Nevada licenses barbers through the State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board, which is a separate regulatory body from the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. You need a Nevada barber license to legally perform hair cutting, trimming, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in Nevada.
Nevada has a unique two-step pathway: you must first complete 1,500 hours of barber school, then serve an 18-month apprenticeship under a licensed barber before qualifying for the registered barber exam. This process differs significantly from most states. The total exam and licensing cost is approximately $200. Here is exactly how to do it.
Nevada Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board |
| Statutory Authority | NRS Chapter 643; NAC Chapter 643 |
| Minimum Age (Apprentice) | 16.5 years old (to enter barber school) |
| Minimum Age (Barber) | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent (apprentice); 10th grade (barber by experience) |
| Barber School Hours | 1,500 hours (1,300 practical + 200 theory) |
| Apprenticeship Required | 18 months full-time under a licensed barber |
| Licensing Exams | Written + Practical (75% passing score on each) |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| License Renewal Fee | $60 (biennial) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (due April 1 of even-numbered years) |
| Continuing Education | None required for barbers (required for instructors only) |
| Apply Online | barber.nv.gov |
| Board Website | barber.nv.gov |
Education and Training Requirements
Nevada’s barber licensing process is a two-step pathway that differs from most states. You must first attend barber school, then complete a supervised apprenticeship before qualifying for the full barber exam.
Step 1: Complete 1,500 Hours of Barber School
You must complete 1,500 hours of instruction at a Board-approved barber school (NAC 643.660). The curriculum breaks down as follows:
- 1,300 hours of practical work on patrons, including haircuts, shaves, shampoos, and other barbering services
- 200 hours of classroom theory
You must complete the program within 1 year of enrollment. Maximum daily hours are 8, with a maximum of 40 hours per week. Full-time programs typically take 9 to 12 months.
The curriculum covers hair cutting and clipper techniques, shaving and facial hair grooming, shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring and chemical services, anatomy and physiology, sanitation and infection control, and Nevada barbering laws and regulations.
Step 2: Complete an 18-Month Apprenticeship
After graduating from barber school and passing the apprentice exam, you must complete 18 months of full-time apprenticeship under the direct supervision of a licensed barber in a licensed barbershop. Apprenticeship requirements include:
- Minimum 40 hours per week of work
- 12 working days allowed for vacation or illness during the 18-month period
- Must work in a licensed barbershop with a licensed barber who is in direct charge
After completing the apprenticeship, you are eligible for the registered barber examination.
Cosmetologist Crossover: If you already hold a Nevada cosmetology license (under NRS 644A), you can complete a 400-hour conversion course (350 hours practical, 50 hours theory) and take the barber examination without completing the apprenticeship (NRS 643.200).
Out-of-State Experience: Barbers with 5 years of experience within the preceding 10 years who hold a current license from another state may qualify for licensure by endorsement without repeating the school and apprenticeship requirements.
Nevada’s combined requirement of 1,500 school hours plus an 18-month apprenticeship makes it one of the more rigorous barbering pathways in the country. For a comparison of requirements across all states, see our barber license guide.
Exam Requirements
Nevada administers two sets of examinations: the apprentice exam (taken after barber school) and the registered barber exam (taken after completing the apprenticeship).
Apprentice Exam
After completing 1,500 hours of barber school, you take the apprentice examination to receive your apprentice license, which allows you to begin the 18-month apprenticeship. The exam fee is $100.
Registered Barber Exam
After completing the 18-month apprenticeship, you take the registered barber examination. This exam includes:
- Written Exam: Multiple-choice questions covering barbering science, Nevada barbering laws and regulations
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills
- Passing score: 75% or higher on each portion
Exam fee: $100 per examination attempt.
Retake policy: You cannot take more than 4 examinations total. If you fail 4 times, you lose your apprentice license. After a failure, you must complete a 250-hour refresher course at a Board-approved school before retesting. You must appear for at least one exam per year while your apprentice license is active.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved barber school
- Apply for the apprentice examination with the $100 exam fee
- Pass the apprentice exam and receive your apprentice license
- Complete 18 months of full-time apprenticeship in a licensed barbershop
- Apply for the registered barber examination with the $100 exam fee
- Pass the written and practical barber exams with 75% or higher
- Receive your registered barber license
Nevada Barber License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Exam Fee | $100 | Board |
| Registered Barber Exam Fee | $100 | Board |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$200 | |
| Biennial Renewal (Barber/Apprentice) | $60 | Board |
| License Replacement | $20 | Board |
| License Restoration (expired < 2 years) | $120 | Board |
| Instructor License (initial) | $250 | Board |
| Instructor License Renewal | $250 | Board |
| Barbershop License (6+ months) | $50 | Board |
| Barbershop Inspection | $50 | Board |
Health requirements: All applicants must submit a certificate from a licensed physician certifying they are free from tuberculosis and communicable diseases (NRS 643.140).
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Nevada barber and apprentice licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal is due on or before April 1 of even-numbered years.
To renew:
- Submit your renewal application through the Board portal
- Pay the $60 renewal fee
Nevada does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. Continuing education is required only for instructor license renewals.
Expired licenses: If your license has been expired for less than 2 years, you can restore it by paying a $120 restoration fee. If expired for more than 2 years, you may need to requalify through examination.
Instructor renewal: Barber instructor licenses renew annually on or before April 1, with a May 1 expiration. Instructors must complete continuing education (seminars or other training) for renewal.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Nevada offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other U.S. states or the District of Columbia who meet substantially similar qualifications (NAC 643). To qualify for endorsement, you must:
- Hold a valid, unrestricted barber license from another U.S. state or D.C.
- Have at least 5 years of licensed barbering experience
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check
- Pass a nationally recognized barbering examination
- Provide two affidavits from individuals who have previously worked with you as a licensed barber
- Submit a physician’s certificate confirming freedom from tuberculosis and communicable diseases
Foreign-Licensed Barbers: Barbers licensed in other countries must qualify as an apprentice and meet apprentice requirements. However, if you can demonstrate 5 or more years of barbering experience in a foreign country (through two affidavits) and hold a current license, you may waive the 1,500-hour school requirement by completing a 250-hour refresher course instead.
For more information on barber licensing in other states, see our California, Texas, or Arizona barber license guides.
Military Provisions
The Nevada barber licensing statutes (NRS 643) do not contain specific military provisions for expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licenses for military members or spouses. However, the endorsement pathway may be available to military barbers who hold a valid license from another state and meet the 5-year experience requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Nevada?
Nevada’s process takes approximately 2 to 2.5 years total. Barber school (1,500 hours) takes 9 to 12 months full-time, followed by an 18-month apprenticeship. This is longer than most states because Nevada requires both school and an apprenticeship, while most states require one or the other.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Nevada?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $200: $100 for the apprentice exam and $100 for the registered barber exam. Biennial renewal is $60. Tuition for Nevada barber schools varies by program.
Does Nevada require continuing education to renew a barber license?
No. Nevada does not require any continuing education hours for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $60 renewal fee every two years by April 1 of even-numbered years.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Nevada?
Yes, through endorsement if you meet the requirements: a valid, unrestricted barber license from another state, 5 years of licensed experience, a high school diploma or GED, fingerprint background check, and two professional affidavits. You must also pass a nationally recognized barbering exam and submit a health certificate.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Nevada?
Yes. If you hold a Nevada cosmetology license, you can complete a 400-hour conversion course (350 practical, 50 theory) and take the barber examination without completing the 18-month apprenticeship. For a full comparison of these license types, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Why does Nevada have both a barber school requirement and an apprenticeship?
Nevada is one of the few states that requires both formal education and a supervised apprenticeship before issuing a registered barber license. The 1,500-hour school program covers foundational skills and theory, while the 18-month apprenticeship provides extensive on-the-job training under a licensed barber. This two-step process is governed by a separate board (the State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board), distinct from the cosmetology board that oversees other beauty professions.
Official Resources
- State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board (official website)
- Online License Application
- Registered Barber Exam Application (PDF)
- Endorsement Application (PDF)
- NRS Chapter 643 (barbering statutes)
- NAC Chapter 643 (barbering regulations)
- Board Contact: (702) 456-4769
- Board Address: 4710 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121