Colorado licenses barbers through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. You need a Colorado barber license to legally perform barbering services for compensation anywhere in Colorado.
Colorado requires 1,500 hours of approved training (or 50 credit hours) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $155. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 15 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Colorado Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | DORA, Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 contact hours (or 50 credit hours) at a state-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Colorado does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbers |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Exam Required | Written + Practical exams (PSI Services / NIC exams) |
| Exam Fees | Written: $56 | Practical: $71 | Total: $127 |
| License Application Fee | $28 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $155 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years on March 31 (even-numbered years) | $40 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Timeline | 10-15 months (training) + 2-4 weeks (exam/processing) |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Colorado barber program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Education: High school diploma or GED recommended
- Legal Presence: Must be lawfully present in the United States (per HB 06S-1009)
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Colorado requires completion of 1,500 contact hours (or 50 credit hours) at a state-approved barber college. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 15 months. The curriculum must cover:
- Treatment of hair and scalp
- Facial massage and treatment
- Shaving and beard grooming
- Haircutting and styling
- Disinfection, cleaning, and safe work practices
- Laws and rules
- Management, ethics, interpersonal skills, and salesmanship
The number of hours devoted to each topic must be substantially equivalent to those provided in accredited schools approved by the Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS) or Colorado Community College System (CCCS).
Important: Colorado does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbers. All training must be completed at a state-approved barber school.
Step 3: Apply for and Pass the Licensing Exams
Colorado uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by PSI Services. You must pass both a written and practical exam.
How to apply:
- Complete your training program
- Apply online through the PSI Exams website
- Pay the exam fees ($56 written + $71 practical)
- Pay the $28 license application fee
- Schedule your exams at a PSI testing center
Exam details:
- Written Exam: Multiple-choice covering theory, sanitation, and Colorado laws/rules.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and styling. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies.
- Testing Centers: Denver (Wheat Ridge), Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo
- Retake Policy: Unlimited retakes allowed. 14-day waiting period between attempts (note: barber exam has a 14-day wait vs. 30 days for cosmetology). Full exam fee required each time.
After passing: If you answer “No” to all screening questions and have never worked in Colorado as a barber, you will immediately receive your wall license and photo-bearing pocket card at the testing center. Otherwise, DORA must approve your license before PSI can mail it.
Step 4: Receive Your Colorado Barber License
Once you pass both exams and DORA approves your application, your license is issued. Verify your information through your DORA online account approximately two weeks after passing. Your license authorizes you to perform all barbering services in the state of Colorado.
Colorado Barber License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | $56 | PSI Services |
| Practical Exam | $71 | PSI Services |
| License Application | $28 | DORA |
| Total Initial Cost | $155 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $40 | DORA |
| Late Renewal Fee | $15 | DORA |
| Reinstatement | $55 | DORA |
| Endorsement (Out-of-State) | $75 | DORA |
Barber school tuition in Colorado typically ranges from $10,000 to $18,000 depending on the program.
License Renewal Requirements
Colorado barber licenses expire every two years on March 31 of even-numbered years.
To renew:
- Renew online through DORA Online Services
- Pay the $40 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Reinstatement (Expired 2-5 years): You must either (1) present an active license from another state and have been practicing within the past 2 years, (2) complete 16 hours of continuing education within the past 2 years, or (3) retake and pass the written examination.
Transferring Your License to Colorado (Endorsement)
Colorado does not have direct reciprocity agreements, but offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state barbers. You must:
- Hold an active barber license in good standing from another state
- Have training substantially equivalent to Colorado’s 1,500-hour requirement
- Request license verification from all states where you’ve been licensed
- Apply online through DORA and pay the $75 endorsement fee
If your training hours are lower: Colorado credits work experience to supplement missing hours at a rate of approximately 100 hours of work per hour of training deficit.
If requirements are not equivalent: You may need to pass the Colorado written examination before receiving licensure.
Foreign-Trained Applicants
Colorado offers a pathway for foreign-trained barbers (effective August 2, 2019 via HB19-1290):
Work Experience Substitution: Foreign work experience can substitute for required contact hours using a ratio of 3 months of experience for every 100 contact hours. Note: Hours for disinfection, cleaning, safe work practices, and laws/rules review are NOT eligible for substitution—you must complete these topics through a Colorado-approved program.
Foreign Endorsement: If you hold an active barber license in good standing from another country, you may apply for licensure by endorsement. You must have your credentials evaluated by AEQUO International or a NACES member organization.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Colorado provides exceptional licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through HB24-1097 (effective September 1, 2024):
Free 6-Year Temporary Licenses: Military spouses, dependents, Gold Star spouses, and families of Reserve/National Guard members who hold a barber credential in good standing from another state can receive a free temporary license valid for 6 years. These licenses are renewable and have no practice restrictions.
1-Year Practice Authorization: Military spouses relocated to Colorado by military orders who have an active license from another state can practice for up to one year without obtaining a Colorado license.
For more information, visit DORA’s Military Spouse Licenses page.
What Can You Do with a Colorado Barber License?
A Colorado barber license authorizes you to perform the following services as set forth in §12-105-104(2), C.R.S.:
- Haircutting, trimming, and tapering
- Shaving and beard grooming
- Facial massage and treatment
- Shampooing and scalp treatments
- Hair coloring and chemical services (on head and face)
- Styling and finishing
Scope Limitations: Barbers in Colorado are limited to services on the hair, scalp, and face. Skin care services (facials beyond basic massage), nail services, and full-body hair removal require separate esthetician, cosmetologist, or nail technician licensure.
No Crossover to Cosmetology: Unlike some states, Colorado does not allow licensed barbers to transition to cosmetology through a condensed program. Barbers who want a cosmetology license must complete the full 1,800-hour cosmetology curriculum.
Barbershop Registration
If you want to open your own barbershop in Colorado, you must register with DORA. Per §12-105-114.5 of the Barbers and Cosmetologists Practice Act:
- All places of business where barbering services are offered must be registered
- Barbershop registrations expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years
- Private occupational barber schools are also considered places of business and must be registered
- No licensed barber may provide services at a location that is not registered with the Office
Temporary locations where customers receive barbering services also require registration.
Colorado Barber vs. Cosmetologist
| Factor | Barber | Cosmetologist |
|---|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 hours (50 credits) | 1,800 hours (60 credits) |
| Hair Services | Yes | Yes |
| Shaving | Yes (specialty) | Limited |
| Skin Care Services | Face only | Yes |
| Nail Services | No | Yes |
| License Renewal | March 31 (even years) | April 30 (based on issuance) |
| Crossover Training | No condensed path to cosmetology | No condensed path to barber |
Colorado Barber Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, barbers in Colorado earn approximately $35,000 to $45,000 annually, with top earners exceeding $55,000. Tips typically add 20-30% to base earnings. The Denver metro area and mountain resort communities offer strong demand for skilled barbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Colorado?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 15 months. Full-time barber programs (1,500 hours) typically take 10 to 12 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Colorado?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $155: $127 in exam fees paid to PSI and $28 application fee paid to DORA. Tuition at Colorado barber programs typically ranges from $10,000 to $18,000.
Does Colorado require continuing education for barbers?
No. Colorado is one of the states that does not require continuing education for barber license renewal.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Colorado?
Yes, through endorsement ($75 fee). Your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements to Colorado’s 1,500-hour standard. If your state had fewer hours, work experience may supplement the deficit. If requirements are not equivalent, you may need to pass the Colorado written exam.
Does Colorado offer an apprenticeship program for barbers?
No. Colorado does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbers. All candidates must complete their training at a state-approved barber school.
Can I work as a cosmetologist with my barber license?
No. Colorado does not offer a crossover pathway from barber to cosmetologist. If you want to perform skin care or nail services, you must complete the full cosmetology training program (1,800 hours) or obtain a separate esthetician or nail technician license.
Can foreign barbers get licensed in Colorado?
Yes. Foreign-trained barbers can substitute work experience for training hours at a ratio of 3 months experience per 100 hours. You must still complete training in disinfection, safe work practices, and Colorado laws. Credentials must be evaluated by an approved agency (AEQUO International or NACES member).
How do I verify a Colorado barber license?
Use DORA’s online license verification system at dpo.colorado.gov to search for licensed professionals and check for any disciplinary actions.