How to become a barber in Kansas
Kansas barbers are licensed by the Kansas Board of Barbering. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed barber in Kansas, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a barber in Kansas?
- At least 16 years old
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Graduate of a board-approved barber school or college
Kansas barber license requirements
| Licensed by | Kansas Board of Barbering |
|---|---|
| License name | Barber |
| Education or training | No less than 1,200 and no more than 1,500 hours at a Kansas-approved barber school; licensed Kansas cosmetologists and military-trained barbers complete 500 additional hours. |
| Exam | NIC Barber Styling Theory written exam (computer-based, through PROV), then a Board practical exam on live models and a Kansas rules and regulations exam; 80% is required on each part. |
| License term | 1 year; renewal deadline depends on last name (A-C, M-O by March 31; D-F, P-R by June 30; G-I, S-U by September 30; J-L, V-Z by December 31). |
| Reciprocity | Kansas licenses out-of-state barbers without exam only if they are at least 18 and licensed in a state with substantially the same requirements that grants Kansas barbers reciprocity; others must take the Kansas exam. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial barber examination fee | $150.00 |
|---|---|
| License fee | $80.00 |
| Total due with exam application | $230.00 |
| Written re-exam | $150.00 |
| Practical re-exam | $100.00 |
| Kansas rules and regulations re-exam | $50.00 |
| Annual barber license renewal | $80.00 |
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 Kansas
- Complete barber training at a Kansas-approved barber school (1,200-1,500 hours)
- Mail the Application for Barbers Examination with photo ID, email address and $230
- Finish your PROV registration from the emailed testing voucher and pass the NIC written exam
- Pass the practical and Kansas rules and regulations exams (80% on each)
- Receive your license; a temporary license is available while you await results
- Renew every year by your last-name deadline
Apply on the official Kansas site
How do you check a barber's license in Kansas?
- Search the name or license number on the official Kansas barber license lookup.
- 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.