Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I become a barber?
Answer: If you are not currently licensed as a barber in another state or country that has the same or higher licensing requirements, you can obtain a South Carolina license by obtaining the following training/education: 1. Complete 1920 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed barber instructor in a licensed barbershop or salon OR 2. Complete 1500 hours in an approved barber college/school. OR 3. Complete 1540 hours in an approved barber high school program. Upon completion of your training or education, you must then pass the examination. Once you have passed your examinations, and are otherwise eligible, you will receive a barber apprentice license, and must be supervised by a barber or master hair care specialist for a year. You will then receive your unrestricted barber license.
Question: After completing the required training/education hours, what’s my next step?
Answer: You must submit an application to take the required exam, and include with the application a completed training affidavit (transcript) from your barber instructor or barber school. Upon authorization, you must schedule to take the theory/practical examinations with ProV ProV may be contacted by phone at 801-733-4455 or by visiting their website at https://provexam.com/
Question: Do my barber training/education hours ever expire?
Answer: Currently there’s no expiration date on barber hours.
Question: How can I study for the barber or instructor examination?
Answer: You may visit the testing ProV’s at https://provexam.com/ or 801-733-4455 or the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) at https://nictesting.org/. You may view the Candidate Information Bulletin for test preparation.
Question: As a student, am I permitted to test early and if so, what hours must I have obtained to test early?
Answer: Yes, students may request to test early if they have completed the required hours. Your barber instructor is responsible for submitting a Training Affidavit to the Board. The hours for each program as followed:
- On-The-Job Training Early Testing Required Hours: 1728
- High School Early Testing Required Hours: 1386
- Barber High School Training Affidavit - Master Haircare
- Barber High School Training Affidavit - Registered Barber
- Barber College Early Testing Required Hours: 1350
Question: I early tested and have passed my practical and theory examinations, but have not completed my training/education hours. What do I need to do to receive my barber apprenticeship license?
Answer: Your barber instructor is responsible for submitting your Affidavit of Completion once you have completed all barber required hours.
Please submit a Barber Apprentice Application and provide the name and license number of the shop or salon and the name and license number of the licensed barber that will be supervising you.
Question: I’m a barber instructor, where can I find the training affidavit?
Answer: The Training Affidavits may be found on the Board’s website. Please ensure you select the correct Training Affidavit.
Question: How many hours can I transfer from a barber college to on-the-job training or vice versa?
Answer: The instructor or school will determine how many hours will transfer for training.
Question: How many student permits can I obtain?
Answer: Two permits may be issued to a student. If a student requests a third permit, the student must submit an explanation to the Board as to the reason for the third permit. If a fourth permit is requested, the student must appear before the Board. The Board does not have to approve the 4th permit request. No additional permits may be issued following the 4th permit request.
Question: Can I become licensed as a barber in South Carolina if I am licensed as a barber in another state or country?
Answer: You must meet the following requirements to be licensed in South Carolina if you hold a current license in good standing with another state or country, after submitting an application and the required fee: (1) You must have met similar or higher licensing requirements to those in effect in this State, including taking and passing the NIC examination (theory and practical) (2) You must also have been licensed and actively practicing barbering for the preceding calendar year. South Carolina does not have a grandfather clause.
Question: Will South Carolina accept my on-the-job training or apprentice barber license from another state?
Answer: No, South Carolina does not accept on-the-job training or apprentice hours from another state.
Question: If I’m a licensed barber assistant do I have to work under a licensed barber?
Answer: Yes, you must be supervised by a licensed barber in a barbershop.
Question: Can I work in a cosmetology salon with a barber assistant license?
Answer: No, you have to work in a licensed barbershop under a registered barber, master hair care specialist or barber instructor.
Question: Who do I make my money order or check payable to?
Answer: SC Board of Barber Examiners (do not send cash in the mail).
Question: I received a letter from requesting me to provide a SLED report/criminal background report, but who should I contact and how do I obtain the information?
Answer: If violations happened in South Carolina, you must contact the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). If violations happened outside of South Carolina, you must contact the state or local agency for a criminal background report. In addition, you must supply court documents with final dispositions for all charges.
SLED Headquarters is located at:
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
The public may reach SLED by calling (803) 737-9000 or send correspondence to their mailing address at: Post Office Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221.
Question: How do I apply for a barbershop license?
Answer: Visit the South Carolina Board of Barber Examines website at: http://www.llr.sc.gov/bar.
Once on the website, select the APPLICATIONS / FORMS for the Barbershop Application. Submit the complete application ten (10) days before you plan to open. An inspector will contact you to conduct an inspection of your new barbershop. Once you pass inspection, you can open for business.
Question: I have changed the location of my barbershop; I am the new owner of an existing barbershop; I want to change the name of my barbershop- what do I need to do?
Answer: Any time there is a change whether in location, ownership or name of the business, the owner must submit a new barbershop application and fee. In most cases, an inspection must take place prior to operating the business. The license is not transferrable.
Question: How do I contact the testing service provider?
Answer: Call toll free https://provexam.com/ or 801-733-4455
Question: How many years can my register barber and master hair care specialist license be lapsed?
Answer: You have 3 years to reinstate the license before you have to pass the examination again.
Question: How many years can my barber instructor license be lapsed?
Answer; You have 5 years to reinstate the license before you have to pass the examination again.