Barber Personal Licensure Eligibility
Effective Oct 24, 2025Mass. Register #1559M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 87T through 87KKBoard of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
(1) Barber License. To be eligible to be issued a license as a barber, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- (a) Successfully complete a course of at least 1,000 clock hours of professional training in a barber school approved by the Board;
- (b) File an application with the Board with all required fees; and
- (c) Achieve a passing score on an examination satisfactory to the Board.
(2) Barber Instructor License.
(a) To be eligible to be issued a license as a Barber Instructor, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- 1. Have a high school degree or equivalent and be a graduate of a barber school or program satisfactory to the Board;
- 2. Be licensed as a Barber and have a minimum of two years Practical Experience as a Barber or an Assistant Barber Instructor.
- 3. File an application with the Board with all required fees; and
- 4. Achieve a passing score on an examination satisfactory to the Board.
- (b) A barber instructor may also be employed in a barbershop.
- (c) The instructor's license must be renewed on a date determined by the Board.
(3) Assistant Barber Instructor.
(a) To be eligible to be issued a license as an Assistant Barber Instructor, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- 1. Have a high school degree or equivalent and be a graduate of a Barber School or program approved by the Board; and
- 2. Be licensed as a Barber.
(4) Out-of-state Applicants.
- (a) The Board may, after receiving an approved application form and fee, license any person who shows proof acceptable to the Board that he or she holds a current license in good standing as a barber in another state which maintains a standard substantially equivalent to that of the commonwealth.
- (b) Examinations. Out-of-state applicants who do not hold a current license in good standing must pass an examination satisfactory to the Board.
(5) Out-of-country Applicants.
- (a) An applicant for licensure who has received his or her qualifying education and/or experience in another country shall file an application and pay any required fees. This application must include transcripts of education or documentation of two years of experience working as a barber in the country from which the applicant is seeking credit. The transcript or documentation shall be translated into the English language if it is not in the English language.
- (b) Examinations. Out-of-country barber applicants must pass an examination satisfactory to the Board.