LIST OF STATE RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS—
Out of State Students
List of State Reciprocity Requirements—
In the barbering profession, each state establishes licensure requirements for being able to practice in their state. Programs of study in barbering can range anywhere from 900 clock hours to 1,800 clock hours, and as such, states develop specific requirements for individuals who graduated from barber school in one state to be able to become licensed in another state. This process is considered reciprocity or endorsement. We have listed the requirements for an individual who graduates from a barbering program in the United States and wants to become licensed in another state.
Please note that the school you are planning on attending has only had their curriculum evaluated by their state to meet requirements for licensure and practice. In the field of barbering, each state board reviews the number of clock hours you attended in your home state, the subject areas, and the practical experiences you completed as a part of the process of determining what, if any, additional requirements you may have to meet in order to become licensed in their state. We encourage all graduates who are considering becoming licensed in another state to first take the licensure exam in their home state, which will make it easier to transfer into another state. If you are not licensed by your home state, the state you are considering getting licensed in may require you to take additional training to meet their state minimum hour requirements and/or take their state licensure exam. State boards of barbering do not evaluate the curriculum of schools located in other states, but do, in most cases, recognize training from other states. Please refer to the requirements below.
STATE
ACCEPTS CURRICULUM
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
Alabama
The state allows anyone who completed a program in another state to request licensure.
The state reviews each request after receiving a copy of the license from the transferring state. The individual is required to pay a fee to apply and may be required to take any exams based on the state they are transferring from.
Alaska
Must be licensed in a state with equal or greater requirements. (1,650 hours).
Apply by “waiver of examination,” submit required documentation, pay fees, and meet the minimum qualifications for state licensure (1,650 hours).
Arizona
The state allows anyone who completed a program in another state to request licensure.
At least 1 year of practice in current state of licensure, a copy of their current license, an application, and a fee. Arizona has reciprocity with: AR, CA, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NB, NH, NM, ND, OH, SC, SD, TX, WI, and WY.
Arkansas
The state allows anyone who completed a program in another state to request licensure.
Any person applying for reciprocity must have at least 1,500 hours of training and an unrevoked or unexpired license issued by the proper authorities of another state. Any person applying for reciprocity who has less than 1,500 hours of training must also have been continuously engaged in the practice of barbering for at least 1 year, as well as proof of licensure.
California
The state allows anyone who completed a program in another state to request licensure.
The board will grant out-of-state licensees a California license through reciprocity without having to take the California written and practical exam if they meet the following requirements:
(a) A completed reciprocity application form and all fees required by the California board.
(b) Proof of a current license issued by another state to practice that meets all of the following requirements: (1) It is not revoked, suspended, or otherwise restricted. (2) It is in good standing.
(3) It has been active for three of the last five years, during which time the applicant has not been subject to disciplinary action or a criminal conviction.
STATE
ACCEPTS CURRICULUM
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
Colorado
Must be licensed in a state with equal or greater requirements (1,500 hours).
The state will issue a license by endorsement to
practice barbering in another state to an individual
who possesses an active license in good standing if the applicant presents proof of a valid license from another state that is substantially equivalent to the requirements in Colorado for licensure (1,500 hours).
Connecticut
The state allows anyone who completed a program in another state to request licensure.
An applicant for licensure based on an out-of-state license may qualify for licensure provided the applicant holds a current barber license at the time of application in any other state and was issued such license on the basis of successful completion of a program of education and training, and successfully completed an examination.
Delaware
Must be licensed in a state with equal or greater requirements (1,500 hours).
Must be licensed in a state with equal or greater requirements (1,500 hours), or submit a notarized statement from an employer certifying that you have been working in the field for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
District of Columbia
Must be licensed in a state with equal or greater requirements (1,500 hours).
If applying for licensure by reciprocity, the applicant must provide a letter of good standing from a jurisdiction with requirements which were substantially equivalent at the time of the applicant’s licensure to those of the District of Columbia (1,500 hours); have passed an examination acceptable to the board; have an active certification from a recognized national certifying organization; and have not been disciplined or otherwise disqualified by the national certifying organization.
Florida
Hold an active license in another state with equal or greater requirements (1,200).
Hold an active license in another state with equal or greater requirements (1,200 hours) and have taken and passed a written exam or complete additional training hours to qualify for endorsement.
Georgia
Must be licensed in a state that has similar requirements (1,500 hours).
The state will accept licensees from other states with similar licensure requirements and having no disciplinary action against their license. The board does not endorse licenses from Alabama, California, District of Columbia, Hawaii, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Washington. For all other states, endorsement may be granted or denied on an individual basis in accordance with the law.
Hawaii
Does not recognize licenses from other states.
The state has no reciprocal arrangements with any other board of barbering. An individual must apply and be evaluated by the State Board of Barbers and may be required to take written and practical exams.
Idaho
Must be licensed in a state that has similar requirements (900 hours).
Must be currently licensed by another state. The certification of licensure must show that the individual’s training was substantially equivalent to, or higher than, those required for new applicants in Idaho (900 hours).
STATE
ACCEPTS CURRICULUM
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
Illinois
The state allows anyone who completed a program and licensure in another state to request licensure by endorsement.
Illinois offers barber licensure by endorsement. The applicant must be currently licensed as a barber in their home state. To seek licensure in Illinois by endorsement, you must file an application; provide certification of your licensure from your home state, documentation of the hours and exams completed in your home state, transcripts from the barbering school attended, and verification of employment forms to show at least 3 years of lawful practice in your home state; and pay the appropriate fees.
Indiana
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
The state you hold a license in must require at least 1,500 hours of education or one year of licensed practice equal to one hundred (100) hours of education to an applicant who has completed a minimum of one thousand (1,000) hours of education. The jurisdiction must also require a passing score of at least 70% on the written and practical exams.
Iowa
The state allows anyone who completed a program and licensure in another state to request licensure by endorsement.
The board may issue a license by endorsement to any applicant from another state who has held an active license for at least 12 months during the past 24 months and who applies and pays a fee, shows verification of license(s) from every state in which the applicant has been licensed as a barber, completes one hour of Iowa barbering laws and administrative rules and sanitation, and passes a national written and practical examination.
Kansas
The state allows anyone who completed a program in
another state that has reciprocity to request licensure.
The state has reciprocity with AK, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, ME, MN, MS, MO, MT, NB, NH, NM, NC, ND, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI. All others must meet the state’s hour requirements (1,200 hours) and take and pass a state board examination.
Kentucky
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
The board will issue a license to any person who has a current license or certificate of registration as a practicing barber of another state which has substantially the same requirements for licensing (1,500 hours). For an applicant coming from a state without substantially the same requirements, he or she must be a licensed barber and have worked for at least 3 years.
Louisiana
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
An applicant with a current license to practice barbering in the US may be licensed without further examination if the person attended a program of study equal to or greater than 1,500 hours.
Maine
Accepts the training provided in other states.
The director may waive the examination and issue a license to any applicant who presents proof of being licensed to practice by another state as long as no cause exists for denial of a license.
STATE
ACCEPTS CURRICULUM
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
Maryland
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,200 hours of training.
Possess a current license in another state, provide certification that their license is in good standing and was obtained under the same standards as required in Maryland (1,200 hours), and possess two years of notarized work experience. Candidates who meet the requirements are eligible for a waiver of the examination requirement by endorsement (reciprocity).
Massachusetts
Accepts the training provided in other states.
You must show that you have at least 1,000 hours of schooling and you have taken exams to obtain a license. In order to obtain a master barber license, you must have worked as a master barber for 2 or more years in the state where you are licensed.
Michigan
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,800 hours of training.
Individuals who hold a barbering license in another state for 1 out of 3 years immediately preceding the date of application may become licensed as a barber if the requirements for licensure in the other state are substantially equivalent to the requirements in Michigan (1,800 hours). However, a license may be denied or limited if the applicant has been disciplined or disciplinary action is pending in another state.
Minnesota
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
If the applicant’s education and experience is determined to be substantially the same as the Minnesota requirements (1,500 hours) and the applicant has a current registration/license from another state that is in good standing, a registration/license may be issued. If these qualifications are not met, the applicant may be required to obtain additional training and/or take a Minnesota barbering examination to become licensed. Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with North Dakota, South Dakota, Arizona, and Kansas.
Mississippi
Accepts the training provided in other states.
A certified transcript showing the individual graduated from a barbering program and a letter from the state indicating that the individual is licensed and has not had any disciplinary actions.
Missouri
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,000 hours of training.
Hold a current license in a state with substantially similar or superior requirements (1,000 hours) and have practiced barbering for 2 consecutive years in another state. Take and pass a state law test.
Montana
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,100 hours of training.
Hold a current license and proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) barbering exam at 75% proficiency or higher. Otherwise, the individual will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. The applicant must possess a license in good standing that includes scope of training and practice in: haircutting with proper uses of tools (e.g., shears, razor, clippers, and thinning shears); shampooing and scalp treatments; hairstyling, including weaves, braiding, extensions, wet setting, blow-drying, curling, flat ironing, and the arranging of dry hair; hair coloring; hair lightening; waving and relaxing; facial shaving with a straight razor; skin care; and have completed a course of training of at least 1,100 hours in a school.
STATE
ACCEPTS CURRICULUM
List of State Reciprocity Requirements—
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
Nebraska
Accepts the training provided in other states; however, may also require work experience if the program was less than 1,800 hours.
Copy of your transcripts from a barbering school. If the individual has less than 1,800 hours of training in school, he or she will need to submit an affidavit of employment from previous and current employers for consideration.
Nevada
Accepts the training provided in other states.
If currently licensed in another state, applicants are required to take an exam that contains both a practical (shampoo, haircut, and shave) and written/oral portion.
New Hampshire
The state will accept any applicant who is similarly licensed in any other state, provided the other state’s licensing requirements are substantially equivalent or higher.
Must have completed 800 training hours in home state for a barber license or 1,500 hours for a master barber license.
New Jersey
Accepts the training provided in other states.
In order to practice, you have to apply for, take, and pass the state board examination.
New Mexico
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,200 hours of training.
An applicant for licensure by reciprocity must meet all the requirements. Applicants who have not completed a course of study equivalent to the license (1,200 hours) may submit notarized letters of employment or employment records to prove licensed, current, verified work experience. Any person who seeks licensure in New Mexico through reciprocity from any other state must furnish an affidavit from the state regulatory agency verifying the number of hours completed, that the applicant holds a current license in good standing with the state, complete the application, and submit the required fee.
New York
The state limits the acceptable curriculum to those states on their approved list.
For barbers, there is a reciprocal agreement between New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. Because of the similarity in license standards in these states the Department of State will waive the New York practical exam requirement if you supply an original certificate (with raised seal) from one of those states, along with a completed Barber Operator Application. Otherwise, an individual would need to take and pass a licensure exam.
North Carolina
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
Hold a current license in a state with equal or higher requirements (1,500 hours), at least 3 years of recent, licensed work experience, and may be required to take state licensure exams.
North Dakota
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
Hold a current license or certificate of registration as
a barber from another state that has substantially the same requirements for licensing. Completion of formal education in a school of barbering. Applicants will be given credit for 50 educational hours for each month such applicant has practiced as a licensed barber in another state whose hours are less than the 1,500 hours required by North Dakota.
STATE
ACCEPTS CURRICULUM
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
Ohio
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,800 hours of training.
Any person who holds a current license as a barber in any other state whose requirements for licensure are substantially equivalent (1,800 hours) may apply to the barber board for a license. A year of licensed experience may be substituted for one hundred hours of training, up to a maximum of five hundred hours in total.
Oklahoma
Accepts the training provided in other states.
The state board may grant license by reciprocity without examination to any applicant who shall qualify and who shall submit the required application and fees to the board. Reciprocity applicants will request a Certification of Records from the state board or appropriate licensing agency where a current license is held. This is a legal document which contains licensing history, number of hours completed, and includes appropriate state seal and official signature.
Oregon
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,350 hours of training.
To obtain an Oregon practitioner certification in barbering by reciprocity, a person will have to provide proof of licensure in another state and pass all relevant Oregon written examinations. Proof of licensure in another state must show that the education received is substantially equivalent to Oregon certification requirements (1,350 hours).
Pennsylvania
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,250 hours of training.
A barber currently licensed in another state with substantially the same licensure requirements as Pennsylvania (1,250 hours) shall be granted a Pennsylvania barber license without an examination upon payment of the fee. The provision shall only be effective when a mutual reciprocal agreement has been executed between the respective state licensing boards, or a barber applicant currently licensed in another
state not recognized by a reciprocal agreement shall be eligible for the barber examination upon approval of the board. The examination shall consist of barber law, rules and regulations.
Rhode Island
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,000 training hours and 840 apprentice hours.
Has successfully completed 1,000 hours of barbering instruction in school and has completed a minimum of eight hundred and forty (840) hours of barbering on-the- job training, as a registered barber apprentice, obtained within a minimum of six (6) months as a registered ap- prentice. The division may license, on a case-by-case basis, with or without examination, any individual who has been licensed as a barber under the laws of another state, which, in the opinion of the division, maintains a standard substantially equivalent to that of the state of Rhode Island.
South Carolina
Accepts the training provided in other states.
Hold a current license, which is in good standing, in another state; and must have passed the National Interstate Council (NIC) examination (theory and practical). If the individual did not take and pass the NIC examination, he or she will be required to take the exam before a license can be issued.
ACCEPTS CURRICULUM
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
South Dakota
Accepts the training provided in other states.
If the individual has a valid barber’s license or certificate of registration from another state, he or she may apply to transfer the license. To apply, complete an application and provide verification of all past and present licensure.
Tennessee
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
Provide proof of a current license from another state with equal requirements (1,500 hours).
Texas
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,000 training hours.
Licensed in a state with substantially equivalent requirements (1,000 hours). In some cases, work experience may be credited.
Utah
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,250 hours of training.
Submit verification of current license; must meet educational (1,250 hours) and exam requirements.
Vermont
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,500 hours of training.
Hold a license in a state whose requirements are equal or superior (1,500 hours) and pass a state law exam.
Virginia
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,100 hours of training.
Hold a license in a state whose requirements are equal or superior (1,100 hours) and pass a state law exam.
Washington
Accepts the training provided in other states.
Have a current license in good standing in another state and have taken and passed a written and practical exam in your state of licensure.
West Virginia
Accepts the training provided in other states.
If licensed in a state, you must take and pass the state law exam and submit an application for review.
Wisconsin
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,000 hours of training.
Upon application and payment of the fee, the department may grant a license to practice barbering to an applicant who is licensed in another state to perform services that are substantially the same as those performed by a licensed barber in this state. The applicant completes a 1-hour course educating the applicant on statutes and rules that apply to the practice, has never been disciplined by the licensing authority that issued his or her license, and is not a party to a proceeding before the licensing agency.
Wyoming
Must be licensed in a state that requires at least 1,000 hours of training.
Must have a current license from another state.
Must have graduated from a licensed barbering school, taken a written and practical exam given by the board or testing company, and meet or exceed the 1,000-hour requirements to receive a Wyoming barbering license.
Francisco
If Available: VAT ID
VAT Act: US 123456789