North Dakota licenses barbers through the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners, a separate board from the Board of Cosmetology. You need a North Dakota barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in the state.
North Dakota uses a unique two-phase licensing system. You must first complete 1,550 hours of training at a state-approved barber college, pass a qualifying exam to receive an apprentice license, then work under a registered barber for one year before taking the registered barber exam. The minimum age to begin is 18.5 years. Here is exactly how to get your North Dakota barber license.
North Dakota Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners |
| Minimum Age | 18.5 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma required |
| Training Hours Required | 1,550 hours at a state-approved barber college |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No separate apprenticeship pathway (but the licensing process itself includes a 1-year apprentice phase) |
| Licensing Exam | Two-phase: Qualifying exam (after school) + Registered barber exam (after 1-year apprenticeship) |
| Passing Score | |
| Exam Fees | |
| License Application Fee | |
| Total Initial Cost | |
| License Renewal | Annual, due July 1 | $100/year |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours every 2 years |
| Apply Online | |
| Board Website | ndbarberboard.com |
Education & Training Requirements
You must complete 1,550 hours of instruction at a state-approved barber college. A high school diploma is required, and you must be at least 18.5 years old to begin training. The curriculum covers hair cutting and clipper techniques, shaving and facial hair grooming, hair coloring and chemical services, sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology, and North Dakota barbering laws and rules.
No separate apprenticeship pathway: Unlike the cosmetology board, which added a DOL-approved apprenticeship in 2026, the barber board does not offer a standalone apprenticeship as an alternative to barber college. However, the licensing process itself includes a mandatory one-year apprenticeship phase after passing the qualifying exam (see below).
At 1,550 hours, North Dakota’s barber training requirement is above the national average. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide. If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Exam Requirements
North Dakota uses a two-phase exam system for barber licensing:
Phase 1 — Qualifying Exam: After completing your 1,550 hours of barber college training, you take a qualifying exam. Upon passing, you are issued an apprentice barber license, which allows you to work in a barbershop under the supervision of a registered barber.
Phase 2 — Registered Barber Exam: After working as an apprentice barber for a minimum of one year under a registered barber, you are eligible to take the registered barber exam. Upon passing, you receive your full registered barber license.
Contact the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners at ndbarberboard.com for current exam schedules, registration procedures, and fees.
Application Process & Fees
- Confirm you meet the minimum requirements: at least 18.5 years old with a high school diploma.
- Complete 1,550 hours of training at a state-approved barber college.
- Apply to take the qualifying exam through the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners.
- Pass the qualifying exam and receive your apprentice barber license.
- Work under a registered barber in a licensed barbershop for a minimum of one year.
- Apply to take the registered barber exam.
- Pass the registered barber exam and receive your full registered barber license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | ND Board of Barber Examiners | |
| Registered Barber Exam | ND Board of Barber Examiners | |
| License Application | ND Board of Barber Examiners | |
| Annual Renewal | $100 | ND Board of Barber Examiners |
| Reciprocity | $175 | ND Board of Barber Examiners |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
North Dakota barber licenses must be renewed annually, with the renewal due date of July 1. The annual renewal fee is $100.
Continuing education: North Dakota requires barbers to complete 6 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Contact the Board at ndbarberboard.com for renewal procedures and approved CE providers.
A paid online CE option. RocketCert offers a 6-hour North Dakota Barber CE course for $59 online with an immediate certificate.
Affiliate disclosure: if you enroll through this link, Beauty License Guide may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
North Dakota offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states. The reciprocity fee is $175.
To transfer your barber license to North Dakota, you must hold an active license in good standing from another state. Additional requirements may include verification of your training hours and work experience, and you may need to meet North Dakota-specific requirements.
For barber licensing requirements in other states, see our guides for Texas, Florida, and California.
Military Provisions
North Dakota provides accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses seeking professional licenses. The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides additional portability protections, allowing military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions.
Contact the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners for specific information about expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licenses available to military-connected applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in North Dakota?
The full process takes approximately two years. You need 1,550 hours of barber college training (about 10 to 14 months full-time), followed by passing the qualifying exam, then working for one year as an apprentice barber under a registered barber before you can take the final registered barber exam.
Why does North Dakota have a two-phase barber licensing system?
North Dakota requires new barbers to gain supervised work experience before receiving a full license. After completing barber college and passing the qualifying exam, you receive an apprentice barber license. You then work under a registered barber for one year to develop your skills before taking the registered barber exam for full licensure.
Is the North Dakota barber board the same as the cosmetology board?
No. North Dakota has a separate Board of Barber Examiners that governs barber licensing independently from the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. The two boards have different requirements, fee schedules, and application processes.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states. The reciprocity fee is $175. You must hold an active license in good standing and may need to meet additional North Dakota-specific requirements.
Does North Dakota require continuing education for barbers?
Yes. North Dakota requires barbers to complete 6 hours of continuing education every 2 years. This is a notable difference from the cosmetology board, which does not have a confirmed CE requirement.
Official Resources
- North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners (official website)
- Online License Application
- Board Address: 1325 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks, ND 58201-4339