LicenseCompass

Barber License in Pennsylvania

Quick Answer

To become a licensed barber in Pennsylvania, you need a barber school diploma and must pass the state board exam. No CE required for renewal. No criminal record prohibitions.

Education Required
1250 hours
Exam
Pennsylvania State Board Exam
Total Cost
$275 (est.)
Timeline
6-12 months (including barber school)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Barber license in Pennsylvania

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
State exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$50
Exam Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
Total Estimated Cost
$275

Licensing Agency

Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Barber Examiners Board

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Barber license in Pennsylvania. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$50
Exam FeeEst.$75
Total Estimated Cost$125

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

Barber Salary in Pennsylvania

Entry Level

$27,860

Median

$42,570

Experienced

$52,900

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 Pennsylvania.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    State exam required — Pennsylvania State Board Exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 6-12 months (including barber school).

Barber Licensing in Pennsylvania: What to Know

Pennsylvania's barber license covers a broad scope: shaving, cutting, shaping, trimming, blending hair, eyebrow shaping, facials, scalp massaging, singeing, shampooing, dyeing, coloring, bleaching, and hair processing including weaving, extensions, and artificial hairpieces. A degree/diploma and state exam are required. No CE needed for renewal. No criminal record prohibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Barber license cost in Pennsylvania?
The estimated total cost is $275, including application fees, exam fees ($75), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Barber license in Pennsylvania?
The process typically takes 6-12 months (including barber school), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Barber license in Pennsylvania?
You need to pass the Pennsylvania State Board Exam. State exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Barber requirements across states.

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