Mississippi licenses barbers through the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB). As of January 1, 2025, the former Board of Barber Examiners merged with the Board of Cosmetology under HB 313, and all barbering provisions moved from Chapter 5 to Chapter 7 of the Mississippi Code. You need a Mississippi barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation.
Mississippi requires 1,500 hours of barber training plus the NIC written theory exam. The practical exam was eliminated in February 2026. The total state fees are approximately $75. Here is exactly how to get your Mississippi barber license.
Mississippi Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) |
| Statutory Authority | Mississippi Code Ann. Section 73-7-13.1 |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED, or enrollment in a community college |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a board-approved barber school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 3,000 hours in a board-certified apprenticeship program |
| Exam Required | NIC Barber Written Theory + Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam (no practical exam) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $25 (non-refundable) |
| License Fee | $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$75 plus exam fees (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | None required (standard license) |
| Apply Online | MSBCB Online Licensure Portal |
| Board Website | msbcb.ms.gov |
Recent Changes Affecting Mississippi Barber Licensing
Board Merger — HB 313 (effective January 1, 2025): The State Board of Barber Examiners was merged into the new Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Title 73, Chapter 5 (Barbers) was repealed. Barbering is now governed under Section 73-7-13.1 of Chapter 7. The new board has six members — three from cosmetology and three from barbering.
Practical Exam Eliminated (February 2026): The reconstituted board eliminated the practical skills examination for all license types, including barber. You now need only the NIC written theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam.
Education & Training Requirements
To pursue a Mississippi barber license, you must be at least 16 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED (or be enrolled in a community college), and be able to read, write, and speak English. You must complete 1,500 hours at a board-approved barber school.
The curriculum covers shaving and trimming the beard, cutting and dressing hair, facial and scalp treatments, shampooing and singeing, hair coloring and dyeing, and permanent waving or straightening. Students may not earn more than 167 hours per month.
Apprenticeship alternative: Mississippi offers a board-certified apprenticeship requiring 3,000 hours. Apprenticeships must be mentored by a licensed instructor, with only one apprentice per mentor.
Crossover from cosmetology: Licensed cosmetologists who completed 1,500 hours may take the barber exam after completing an additional 600 hours in a licensed barber school. Licensed barbers may similarly cross over to cosmetology with 600 additional hours in a cosmetology school. Hours cannot be transferred between schools mid-enrollment.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, Mississippi requires the same 1,500 hours for both. The key difference is scope of practice — barbers focus on hair cutting, shaving, and facial treatments, while cosmetologists cover hair, skin, and nails. For a full comparison, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass two examinations:
NIC Barber Written Theory Exam:
- 110 multiple-choice items (100 scored, 10 unscored pretest questions)
- 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 70%
Mississippi Law & Sanitation Exam:
- Covers Mississippi-specific barbering laws and sanitation standards
- A dedicated handbook is provided for preparation
The practical exam was eliminated in February 2026. You may retake either exam as many times as needed within one year of graduation.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours of barber training at a board-approved school
- Register for your exams through the MSBCB Exam Registration portal
- Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee and applicable exam fees
- Pass the NIC Barber Written Theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam
- Apply for your license through the MSBCB Online Licensure Portal
- Pay the $50 license fee
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application to test (non-refundable) | $25 | MSBCB |
| Practitioner license | $50 | MSBCB |
| Total State Fees | $75 | |
| Biennial renewal | $50 | MSBCB |
| Delinquent renewal penalty | $50 | MSBCB |
Temporary permits: The board may issue a temporary permit to students who have completed training, valid until the next examination but not exceeding 6 months.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Mississippi barber licenses expire every two years. The renewal fee is $50, payable online. A 60-day grace period applies after expiration, with a $50 delinquent penalty.
No continuing education is required for standard barber license renewal. The optional Master Barber license requires 8 hours of board-approved CE per renewal cycle (initial Master application requires 16 hours of CE and holding a current license for at least 12 months; $70 fee).
No renewal fee for licensees age 70 or older.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Mississippi offers both standard reciprocity ($55 fee, requires passing the Mississippi exams) and a UROLA pathway for applicants who have held a license for at least one year and establish Mississippi residency. The UROLA pathway provides a 365-day temporary practice permit upon complete application while you prepare for the law exam.
Military Provisions
Under Sections 73-50-1 and 73-50-2, military-connected applicants can apply through an abbreviated military application. A 365-day temporary practice permit is issued upon submission of a complete application with a current out-of-state license, military orders, and proof of good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Mississippi?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 15 months. Full-time programs (1,500 hours) typically take 10 to 14 months, with exam and processing adding 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Mississippi?
State fees total approximately $75: $25 application fee and $50 license fee, plus exam fees paid separately.
Does Mississippi still require a practical exam for barbers?
No. As of February 2026, the MSBCB eliminated the practical exam for all license types. Barbers now only need the NIC written theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam.
Does Mississippi require continuing education for barbers?
No. Standard barber license renewal does not require any continuing education.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Mississippi?
Yes. Licensed cosmetologists with 1,500 hours of training may take the barber exam after completing 600 additional hours in a licensed barber school.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi offers standard reciprocity ($55) and a UROLA pathway. Both require passing the Mississippi law exam.
Official Resources
- Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application and Renewal Portal
- Exam Registration Portal
- Official Fee Schedule
- NIC Testing (exam content information)
- Board Contact: (601) 359-1820 | info@msbcb.ms.gov
- Board Address: 239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 301, Jackson, MS 39201