North Carolina licenses barbers through the North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners (BBEE), a board entirely separate from the Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners that oversees cosmetology. You need a North Carolina barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in North Carolina.
North Carolina has one of the most rigorous barbering pathways in the country: 1,528 hours at an approved barber school followed by a mandatory 12-month apprenticeship under a licensed barber. This is a two-stage licensing process — you first earn an apprentice barber license, then a licensed (registered) barber license after completing your apprenticeship. The total cost is approximately $295 in Board fees. Here is exactly how to do it.
North Carolina Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners (BBEE) |
| Statutory Authority | NC General Statutes Chapter 86B (recodified from Chapter 86A effective January 1, 2023) |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED (required for school enrollment) [VERIFY] |
| Training Hours Required | 1,528 hours at a Board-approved barber school |
| Apprenticeship Required? | Yes — mandatory 12-month apprenticeship after school |
| Licensing Exams | Apprentice exam: NIC written + practical | Licensed barber exam: practical only |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Fee | $85 per exam (paid to Board) |
| License Fee | $50 per license (apprentice and licensed barber) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $295 (student permit + apprentice exam + apprentice license + licensed barber exam + licensed barber license) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires May 31) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | BBEE Online Portal |
| Board Website | bbee.nc.gov/barbers |
Recent Changes to North Carolina Barber Licensing
Session Law 2022-72 — Board Merger and Recodification (Effective January 1, 2023): The NC Board of Barber Examiners and the NC Board of Electrolysis Examiners merged into the NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners. The barber licensing statute was recodified from Chapter 86A to Chapter 86B. The board website transitioned from ncbarbers.com to bbee.nc.gov. The merged board consists of nine members: five licensed barbers, two electrologists, one physician, and one public member.
Mobile Barbershop Provisions: New provisions for mobile barbershop permits (G.S. 86B-30) were added with the recodification. Mobile barbershop permits cost $50 and require a $120 inspection fee.
Exam Portal Transition (February 2026): Beginning February 2026, exam notices are available only through the Board’s online Exam Portal. Paper notices are no longer mailed.
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 86B does not specify a minimum age for barber licensing. A high school diploma or GED is generally required for enrollment in a Board-approved barber school, though this is a school enrollment requirement rather than a statutory licensing prerequisite.
Student Permit Required: Before entering barber school, you must obtain a student permit from the Board. Your school must submit the student permit application at least 10 days before you begin classes. No student may enroll or receive credit without a Board-issued student permit. The student permit fee is $25 (non-refundable).
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, note that North Carolina licenses these through completely separate boards. Barbering requires 1,528 school hours plus a 12-month apprenticeship but focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and grooming. Cosmetology requires 1,500 school hours (no mandatory apprenticeship) and covers hair, skin, and nail services. See our barber vs cosmetology license guide for a full comparison.
Step 2: Complete 1,528 Hours at a Board-Approved Barber School
You must complete 1,528 clock hours of instruction at a barber school approved by the NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners. Full-time programs typically take 9 to 12 months. The curriculum covers:
- Hair cutting and clipper techniques
- Shaving and facial hair grooming
- Shampooing and application of creams, lotions, and tonics
- Hair coloring, bleaching, and chemical services (permanent waving, pressing)
- Facial and scalp massages and treatments
- Sanitation and hygiene
- Care and preparation of tools and implements
- Anatomy and structure of skin and hair
- Common skin and scalp diseases (recognition)
- Elementary chemistry relating to sterilization and antiseptics
- Electrical appliances and their effects on skin
- North Carolina barbering statutes and regulations
North Carolina’s combined requirement of 1,528 school hours plus a mandatory 12-month apprenticeship is among the highest total training requirements for barbers in the United States. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Apprentice Barber Exam and Begin Your Apprenticeship
After completing your 1,528 school hours, you must pass the apprentice barber examination before you can begin your apprenticeship. This exam has two components:
How to apply:
- Submit your apprentice barber exam application online or on paper through the Board’s forms page
- Pay the $85 exam fee
- Your school confirms completion of 1,528 training hours to the Board
- Board schedules your written and practical exams (first-come, first-served)
Written Exam: The NIC Barber Theory Exam covers barbering theory, sanitation, infection control, anatomy, chemistry, and North Carolina rules and regulations. The exam is 90 minutes. A passing score of 70% is required on each portion.
Practical Exam: Approximately 1 hour. You demonstrate barbering skills on a mannequin including a tapered neckline haircut, simulated shave, sanitation procedures, and proper use of tools. A passing score of 70% is required.
Temporary Work Permit: If you need to start working while waiting for your exam date, you may request a temporary work permit through the Board’s permit request form. A maximum of 2 temporary permits may be issued.
After passing the apprentice exam: Pay the $50 apprentice barber license fee. Your apprentice license authorizes you to practice barbering under the direct supervision of a licensed barber in a Board-licensed barbershop.
Step 4: Complete Your Apprenticeship and Obtain Your Licensed Barber License
You must complete a 12-month apprenticeship under the direct supervision of a licensed barber. Key apprenticeship requirements:
- Your supervising licensed barber must remain on the premises at all times while you are working (G.S. 86B-40(a))
- At the end of your apprenticeship, the supervising barber submits a sworn affidavit to the Board confirming completion
- No apprentice may practice for more than 3 years without retaking and passing the examination (G.S. 86B-40(d))
Licensed Barber Exam: After completing your 12-month apprenticeship, submit the licensed barber exam application ($85 fee) and pass the licensed barber practical exam. The written exam is not separately required at this stage — it was taken at the apprentice level.
Licensed Barber License: After passing the practical exam, pay the $50 license fee to receive your licensed (registered) barber license. This authorizes you to practice barbering independently — you are no longer required to work under supervision.
North Carolina Barber License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Student Permit | $25 | BBEE |
| Apprentice Barber Exam | $85 | BBEE |
| Apprentice Barber License | $50 | BBEE |
| Licensed Barber Exam | $85 | BBEE |
| Licensed Barber License | $50 | BBEE |
| Total Initial Cost | $295 | |
| Annual Renewal | $50 | BBEE |
| Late Restoration (within 1 year) | $35 | BBEE |
| Late Restoration (1–5 years) | $70 | BBEE |
| Reciprocity License (Out-of-State) | $120 | BBEE |
| Barbershop Permit | $50 | BBEE |
| New Barbershop Inspection | $120 | BBEE |
| Duplicate License | $10 | BBEE |
| Barbers 70 Years and Older | No charge (license and renewal) | BBEE |
License Renewal
North Carolina barber licenses expire annually on May 31. The renewal fee is $50 for barbers and apprentices, and $85 for instructors. Renew online through the Board’s online portal or by mail. Payment accepted via Visa, Mastercard, or Discover (no American Express).
North Carolina does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee and update your information.
Late renewal penalties:
- License automatically suspends by operation of law if not renewed by May 31 (G.S. 86B-34(a))
- Within 1 year of expiration: Pay back renewal fee + $35 restoration fee
- 1 to 5 years after expiration: Pay back renewal fees + $70 restoration fee
- Beyond 5 years: Must retake the clinical examination before practicing (no apprenticeship required)
Barbers aged 70 and older: No charge for license or renewal fees.
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to North Carolina
North Carolina offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states under G.S. 86B-28. Two pathways are available:
Standard Reciprocity (without examination): To qualify, you must hold a current license in good standing, have practiced at least 1 of the past 5 years, have no pending disciplinary proceedings, and come from a state with requirements substantially equivalent to North Carolina’s. The reciprocity fee is $120.
Alternative Pathway (with examination): If you do not meet all standard reciprocity requirements, the Board may still grant a license if you met your original state’s licensure standards, have at least 5 years of practical experience, and pass a practical, written, or oral examination demonstrating knowledge of North Carolina barbering skills and sanitation rules.
Apply online through the Board’s portal or submit the out-of-state paper application. Not all out-of-state applicants qualify through reciprocity — some may need to apply through the standard exam process.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
North Carolina provides significant licensing accommodations for military-connected barbers:
Veterans Returning to Practice (G.S. 86B-34(c)): Barbers who held a license for at least one year before entering military service may renew within 90 days of honorable discharge. They pay only the current annual renewal fee and are exempt from examination.
No-Fee Application (G.S. 93B-15.1): No initial application fee may be charged to military-trained applicants or military spouses. Third-party fees (such as background checks) may still apply.
Expedited Processing: The Board must respond to military applications within 15 days — either granting licensure or identifying specific deficiencies.
Temporary Practice Permits: The Board must issue temporary practice permits to military applicants and spouses within 15 days of application, valid for one year or until licensure is granted.
Military Training Credit: Applicants with equivalent military barber training and at least 2 of the past 5 years of active practice may qualify for licensure. Alternatively, applicants with military documentation may pass a proficiency examination.
SCRA License Portability: Under the 2023 SCRA amendment, service members and spouses who relocate due to military orders can use their current home-state license in North Carolina.
What Can You Do with a North Carolina Barber License?
Per G.S. 86B-22, a North Carolina barber license authorizes you to perform:
- Shaving or trimming the beard
- Cutting hair
- Dyeing hair and applying hair tonics
- Permanent waving, marcelling, and hair pressing
- Frosting and streaking
- Giving facial and scalp massages and treatments with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations (manually or with mechanical appliances)
- Shampooing
Practice settings: Licensed barbershops and mobile barbering units. Barbers may also practice in a client’s home out of medical necessity without meeting facility requirements (G.S. 86B-31).
Services that do NOT require a barber license:
- Shampooing and blow-drying only (performed by unlicensed shop employees)
- Barbering performed by family members on other family members (G.S. 86B-42)
Barber vs. Cosmetologist scope in North Carolina: Barbering is regulated by a completely separate board and statute. Cosmetologists (licensed under Chapter 88B) can perform hair, skin, and nail services. Barbers (licensed under Chapter 86B) focus on hair cutting, shaving, and grooming. The two boards have separate licensing processes, exams, and renewal schedules.
North Carolina Barber Salary and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, barbers nationally earn a median annual salary of approximately $38,600 ($18.73 per hour). Nationally, employment for barbers is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. These figures do not include tips, which can add 15% to 25% to base compensation.
North Carolina’s strong military presence (Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, multiple Air Force bases) provides steady demand for barbering services in areas near military installations.
Barber Instructor Requirements
To become a barber instructor in North Carolina, you must hold a current licensed barber license and pass the barber instructor examination (written and practical). The exam covers subjects in G.S. 86B-38(4) and the Board-approved Textbook of Barber Styling. The instructor exam fee is $165, and the instructor license costs $85. Instructor licenses renew annually on May 31 ($85 renewal fee). If your instructor license expires for 3 or more years, you must retake and pass the instructor examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in North Carolina?
The full process takes approximately 2 to 2.5 years. A full-time 1,528-hour school program typically takes 9 to 12 months, followed by a mandatory 12-month apprenticeship. Exam scheduling adds additional time at each stage. This is longer than most states because North Carolina requires both school completion and a full-year apprenticeship.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in North Carolina?
Board fees total $295: $25 student permit, $85 apprentice exam, $50 apprentice license, $85 licensed barber exam, and $50 licensed barber license. This does not include school tuition, which varies by program. Barbers aged 70 and older pay no license or renewal fees.
Does North Carolina require continuing education for barbers?
No. North Carolina does not require any continuing education hours for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $50 annual renewal fee by May 31.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to North Carolina?
Yes, through reciprocity ($120 fee). You must hold a current license in good standing, have practiced at least 1 of the past 5 years, and come from a state with substantially equivalent requirements. If your state’s requirements are not equivalent, you may qualify through an alternative pathway requiring 5 years of experience and passage of an examination.
Why does North Carolina require an apprenticeship for barbers?
North Carolina’s barber licensing is a two-stage process: you first earn an apprentice barber license (after completing school and passing the apprentice exam), then practice under supervision for 12 months before qualifying for a licensed (registered) barber license. The apprenticeship is mandatory — it is not an alternative to school, but a requirement in addition to 1,528 hours of schooling.
What is the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist in North Carolina?
Barbers and cosmetologists are licensed by completely separate boards. Barbers (Chapter 86B, Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners) require 1,528 school hours plus a 12-month apprenticeship and focus on hair cutting, shaving, and grooming. Cosmetologists (Chapter 88B, Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners) require 1,500 school hours and cover hair, skin, and nail services. For a full comparison, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in North Carolina?
There is no crossover program between the two boards. A cosmetologist who wants a barber license must complete the full barber school program (1,528 hours), pass the apprentice exam, complete the 12-month apprenticeship, and pass the licensed barber exam. The two license types are governed by separate statutes and boards.
How do I check the status of my North Carolina barber license?
Use the Board’s online portal at bbee.nc.gov/barbers to verify license status and check for any disciplinary actions.
Official Resources
North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
7001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-7000
Phone: (919) 814-0640
Email: barbers@nc.gov
Website: bbee.nc.gov/barbers
Apply for a License / Renew:
BBEE Online Portal
Individual Forms (Apprentice, Licensed Barber, Out-of-State):
BBEE Individual Forms Page
Exam Information:
BBEE Barber Exams Page
Fee Schedule:
BBEE Barber Fees
NC General Statutes Chapter 86B:
Chapter 86B — Practice of Barbering
License Renewal Information:
BBEE License Renewals