How to become a barber in West Virginia
West Virginia barbers are licensed by the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed barber in West Virginia, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a barber in West Virginia?
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma, GED, or passed the U.S. Department of Education 'ability to benefit' test
- Good moral character
- Graduate of a board-approved licensed school (or completed education requirements in another state)
- Certificate of health from a licensed physician
- U.S. citizen or eligible for employment in the U.S.
West Virginia barber license requirements
| Licensed by | West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists |
|---|---|
| License name | Barber |
| Education or training | 1,200 hours at a board-approved school. Apprenticeship option (3 CSR 13, effective April 27, 2026): 2,400 hours of apprenticeship training under a board-permitted apprenticeship provider, completed within 30 months; apprentices must be at least 16. |
| Exam | NIC written and practical examinations, applied for through the board's third-party examiner (Prov, provexam.com); results must be submitted with the license application. |
| License term | One year; individual licenses renew annually on or before January 1. |
| Continuing education | None; HB 2325 (2022) removed continuing education as a renewal requirement effective May 8, 2022. |
| Reciprocity | Holders of a valid license from another state (earned after meeting that state's education requirements) may transfer by mailing the Reciprocity Application with license and training verification sent directly from the other board ($100); expired out-of-state licensees may get a provisional license. |
How much does it cost?
| Student Registration Permit | $25.00 |
|---|---|
| Application for Registration (1st time license) | $35.00 |
| Individual license annual renewal | $35.00 |
| Reciprocity (out-of-state license transfer) | $100.00 |
| Work permit | $15.00 |
| Monthly late fee | $10.00 (not to exceed $205 for individual licenses) |
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 West Virginia
- Enroll in a board-approved school (or registered apprenticeship where offered)
- Have a physician complete the Certificate of Health form
- Submit the Student Registration form and $25 permit fee
- Complete the required hours
- Apply for and pass the NIC written and practical exams through the third-party examiner
- Mail the Application for Registration (Initial License) with $35 fee, transcript, exam results, diploma/GED, ID and photo
- Renew annually by January 1
Apply on the official West Virginia site
How do you check a barber's license in West Virginia?
- Search the name or license number on the official West Virginia 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.