Barber License in Colorado
Quick Answer
To become a licensed barber in Colorado, you need a barber school diploma, must pass a third-party exam, and maintain CE for renewal. Colorado has no criminal record prohibitions and exempts military families.
- Education Required
- 1500 hours
- Exam
- Third-party Exam (NIC or PSI)
- Total Cost
- $300 (est.)
- Timeline
- 9-12 months (including barber school)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Barber license in Colorado
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $50
- Exam Fee
- $100
- Renewal Fee
- $50
- Total Estimated Cost
- $300
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Barber license in Colorado. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Colorado licensing board.
Barber Salary in Colorado
Entry Level
$35,300
Median
$56,690
Experienced
$76,210
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Barber in Colorado.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Third-party Exam (NIC or PSI)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 9-12 months (including barber school).
Barber Licensing in Colorado: What to Know
Colorado's Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure mandates licensing for barbers. A degree/diploma from an approved program and passing a third-party exam are required. Colorado has no criminal record prohibitions, making it one of the most accessible states. Military members and spouses are exempt from standard licensure requirements. CE is required for renewal — Colorado is one of the few states requiring CE for barbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Barber license cost in Colorado?
- The estimated total cost is $300, including application fees, exam fees ($100), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Barber license in Colorado?
- The process typically takes 9-12 months (including barber school), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Barber license in Colorado?
- You need to pass the Third-party Exam (NIC or PSI). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Barber requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.