South Carolina licenses barbers through the Board of Barber Examiners, a separate board from the Board of Cosmetology, under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). You need a South Carolina barber license to perform haircuts, shaving, beard trimming, and related grooming services for compensation anywhere in South Carolina.
South Carolina has a unique two-tier system: a registered barber license covers cutting, shaving, and non-chemical services, while a master hair care specialist license adds chemical services like perming, relaxing, and coloring. The state offers both a school pathway (1,500 hours) and an on-the-job training pathway (1,920 hours). NIC exams are administered through PCS with a 70% passing score. Here is exactly how to get licensed.
South Carolina Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Registered Barber / Master Hair Care Specialist |
| Governing Agency | South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) |
| Board | Board of Barber Examiners (separate from Board of Cosmetology) |
| Statutory Authority | SC Code Title 40, Chapter 7; SC Regulations Chapter 17 |
| Minimum Age | 17 (for license); 16 (for student permit) |
| Education Prerequisite | 9th-grade education or equivalent |
| Training Hours (School) | 1,500 hours at a Board-approved barber school |
| Training Hours (OJT) | 1,920 hours under a licensed barber/instructor in a licensed shop |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (110 questions, 90 min) + NIC Practical, administered by PCS |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fees | $175 combined ($115 theory + $105 practical, paid to PCS) |
| Application Fee | $45 (registered barber) |
| Student Permit | $35 |
| License Term | Biennial (odd years, expires June 30) |
| Renewal Fee | $125 (registered barber); $150 (master hair care) |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | LLR eService Portal |
Education and Training Requirements
South Carolina offers two pathways to meet barber training requirements:
Pathway 1 — Barber school (1,500 hours): Complete 1,500 hours of classroom instruction at a Board-approved barber school or college. Full-time students typically complete the program in approximately 9 months.
Pathway 2 — On-the-job training (1,920 hours): Complete 1,920 hours of training under the personal supervision of a registered barber or master hair care specialist who is a qualified OJT instructor, in a licensed barbershop. This pathway takes approximately 12 months.
Before beginning either pathway, you must obtain a student permit from the Board ($35 fee). You must be at least 16 years old for a student permit and have at least a 9th-grade education or equivalent.
OJT details: Training hours must be documented on Board-provided Daily/Monthly Hour Record Sheets. One instructor may train no more than two students simultaneously. Hours can be transferred between school and OJT pathways at the instructor’s or school’s discretion.
Training hours do not expire. Unlike some states, SC barber training hours have no expiration date.
At 1,500 hours (school pathway), South Carolina matches the national average for barber training. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
License Tiers
South Carolina has a multi-tier barber licensing system:
| License Level | Chemical Services? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Barber | No (cutting, shaving, non-chemical only) | 1,500 school hours or 1,920 OJT hours + exams |
| Master Hair Care Specialist | Yes (perming, relaxing, coloring, bleaching) | Registered barber license + additional training + exams |
| Barber Instructor | N/A | May train up to 2 students |
Important: Only a licensed master hair care specialist may use chemicals to wave, relax, straighten, or bleach hair. A registered barber license alone does not authorize chemical services.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a theory exam and a practical exam. South Carolina uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS).
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 110 (100 scored + 10 pilot) | 90 minutes | 70% | $115 [VERIFY] |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration | Varies by section | 70% | $105 [VERIFY] |
| Combined (both) | — | — | — | $175 [VERIFY] |
Theory exam content: Infection control and safety, human anatomy/physiology, hair and scalp conditions, chemistry of barbering products, tools and implements, and business practices.
Practical exam: Includes haircutting (40-minute timed section), shaving with a straight razor, and blood exposure/first-aid procedure. Master hair care candidates also demonstrate chemical waving, relaxer application, hair color retouch, facial with massage, blow dry styling, and thermal curling.
How to register: Schedule your exams through PCS or call 1-888-822-3272.
Retake policy: If you fail one part, you only need to retake the failed portion. Re-exam fees are $55 (practical) or $65 (theory).
Application Process and Fees
- Obtain a student permit from the Board ($35)
- Complete 1,500 hours at an approved barber school or 1,920 hours of OJT
- Have your instructor or school complete and sign a Training Affidavit
- Apply for examination through PCS at pcshq.com
- Pay exam fees ($175 combined, paid to PCS)
- Pass both NIC theory and practical exams with 70% or higher
- Submit the registered barber application ($45) through the LLR eService Portal
- Receive your license
Board address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210. Phone: (803) 896-4588. Email: BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov.
License Renewal
South Carolina barber licenses renew biennially in odd years, with a deadline of June 30. The renewal fee is $125 for registered barbers or $150 for master hair care specialists.
South Carolina does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. This is a notable difference from the cosmetology board, which does require 4 CE hours.
Late renewal: The reinstatement fee is $150 for registered barbers ($175 for master hair care specialists). If your license has been lapsed for more than 3 years, you must retake and pass the NIC examination. Barber instructor licenses lapse after 5 years before re-examination is required.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to South Carolina
South Carolina accepts out-of-state barber licenses through reciprocity/endorsement:
- Must have a minimum 9th-grade education or equivalent
- Must hold a current barber license (not an apprentice license) in another state
- Must have passed the NIC exam; if your state did not use NIC, you must take and pass the NIC exam in South Carolina
- Must submit official verification of licensure from your current state (showing exam type passed, license status, and disciplinary history)
- Fee: $140
Applicants from NIC-exam states like Florida, Georgia, or Texas can typically transfer without additional examination.
Military Service Members and Spouses
South Carolina provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants under SC Code Title 40, Chapter 1:
- Military spouse temporary license: The Board issues temporary licenses (valid for 1 year) to spouses of active-duty service members stationed in South Carolina (SC Code 40-1-630).
- Fee exemption: Active-duty service members cannot be charged license fees during any calendar year they serve (SC Code 40-1-620).
- Military training credit: The Board must accept military education, training, and experience and apply it “in the manner most favorable” toward licensure qualifications (SC Code 40-1-640).
- Expedited processing: LLR prioritizes military spouse applications. Contact: militaryspouseinfo@llr.sc.gov.
Recent Legislative Changes
Act No. 162 (2022) — Barbers in cosmetology salons: Licensed barbers and master hair care specialists may now practice within the scope of their barber license in salons registered with the Board of Cosmetology (SC Code 40-13-40). Previously, barbers could only work in licensed barbershops.
Regulation Document No. 5154 (effective May 2023): Clarified that barber school instructors may not provide professional services to clients while on school premises and engaged in instruction.
Bill H.3484 (2025 — pending): Would revise the definition of hair braiding and exempt hair braiders and makeup artists from regulation by both the Barber and Cosmetology boards. Not yet enacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a barber license in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires either 1,500 hours at an approved barber school or 1,920 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed barber instructor. The OJT pathway takes approximately 12 months.
What is the difference between a registered barber and master hair care specialist in South Carolina?
A registered barber can cut hair, shave, trim beards, and provide non-chemical services. A master hair care specialist can also perform chemical services like perming, relaxing, coloring, and bleaching. Chemical services require the master-level license.
Does South Carolina require continuing education for barber license renewal?
No. South Carolina does not require any continuing education for barber license renewal. This is different from the cosmetology board, which requires 4 CE hours.
What score do I need to pass the barber exam in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires a 70% passing score on both the NIC theory and practical exams. This is lower than the 75% required by the cosmetology board.
Can I transfer my barber license from another state to South Carolina?
Yes. You must hold a current barber license (not apprentice) and have passed the NIC exam. If your state did not use NIC, you must take the NIC exam in South Carolina. The reciprocity fee is $140.
Can barbers work in cosmetology salons in South Carolina?
Yes. Since 2022 (Act No. 162), registered barbers and master hair care specialists may practice within their authorized scope in salons registered with the Board of Cosmetology.
Official Resources
- South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners (official website)
- LLR Online Application Portal
- Applications and Forms
- Exam Information
- PCS Exams (exam registration)
- SC Code Title 40, Chapter 7
- License Verification
- Phone: (803) 896-4588 | Email: BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov
- Address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210