Virginia licenses barbers through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) under the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. You need a Virginia barber license to perform haircuts, shaving, beard trimming, and related grooming services for compensation anywhere in Virginia.
Virginia recently reduced its barber training requirement from 1,100 to 750 hours effective December 1, 2025 — making it one of the lowest barber hour requirements in the country. The state also offers a master barber license (1,000 total hours) for expanded services. Virginia uses NIC exams administered through Prov, and the total cost including exams and license is approximately $314. Here is exactly how to get licensed.
Virginia Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Barber (standard) / Master Barber (advanced) |
| Governing Agency | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) |
| Board | Board for Barbers and Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7; 18VAC41-20 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute; apprenticeship pathway requires age 16 |
| Education Prerequisite | None required by statute |
| Training Hours Required | 750 hours (barber) or 1,000 hours (dual barber/master barber) |
| Apprenticeship Alternative | 2,000 hours through Virginia DOLI registered apprenticeship |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (110 questions, 90 min) + NIC Written Practical (60 questions, 120 min), administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75 (scaled score) |
| Exam Fees | $99 written + $95 practical = $194 (paid to Prov) |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$314 (excluding tuition) |
| License Term | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Fee | $120 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DPOR Online Services Portal |
Education and Training Requirements
Virginia requires 750 clock hours of barber training at a DPOR-licensed school. This was reduced from 1,100 hours effective December 1, 2025. Students enrolled under the previous curriculum must complete their program by February 28, 2026.
Full-time students typically complete the 750-hour program in 5 to 7 months. The curriculum must include a minimum of 332 practical performances and cover:
| Subject Area | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Hair Services (shampooing, cutting, styling) | 270 |
| Shaving and Trimming (moustache, beard) | 100 |
| Applied Sciences (anatomy, skin conditions, scalp treatments) | 100 |
| Facial Care Services | 100 |
| General Sciences (sanitation, OSHA, chemistry) | 80 |
| Applying Hair Color | 50 |
| Orientation and Business Topics | 25 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 15 |
| Laws and Regulations | 10 |
| Total | 750 |
No education prerequisite: Virginia does not require a high school diploma or GED for barber licensure. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Apprenticeship pathway: Virginia offers a registered apprenticeship alternative requiring 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in a licensed barbershop, administered through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and receive at least 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. Students transferring from barber school receive credit on a 2:1 ratio (2 hours of apprenticeship credit for each 1 hour of school training).
Online training: Theory hours may be delivered online if the school verifies student identity and requires in-person competency assessments. Practical instruction must be completed in person.
At 750 hours, Virginia is well below the national average for barber training. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Master Barber License
Virginia offers an advanced master barber license requiring an additional 250 hours of training beyond the standard barber program (1,000 hours total for a dual barber/master barber program). The master barber curriculum adds:
- Permanent waving and relaxing hair with chemicals (110+ hours)
- Lightening or toning hair (100+ hours)
- Thermal waving (20+ hours)
- Hairpieces and wigs (15 hours)
- Scalp waxing (5 hours)
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a theory exam and a practical exam. Virginia uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by Prov (which replaced PSI effective January 1, 2025).
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 110 (100 scored + 10 pilot) | 90 minutes | 75 (scaled) | $99 |
| Written Practical | 60 (50 scored + 10 pilot) | 120 minutes | 75 (scaled) [VERIFY] | $95 |
Theory exam content: Scientific concepts (35%) including infection control, anatomy and physiology, and basic chemistry. Barbering services including haircutting, shaving, hair coloring, and Virginia laws and regulations.
Written practical exam: Unlike many states that use a hands-on practical, Virginia’s NIC barber practical exam is a written format covering infection control and safety practices, human anatomy and physiology, and barbering procedures.
How to register: Create an account at provexam.com or call (877) 228-3926 to schedule your exams.
Exam validity: If you pass one exam, you do not need to retake it as long as you pass the other exam within one year. If you pass both but do not apply for licensure within five years, you must retake both examinations.
Application Process and Fees
After passing both exams, apply for your barber license. You can apply through the DPOR Online Services Portal, by email to BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov, or by mail.
- Complete your 750-hour training program or 2,000-hour apprenticeship
- Register with Prov and pass both the NIC theory and practical exams ($194 total)
- Submit the Barber Exam and License Application (Form A450-1301)
- Pay the $120 application fee (nonrefundable)
- Disclose any felony convictions within the past 10 years
- Sign the certification statement confirming you have read Virginia’s barber and cosmetology laws
- Receive your license
Temporary license: Eligible applicants can receive a free temporary license valid for 90 days while awaiting exam results. You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed barber or master barber during this period.
Processing time: DPOR notifies applicants within 5 calendar days of receipt whether the application is approved or deficient.
DPOR mailing address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233. Phone: (804) 367-8509.
License Renewal
Virginia barber licenses expire every 2 years from the last day of the month in which the license was issued. The renewal fee is $120. Renew online at the DPOR renewal portal.
Virginia does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee on time.
Late renewal: If your license expires, you must pay a reinstatement fee of $240 ($120 renewal + $120 reinstatement). If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you must reapply as a new applicant and meet all current requirements. Practicing on an expired license may result in prosecution and fines.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to Virginia
Virginia offers three pathways for out-of-state barbers:
License by endorsement (18VAC41-20-30):
- Must hold a current, valid license in another state
- Training must be “substantially equivalent” — at least 80% of Virginia’s required hours (600 of 750 hours)
- If your state required both written and practical exams, you may be licensed without additional examination
- If your state only required one exam, you may take Virginia’s other exam to qualify
- Fee: $120
Work experience substitution: If your training is not substantially equivalent, you may substitute 3 years of documented licensed work experience for training deficiencies.
Universal License Recognition (ULR): Since 2023, Virginia offers ULR for applicants who have held a valid license in another state for at least 3 years, passed an examination, have no disciplinary actions, and have no disqualifying criminal record. Fee: $120.
With Virginia’s reduced 750-hour requirement, almost every other state’s barber program will meet the 80% endorsement threshold. Applicants from states like Texas (1,000 hours) or California (1,000 hours) will easily qualify.
Military Service Members and Spouses
Virginia provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
- Military training credit: DPOR must accept substantially equivalent military training, education, or experience toward licensing requirements (Virginia Code 54.1-118). Applicants with at least 2 years of barbering experience in the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for examination.
- Military spouse expedited processing: DPOR has 20 days to act on applications from military spouses. If review cannot be completed in 20 days, a temporary 12-month license must be issued (Virginia Code 54.1-119).
- License portability: Active-duty service members and spouses may transfer licenses from other states under SCRA provisions.
- Renewal extensions: Active-duty personnel serving outside the U.S. may receive up to a 5-year renewal extension.
- Financial assistance: Military branches offer spouse license reimbursement up to $1,000 for PCS-related license transfer costs.
Recent Legislative and Regulatory Changes
Training hours reduced (effective December 1, 2025): Virginia’s Board reduced barber training from 1,100 to 750 hours and master barber from 400 to 250 additional hours. Schools must submit updated curriculum packets by March 1, 2026.
New exam vendor (effective January 1, 2025): Prov replaced PSI as the examination vendor for all Board for Barbers and Cosmetology exams.
Criminal history reform (effective December 1, 2025 for regulations; SB 826 effective July 1, 2025 for legislation): Felony disclosure window reduced from 20 to 10 years. Misdemeanor disclosure eliminated except for specific offense categories. Applicants may request a binding predetermination of whether a criminal record would disqualify them.
Minor employment (HB 1667/SB 1228, effective July 1, 2025): Individuals aged 16 and older may now work in licensed barbershops as apprentices, through work-training programs, or with an active barber license.
International credentials (HB 1940/SB 1188, effective July 1, 2025): DPOR must create regulatory pathways for foreign-trained applicants with U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work visa.
Instructor program changes (effective December 1, 2025): Standalone instructor programs are no longer an approved pathway for instructor certification. Candidates must now complete a college-level teaching certificate or a Certified Instructor Course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a barber license in Virginia?
Virginia requires 750 hours of barber training at a DPOR-licensed school, reduced from 1,100 hours effective December 1, 2025. For a master barber license, you need 1,000 total hours. A 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship is also available.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Virginia?
State fees total approximately $314: $99 for the theory exam and $95 for the practical exam (both paid to Prov), plus a $120 application fee paid to DPOR. School tuition is separate.
Does Virginia require continuing education for barber license renewal?
No. Virginia does not require any continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $120 biennial renewal fee.
What is the difference between a barber and master barber license in Virginia?
A standard barber license (750 hours) covers cutting, shaving, hair color, and basic facial services. A master barber license (1,000 total hours) adds permanent waving, chemical relaxing, hair lightening/toning, and wig services.
Does Virginia require a high school diploma for a barber license?
No. Virginia does not require a high school diploma, GED, or minimum education level for barber licensure. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Can I transfer my barber license from another state to Virginia?
Yes. Virginia offers license by endorsement if your training is substantially equivalent (at least 600 of 750 hours). If your training falls short, you may substitute 3 years of licensed work experience. Virginia also offers Universal License Recognition for applicants who have held a license for at least 3 years.
Official Resources
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (official website)
- DPOR Online Services Portal (license applications)
- Prov Exams (exam registration)
- 18VAC41-20 — Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations
- Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7
- License Renewal Portal
- License Verification
- Universal License Recognition (ULR)
- Phone: (804) 367-8509 | Email: BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov
- Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233