Kansas licenses barbers through the Kansas Board of Barbering (KBOB), which is a separate regulatory board from the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. You need a Kansas barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Kansas requires between 1,200 and 1,500 hours of approved training at a Board-licensed barber school, plus a three-part licensing exam: the NIC written exam, a practical exam, and a Kansas Rules and Regulations exam. The total cost for exams and license is approximately $180. Kansas has no continuing education requirement and maintains reciprocity agreements with 32 states. Here is exactly how to get your Kansas barber license.
Kansas Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Kansas Board of Barbering (KBOB) |
| Statutory Authority | K.S.A. 65-1810 through 65-1824 |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old (with high school diploma or GED) |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,200 to 1,500 clock hours at a Board-approved barber school |
| Licensing Exam | NIC written exam + practical exam + Kansas Rules & Regulations exam (three parts) |
| Passing Score | 80% on each part |
| Exam Fee | $100 (exam) + $80 (license) = $180 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $180 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expiration based on last name) |
| Renewal Fee | $80 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | KBOB Forms Page |
| Board Website | kbob.kansas.gov |
Education and Training Requirements
Kansas requires completion of a barbering program at a school or college approved by the Kansas Board of Barbering. Under K.S.A. 65-1810, the required course of instruction is not less than 1,200 hours and not more than 1,500 hours, to be completed within 18 months. Students may receive a maximum of 8 hours of instruction per working day.
The curriculum covers:
- Scientific fundamentals of barbering
- Hygiene and histology of hair and skin
- Structure of the head, face, and neck
- Elementary chemistry relating to sterilization and antiseptics
- Massage and manipulation of the scalp, skin, and neck muscles
- Hair cutting, shaving, and styling
- Perming, waving, curling, coloring, bleaching, tinting, and dyeing
- Barbering practices for all major ethnic groups residing in Kansas
Military Pathway: Individuals certified in barbering through any branch of the U.S. military may qualify for licensure if they complete additional coursework at a licensed Kansas barber school (K.S.A. 65-1812).
Cosmetologist Crossover: Licensed Kansas cosmetologists may attend a Board-licensed barber school to obtain barber training, though specific crossover hour requirements are set by the Board.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, see our barber vs cosmetology license comparison. For an overview of barber licensing across all states, see our barber license guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass a three-part licensing examination. Kansas uses the National Interstate Council (NIC) Barber Styling Theory written examination along with a Board-administered practical exam and a Kansas Rules and Regulations exam.
Written Exam (NIC Barber Styling Theory): A 110-question multiple-choice exam covering all aspects of barber theory including scientific concepts, chemistry, anatomy, infection control, equipment and tools, hair care services, and facial hair shaving and treatments. You must pass this exam before taking the practical portion.
Practical Exam: A maximum of one hour and forty-five minutes is allowed, including checks. You must demonstrate barbering skills on two models (one model may be substituted with a mannequin). The first portion is performed on a live model. You must score at least 80% to pass.
Kansas Rules and Regulations Exam: This exam covers Kansas barbering laws and regulations. It is typically administered on the same day as the practical exam.
Passing Score: A minimum score of 80% is required on each of the three parts.
Exam Fees: The total initial fee is $180, which includes both the exam fee ($100) and the license fee ($80). The NIC written exam is administered separately, with a fee of $88.
Retake Policy: If you fail any exam, you are entitled to retake it at the next available examination. You must reapply and pay the required fee.
Temporary License: The Board may issue temporary licenses to approved barber school graduates awaiting exam results. Temporary licenses remain valid only until exam scores are released. A maximum of three temporary licenses per person is permitted (K.S.A. 65-1812).
Application Process and Fees
- Complete the required training hours (1,200-1,500) at a Board-approved barber school.
- Complete the Application for Barber Examination from the KBOB Forms page.
- Pay the exam and license fee ($180).
- Pass the NIC written exam (scheduled separately at a testing center).
- After passing the written exam, you will be placed on the list for the practical and Rules & Regulations examinations.
- Pass both the practical exam and the Kansas Rules & Regulations exam.
- Receive your Kansas barber license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Exam + License Fee | $180 | KBOB |
| NIC Written Exam | $88 | Exam Vendor |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$180–$268 | |
| Annual Renewal | $80 | KBOB |
| Restoration (expired <3 years) | Lapsed fees + up to $100 | KBOB |
| Shop License | $80 | KBOB |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Kansas barber licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal dates are based on the first letter of your last name, with available expiration dates of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 (K.S.A. 65-1819).
To renew:
- Complete the barber license renewal application online through the KBOB Online Renewal portal or by mail.
- Pay the $80 annual renewal fee.
Kansas does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee and submit the renewal application.
Expired License (under 3 years): If your license has been expired for less than three years, you can restore it by paying the lapsed fees plus a restoration fee of up to $100.
Expired License (3+ years): If your license has been expired for three or more years, you must pay the required examination and license fees and pass the Board’s examination to be relicensed.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Kansas maintains reciprocity agreements with 32 states for barber license transfers. If you hold an active barber license in a reciprocity state, you may be eligible to transfer your license to Kansas without taking the full examination.
To apply by reciprocity:
- Complete the Application to Transfer Barber License from the KBOB Forms page.
- Hold an active barber license in good standing from a reciprocity state.
- Provide license verification from your current state.
- Pay the required application fee.
If your state does not have a reciprocity agreement with Kansas, you may need to take the Kansas barber examination.
Military Provisions
Kansas provides significant licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through K.S.A. 48-3406 and 48-3406a. The Kansas Board of Barbering is specifically named as a covered licensing body.
Fee Exemptions: Military spouses of active service members are exempt from all licensing fees, including application, exam, renewal, and reciprocity fees.
Expedited Processing: KBOB must issue a license within 15 days of receiving a complete application from a military spouse, compared to 45 days for non-military applicants.
Military Training Recognition: Under K.S.A. 65-1812, individuals certified in barbering through any branch of the U.S. military may qualify for licensure by completing additional coursework at a licensed Kansas barber school.
Temporary Permits: Military spouses whose out-of-state credentials do not exactly match Kansas scope of practice may receive temporary permits to practice while completing additional requirements.
Testing Requirements Limited: Under K.S.A. 48-3406, any testing requirements for military spouses are limited to Kansas law that is materially different from or additional to the law of the applicant’s home state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Kansas?
Most people complete the process in 8 to 14 months. Full-time barber programs (1,200-1,500 hours) typically take 8 to 12 months within the 18-month maximum. After graduation, exam scheduling and license processing add another 4 to 6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Kansas?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $180 to $268, including exam and license fees paid to KBOB and the NIC written exam fee. The annual renewal fee is $80. Tuition at Kansas barber schools varies by program.
Does Kansas require continuing education for barbers?
No. Kansas does not require any continuing education hours for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $80 annual renewal fee.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Kansas?
Kansas has reciprocity agreements with 32 states. If you hold a license in one of those states, you can apply to transfer your license using the Application to Transfer Barber License form. If your state does not have reciprocity, you may need to take the Kansas barber exam.
What is the passing score for the Kansas barber exam?
You must score at least 80% on each of the three exam parts: the NIC written theory exam, the practical exam, and the Kansas Rules and Regulations exam.
Is barbering regulated by the same board as cosmetology in Kansas?
No. Kansas has two separate boards. The Kansas Board of Barbering (KBOB) regulates barbers, while the Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC) regulates cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and electrologists. They have different requirements, fees, and renewal schedules.
Official Resources
- Kansas Board of Barbering (official website)
- Application Forms (exam and transfer applications)
- License Exam Information
- Online License Renewal/Restoration
- Kansas Barbering Statutes (K.S.A. Chapter 65, Article 18)
- Kansas Barbering Regulations
- Board Contact: Kansas Board of Barbering | (785) 296-2211 | KBOB@ks.gov