Missouri licenses barbers through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, which operates under the Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Commerce and Insurance. You need a Missouri barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, and beard grooming services for compensation anywhere in Missouri.
Missouri requires only 1,000 hours of approved training (or 2,000 hours as a registered apprentice) plus NIC written and practical exams. At 1,000 hours, Missouri has one of the lower barber training requirements in the country. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $166. Most people complete the full process in 7 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Missouri Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Division of Professional Registration |
| Statutory Authority | RSMo Chapter 328; 20 CSR 2085 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Not explicitly required by statute |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at an approved barber school (minimum 6 months) OR 2,000 hours as a registered apprentice |
| Exam Required | NIC Written (theory) + NIC Practical exams, administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75% on each exam |
| Exam Fees | Theory: $88 | Practical: $58 | Total: $146 |
| License Fee | $20 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $166 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years by September 30 of odd years | $30 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Timeline | 7–12 months (training) + 2–4 weeks (exam/processing) |
| Apply Online | Missouri Board Forms & Applications |
| Board Website | pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a barber license in Missouri, you must be at least 17 years old (RSMo 328.080). You must also be free of contagious or infectious diseases that could be transmitted during barber services.
Unlike cosmetology licensing under RSMo Chapter 329, the barber statute (RSMo 328.080) does not explicitly require a 10th-grade education or GED for licensure. However, most Board-approved barber schools require at least a high school diploma or GED for admission.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, Missouri requires 1,000 hours for barbers and 1,500 hours for cosmetologists. Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and beard grooming, while cosmetology covers hair, nails, and basic skin care. Missouri offers a crossover pathway between both licenses. For a full comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours at an Approved Barber School
You must complete at least 1,000 hours of instruction over a minimum of six months at a barber school approved by the Board. Full-time programs typically take 7 to 9 months. The curriculum covers:
- Shaving and facial hair grooming
- Hair cutting and clipper techniques
- Shampooing and scalp treatments
- Sanitation and infection control
- Common facial and skin diseases (to prevent aggravation or spread)
- Missouri laws and rules
Apprenticeship Alternative (2,000 Hours): Missouri offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,000 hours of training under the direct supervision of a licensed barber apprentice supervisor. You must first obtain an apprentice license ($25 fee) from the Board. The apprenticeship typically takes 18 to 24 months.
Crossover from Cosmetology: Licensed cosmetologists can obtain a Missouri barber license by completing just 45 additional hours of barber training. This is one of the shortest crossover requirements in the country.
Missouri’s 1,000-hour requirement is below the national average for barbering. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
Missouri uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by Prov. You must pass both a written (theory) and practical exam with a score of 75% or higher on each.
How to register:
- Complete your training program or apprenticeship
- Register through Prov, the Board’s designated testing vendor
- Pay the exam fees ($88 theory + $58 practical = $146 total)
- Schedule your exams at an approved testing location
Written (Theory) Exam: Multiple-choice covering barbering theory, sanitation, infection control, anatomy, chemistry, and Missouri laws and rules.
Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including hair cutting, shaving, and related services.
Retake Policy: If you fail either exam, you may retake it by re-registering through Prov and paying the applicable fee ($88 theory or $58 practical).
All exam fees are nonrefundable. No-shows and late arrivals forfeit fees.
Step 4: Apply for Your Missouri Barber License
Once you pass both exams, submit your license application through the Board with the $20 license issuance fee (Certification of Registration). Applications and forms are available at pr.mo.gov/cosbar-forms.asp. You can also apply through the Missouri Professional Registration licensing portal.
Missouri Barber License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written (Theory) Exam | $88 | Prov |
| Practical Exam | $58 | Prov |
| License Issuance (Certification of Registration) | $20 | Board |
| Total Initial Cost | $166 | |
| Apprentice License | $25 | Board |
| Biennial Renewal | $30 | Board |
| Late Renewal (within 2 months) | $60 additional | Board |
| Reciprocity (Out-of-State) | $100 | Board |
License Renewal
All Missouri barber licenses expire on September 30 of every odd-numbered year. The Board mails renewal forms prior to expiration. The renewal fee is $30.
Missouri does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply complete the renewal form and pay the fee.
Late renewal: If you renew late but within two months of expiration, you must pay an additional $60 late fee on top of the $30 renewal fee. If you fail to renew beyond two months, you must apply for reinstatement. Contact the Board at 573-751-1052 for reinstatement procedures.
Transferring Your License to Missouri (Reciprocity)
Missouri offers license reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states under RSMo 324.009. You may qualify if you hold a current license in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia AND meet one of the following:
- Your original state has requirements substantially equal to Missouri’s (at least 95% of Missouri’s training hours), OR
- You have practiced as a barber for at least two consecutive years in another state
The reciprocity fee is $100. You must submit an affidavit completed by your original state’s licensing agency verifying your license type, status, and that it is current and in good standing.
Universal reciprocity (RSMo 324.009): Under HB 2046 (signed August 28, 2020), Missouri boards must waive experience and education requirements for any person who has been licensed for at least one year in another state, provided that state has minimum educational and experience requirements in place.
Crossover Licensing
Missouri offers crossover pathways between barbering and cosmetology:
Cosmetology to barber: Licensed cosmetologists can obtain a barber license by completing just 45 additional hours of barber training. This is one of the shortest crossover requirements available in any state.
Barber to cosmetology: Licensed barbers can obtain a Class CH cosmetology license (hairdressing only) by completing 500 additional hours of cosmetology training. Two years of Missouri barber experience can substitute for 250 of those hours, and three years can substitute for all 500 hours.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Missouri provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Priority Processing (RSMo 324.006): Spouses of active-duty military members receive first priority for processing licensure applications.
Universal Reciprocity (RSMo 324.009): Military members and spouses who hold a valid license from another state for at least one year may apply for Missouri licensure with waived experience and education requirements, provided their original state has minimum standards in place.
SCRA License Portability (2023): Under the amended Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, military spouses who relocate to Missouri may be able to practice under their existing out-of-state license.
What Can You Do with a Missouri Barber License?
A Missouri barber license authorizes you to perform shaving and beard trimming (including straight razor shaves), hair cutting and clipper services, shampooing and scalp treatments, and related grooming services.
Barbers in Missouri must work in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own barbershop, you need a separate establishment license from the Board.
A barber license does not authorize you to perform nail services, skin care beyond basic scalp treatments, or chemical hair treatments beyond what the barber curriculum covers. If you want a broader scope of practice, consider a cosmetology license (1,500 hours in Missouri), or use the 45-hour crossover pathway to add cosmetology services to your credentials.
Missouri Barber Salary and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), barbers in Missouri earn a median annual salary near the national median. The Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas typically have the highest employment and earning potential for barbers in the state. These figures do not include tips, which can add 20% to 30% to take-home pay. Barbershop owners and experienced barbers with established clienteles typically earn considerably more.
Employment for barbers is projected to grow steadily. Missouri’s comparatively low 1,000-hour requirement and affordable licensing fees make it an accessible state for starting a barbering career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Missouri?
Most people complete the process in 7 to 12 months. Full-time barber programs (1,000 hours) typically take 7 to 9 months. The apprenticeship pathway (2,000 hours) takes 18 to 24 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 Missouri?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $166: $146 in exam fees ($88 theory + $58 practical, paid to Prov) and a $20 license issuance fee to the Board.
Does Missouri require continuing education for barbers?
No. Missouri does not require any continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $30 renewal fee every two years by September 30 of the odd-numbered year.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Missouri?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). Your original state must have substantially equal requirements, or you must have practiced for at least two consecutive years. Under RSMo 324.009, Missouri must waive education and experience requirements for anyone licensed for at least one year in another state.
Does Missouri offer an apprenticeship program for barbering?
Yes. Missouri offers a 2,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed barber apprentice supervisor. You must first obtain an apprentice license ($25 fee). The apprenticeship typically takes 18 to 24 months.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Missouri?
Yes. Licensed cosmetologists can obtain a Missouri barber license by completing just 45 additional hours of barber training. This is one of the shortest crossover pathways in any state.
What is the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist in Missouri?
Barbers require 1,000 hours and focus on hair cutting, shaving, and beard grooming. Cosmetologists require 1,500 hours and are trained in hair, nails, and basic skin care. If you want to offer straight razor shaves and focus on traditional barbershop services, get a barber license. If you want the broadest scope of practice, a cosmetology license covers more services.
What score do I need to pass the Missouri barber exam?
You must score at least 75% on both the NIC written (theory) exam and the NIC practical exam.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
- Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (official website)
- License Applications and Forms
- Barber Fee Schedule
- Missouri Professional Registration Licensing Portal
- RSMo 328.080 (barber license qualifications)
- RSMo 328.075 (barber apprenticeship)
- Board Contact: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners | PO Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102 | Phone: (573) 751-1052 | Toll Free: (866) 762-9432 | Email: cosbar@pr.mo.gov