How to become a barber in Arkansas
Arkansas barbers are licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners (Department of Labor and Licensing); separate from the Department of Health's Cosmetology Section. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed barber in Arkansas, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Arkansas law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a barber in Arkansas?
- Board rules use at least 16½ years of age and at least 8th grade as the Arkansas standard when comparing applicants (17 CAR 275-112, 275-114)
Arkansas barber license requirements
| Licensed by | Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners (Department of Labor and Licensing); separate from the Department of Health's Cosmetology Section |
|---|---|
| License name | Registered Barber (a separate Barber Technician certificate also exists) |
| Education or training | 1,500-hour barber curriculum at a barber school or college; licensed cosmetologists can take a 550-hour Cosmetology Crossover Program. |
| Exam | Barber examination given by the State Board of Barber Examiners ($75); board rules call for written and practical exams with a 75% passing score. |
| License term | 1 year (annual renewal; a renewal not postmarked by September 1 is expired) |
| Continuing education | No continuing education requirement appears in the board's rules (17 CAR Parts 275-276); the barber statute was not checked. |
| Reciprocity | Barbers licensed in a substantially similar state (16½ age minimum, 8th grade, state-approved barber school) can apply by reciprocity ($150) with proof of active licensure in good standing; those with under 1,500 training hours must have practiced at least one year. |
How much does it cost?
| Student license (one year of barber schooling) | $20.00 |
|---|---|
| Examination for registered barber certificate | $75.00 |
| Issuance of registered barber certificate | $50.00 |
| Annual renewal | $50.00 |
| Restoration of expired certificate, per year of delinquency | $75.00 |
| Reciprocity and license fee | $150 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a barber in Arkansas
- Enroll in an approved Arkansas barber school or college and get a student license ($20).
- Complete the 1,500-hour barber curriculum (or the 550-hour crossover if you are a licensed cosmetologist).
- Apply to the State Board of Barber Examiners and pay the $75 exam fee.
- Pass the board's barber examination.
- Pay the $50 certificate fee to receive your registered barber license.
- Renew every year ($50) before September 1.
How do you check a barber's license in Arkansas?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners (Department of Labor and Licensing); separate from the Department of Health's Cosmetology Section.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.