Minnesota Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in Minnesota is controlled by the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners.
General Guidelines for a Barber in Minnesota
Specific requirements to perform barber services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.
Who’s allowed to perform these services?
Anyone holding a barber license
General requirements for a barber license?
Master Barber License – 1,500 Hours
Barber Instructor – Barber License + 3 Years Work Experience + Instructor Training
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews annually
What are fees associated with licensing?
Check with local governing body for updated details.
Barber Licensing
A barber is a professional who specializes in the cutting, styling, and grooming of men and boy’s hair and beards. This profession has a long-standing history filled with tradition and is an important subsection of the beauty industry. Many of the techniques and tools of barbering are as old as the profession itself. This includes the tools, techniques and overall aesthetic of the barbershop itself. Barbers are experts in their field. A barber’s job is primarily in customer satisfaction, which revolves around the customer service, friendliness, and communication of the barber.
To become a licensed barber in the state of Minnesota there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Apply for registration with the Minnesota Board of Registration of Barbers
- Undertake state licensing exams
- Ensure your license remains up to date
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In the state of Minnesota, there are is only one method in which to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber: through a formal barbering program. When going the route of a formal barbering program, students are required to undertake a minimum of 1500 hours of registered coursework.
There is currently no option to undertake a barber apprenticeship in Minnesota.
Undertake state licensing exams
In the state of Minnesota, barbers are required to undertake an apprenticeship examination to become an apprentice barber before they can be licensed. This examination contains an oral, practical, and written test of the barber’s competency as an apprentice. There is an $88 fee for this examinations.
Following this examination, a barber will have four years to become a registered, or master, barber. This includes another 1500 hours of apprenticeship hours working under a master barber. Upon the conclusion of these hours, a barber must undertake the master barber examinations. This will cost $93 dollars to undertake.
The main concepts that will be covered in the theory exam may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Scientific concepts
- Hair services
- Facial hair services
- Skin care and facial services
The main concepts that are covered in the practical examination may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Set up and client protection
- Haircutting
- Shaving with a straight razor
- Chemical Waving
- Virgin hair lightening
- Chemical Relaxing
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the Board detailing their results from both examinations. If successful, barbers will be eligible to for a master barber’s license in the state of Minnesota.
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license by December 31st each year. There is a $77 fee for this renewal. This can be done easily online through Minnesota’ State Board website.
There is currently no ongoing education needs for barbers during their licensing period in the state of Minnesota. However, many barbers may choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.