LicenseCompass

BARBER License in District of Columbia

Quick Answer

To become a licensed barber in Washington DC, you need a barber school diploma, must pass the DC state exam, and maintain CE for renewal. Specific criminal convictions are prohibited.

Education Required
1500 hours
Exam
DC State Board Exam
Total Cost
$325 (est.)
Timeline
9-12 months (including barber school)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

BARBER license in District of Columbia

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
State exam required
Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$75
Exam Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$75
Total Estimated Cost
$325

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs~Occupational & Professional Licensing Administration

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your BARBER license in District of Columbia. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$75
Exam FeeEst.$75
Total Estimated Cost$150

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the District of Columbia licensing board.

BARBER Salary in District of Columbia

Entry Level

$71,350

Median

$102,360

Experienced

$107,760

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 District of Columbia.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Specific type of conviction prohibited

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    State exam required — DC State Board Exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$75.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 9-12 months (including barber school).

BARBER Licensing in District of Columbia: What to Know

DC's COS data states 'Contact licensing agency for more information.' A degree is required, along with a state exam and CE for renewal. Specific types of criminal convictions are prohibited. The Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs handles licensing. Fee estimates are based on typical DC licensing ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a BARBER license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated total cost is $325, including application fees, exam fees ($75), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a BARBER license in District of Columbia?
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 District of Columbia?
You need to pass the DC State Board Exam. State exam required

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.