Vermont licenses barbers through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) under the Vermont Secretary of State. The advisory Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists operates under OPR. You need a Vermont barber license to legally perform barbering services for compensation anywhere in Vermont.
Vermont requires 750 hours of approved barber training plus NIC theory and practical exams administered by Prov. The application and initial license fee is $155. Notably, Vermont’s barber scope of practice is unusually broad — it includes esthetics services, which is rare for barber licenses nationwide. Here is exactly how to get your Vermont barber license.
Vermont Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) |
| Advisory Board | Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists |
| Statutory Authority | 26 V.S.A. Chapter 6 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified in statute (schools may require high school diploma or GED) |
| Training Hours Required | 750 hours at an approved school (or apprenticeship up to 1,125 hours) |
| Licensing Exam | NIC barber theory + NIC barber practical exam (administered by Prov) |
| Exam Fees | |
| Application/License Fee | $155 |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial, every odd-numbered year by November 30 |
| Renewal Fee | $120 |
| Continuing Education | Not specified in statute |
| Apply Online | OPR Online Services |
| Board Website | sos.vermont.gov/barbers-cosmetologists |
Education and Training Requirements
You must complete 750 hours of barber training at a state-approved school. Full-time students can typically complete the program in 5 to 7 months.
Scope of practice: Vermont’s barber license has an unusually broad scope compared to most states. A Vermont barber license authorizes you to perform:
- Cutting, shampooing, and styling hair
- Shaving the face and trimming facial hair
- Facials, skin care, and scalp massage
- Coloring, straightening, and permanent-waving hair
- Esthetics services
In most states, barber licenses are limited to hair cutting, shaving, and grooming. Vermont’s inclusion of esthetics services within the barber scope is a significant distinction. If you are deciding between a barber license and a cosmetology license, see our barber vs cosmetology license comparison.
Apprenticeship alternative: Vermont offers an apprenticeship pathway for barbers. Under 26 V.S.A. Section 280a, the apprenticeship duration is capped at 150% of formal training hours, meaning barber apprenticeships require up to 1,125 hours.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both the NIC barber theory exam and the NIC barber practical exam. Both exams are administered by Prov.
- Theory exam: Multiple-choice covering barbering theory, sanitation, safety, and Vermont laws and rules.
- Practical exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills.
- Passing score:
- Time limit: You must pass both exams within 1 year.
- Exam fees:
Register for exams through Prov after your school confirms completion of training hours.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 750 hours of barber training at an approved school (or complete an apprenticeship of up to 1,125 hours)
- Register for and pass both the NIC barber theory and practical exams through Prov
- Submit your license application through OPR Online Services
- Pay the $155 application and license fee
- Receive your Vermont barber license
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application/Initial License | $155 | OPR |
| Exam Fees | Prov | |
| Biennial Renewal | $120 | OPR |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Vermont barber licenses must be renewed biennially, every odd-numbered year by November 30. The renewal fee is $120.
Renew your license through OPR Online Services.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Vermont offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states. The process depends on how your original state’s requirements compare to Vermont’s:
- Substantially equal requirements: If your original state’s barber requirements are substantially equal to Vermont’s, you may receive a Vermont license without examination.
- Materially less rigorous requirements: If your original state’s requirements are materially less rigorous than Vermont’s, you may still qualify by providing proof of at least 1,500 documented practice hours.
Apply through OPR Online Services and provide verification of your current license from your original state’s licensing agency.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, see our complete barber license guide. You may also find it helpful to compare Vermont’s requirements with states like Arizona (1,200 hours) or Texas (1,500 hours).
Military Provisions
Vermont participates in general military spouse licensing accommodations. The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides portability protections that allow military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions.
Contact OPR directly for current information on expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licensing provisions for active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Notable Exemptions
The following activities do not require a Vermont barber license:
- Students enrolled at recognized barber schools performing services as part of their training
- Practitioners of other licensed professions performing related functions within their scope
- Licensed professionals serving patients in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, or funeral homes, or providing services to homebound individuals
- Theatrical and performing arts makeup artists
- Natural hair braiding without cutting, chemicals, dyes, or heat
- Incarcerated individuals who received training in correctional facilities
Non-compete covenants: Vermont law prohibits barber schools from requiring students to sign non-compete covenants.
Shop Licensing
If you plan to open your own barbershop in Vermont, you need a separate shop license. The shop application fee is $285 and the renewal fee is $355. A designated licensee must be responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of the establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a barber license in Vermont?
Vermont requires 750 hours of barber training at an approved school. An apprenticeship pathway is also available, requiring up to 1,125 hours (150% of the formal training requirement).
How much does a Vermont barber license cost?
The application and initial license fee is $155, paid to OPR. Exam fees are paid separately to Prov. The biennial renewal fee is $120. These costs do not include school tuition.
Can Vermont barbers perform esthetics services?
Yes. Vermont’s barber scope of practice is unusually broad and includes esthetics services such as facials and skin care, in addition to standard barbering services like cutting, shaving, coloring, and chemical treatments. This is rare for barber licenses nationwide.
Can I transfer my barber license to Vermont from another state?
Yes. If your original state’s requirements are substantially equal to Vermont’s, you may receive a license without examination. If your state’s requirements are materially less rigorous, you can qualify with proof of at least 1,500 documented practice hours.
Does Vermont offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbers?
Yes. Vermont allows a barber apprenticeship pathway capped at 1,125 hours (150% of the 750-hour formal training requirement).
Official Resources
- Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Online License Application (OPR Online Services)
- 26 V.S.A. Chapter 6 (barber/cosmetology statute)
- Contact: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation | sos.vermont.gov/opr