Hawaii licenses barbers through the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology under DCCA. Barbers are licensed under HRS Chapter 438 — a separate statute from the Beauty Culture chapter (439) that governs cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians. This distinction matters: barbers must pass both written and practical exams, while beauty operators take only a written exam.
Hawaii requires 1,500 hours of training plus NIC exams administered by PSI Services. No continuing education is required. Hawaii does not participate in reciprocity with any state. Here is exactly how to get your Hawaii barber license.
Hawaii Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | DCCA, PVL, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | HRS Chapter 438 (Barbering) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a school with barbering curriculum |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 3,000 hours (doubled from 1,500 by Act 073, effective July 2023) |
| Exam Required | Written + Practical (PSI Services) |
| Passing Score | 75% on each |
| Exam Fee | $90 (PSI) |
| Application + License Fees | ~$159 (even year) or ~$86 (odd year) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$249 (even year) or ~$176 (odd year) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $146 (active) or $12 (inactive) |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DCCA Application Forms |
| Board Website | cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/barber |
Recent Changes Affecting Hawaii Barber Licensing
Act 073, SLH 2022 (effective July 1, 2023): Doubled barber apprenticeship hours from 1,500 to 3,000 while school hours remained at 1,500. Also updated definitions, removed medical clearance requirements, and aligned barbering and beauty culture statutes.
Testing vendor change (January 2026): Exams transitioned from Prometric to PSI Services LLC.
Education & Training Requirements
You must be at least 17 years old (one year older than beauty operators) and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Complete 1,500 hours at a school with a barbering curriculum.
The barbering curriculum covers shaving, cutting, trimming, singeing, shampooing, arranging, dressing, curling, waving, coloring hair and beard, and massaging, cleansing, and applying treatments to the face, scalp, and neck.
Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours (increased from 1,500 in 2022). The transition provision for apprentices who started before July 2023 under the old 1,500-hour requirement has expired.
For comparisons of barber licensing, see our barber license guide and barber vs cosmetology comparison.
Exam Requirements
Barbers must pass both written and practical exams — a key difference from beauty operators, who take only a written exam.
Written exam: 110 questions, 2.5 hours. Practical exam tests hands-on barbering skills. Passing score: 75% on each component.
Register through PSI Exams. Exam waiver may be available if you passed the NIC or PSI barber exam in another jurisdiction.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours of barber training
- Submit application with fees to DCCA
- Receive eligibility letter from the Board
- Register for and pass written and practical exams ($90 via PSI)
Optional: temporary permit ($40) to work under supervision while awaiting exam. One-time issuance, valid one year.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires biennially on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal fee: $146 (active). No continuing education required. Renew through MyPVL.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Hawaii does not reciprocate with any state. Out-of-state barbers must submit a full application, meet the 1,500-hour training requirement, and pass the Hawaii exams. NIC or PSI exam scores from another jurisdiction may qualify for an exam waiver.
Military Provisions
License extension during active duty under HRS 436B-14.5. Military spouse temporary license under HRS 436B-14.7, valid for the duration of military orders (up to 5 years). Expedited processing for military spouse applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Hawaii?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. The 1,500-hour program takes 10 to 14 months full-time, with exam scheduling and processing adding a few additional weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Hawaii?
Approximately $249 (even year) or $176 (odd year), including $90 exam fee and DCCA application/licensing fees.
Why is the barber exam different from the cosmetology exam in Hawaii?
Barbers are licensed under a separate statute (HRS Chapter 438) and must pass both written and practical exams. Beauty operators (including cosmetologists) are under HRS Chapter 439 and take only a written exam.
Does Hawaii require continuing education for barbers?
No. Hawaii does not require CE for any beauty license type.
Can I transfer my barber license to Hawaii?
Hawaii does not offer reciprocity. You must apply as a new applicant and meet the 1,500-hour requirement. An exam waiver may be available if you passed the NIC or PSI barber exam in another state.
Official Resources
- Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (official website)
- Application Forms and Publications
- Examination Information
- MyPVL Portal (renewals)
- PSI Exam Registration
- Board Contact: 1-844-808-DCCA (3222), option 1 | dcca.pvl.bacos@hawaii.gov
- Address: 335 Merchant Street, Room 301, Honolulu, HI 96813