conditions including notifying the Board and providing a copy of your military orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Alaska?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. A full-time 1,650-hour school program typically takes 10 to 12 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add several additional weeks. The non-chemical barber pathway at 1,350 hours can be completed more quickly.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Alaska?
State fees total approximately $330: $150 application fee and $180 license fee, both paid to CBPL. Exam fees paid to Prov are additional. This does not include school tuition.
What is the difference between a barber and non-chemical barber license in Alaska?
A full barber license requires 1,650 school hours and allows all barbering services including chemical treatments (coloring, perming). The non-chemical barber license requires 1,350 school hours but limits your scope to cutting, trimming, shaving, and styling without chemical services.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Alaska?
Alaska does not have reciprocity, but you may apply for a waiver of examination if your current state’s requirements equal or exceed Alaska’s 1,650-hour standard. International licenses do not qualify for the waiver.
Does Alaska require continuing education for barber license renewal?
No. Alaska does not require any continuing education hours for barber license renewal. You pay the $180 biennial renewal fee and submit your renewal before August 31 of odd-numbered years.
Does Alaska offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering?
Yes. Alaska offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,000 hours for a full barber license or 1,650 hours for a non-chemical barber license. Apprentices train under a licensed barber in a licensed establishment.
Official Resources
- Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (official website)
- Online License Application (Alaska Professional License Portal)
- Board Contact: (907) 465-2591 | BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov
- Mailing Address: PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806