Mississippi Licensing Overview for a Barber

Licensing for a barber in Mississippi is controlled by the Mississippi Board of Barber Examiners.

General Guidelines for a Barber in Mississippi

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?

To become a barber in Mississippi, a person must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, plus 1,500 hours of barber training at an approved school.

What’s the state licensing site for a barber?

Mississippi Board of Barber Examiners

What are some training programs available for a barber?

See training programs

How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?

Renews every 2 years

What are fees associated with licensing?

$50

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 in conjunction with the execution of a sharp and precise hair cut that barbers are famous for.

To become a barber, there is a set lot of requirements that is individual to each state across America. The following pages look at the detailed information on individual state licensing to help give you the best advice as you move forward in your career path.

To become a licensed barber in the state of Mississippi there are several steps that must be taken.

  1. The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
  2. Undertake state licensing exams
  3. Ensure your license remains up to date

 

The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship

In the state of Mississippi, there is currently only one method in which to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber: a formal barbering program. The first option is for students to undertake a minimum of 1500 hours of registered coursework at a barber college. This will be sufficient to practice as a barber following examinations.

The state of Mississippi does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber.

 

Undertake state licensing exams

In the state of Mississippi, there are two licensing exams that must be completed: the theoretical exam and the practical exam. Barber examinations in Mississippi are conducted by the State’s Professional Credentialing Services. There will be a fee for these examinations.

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 practice within the state of Mississippi.

 

Ensure your license remains up to date

Licensed barbers are required to update their license each when notified by the Board. This can be done easily online through the Mississippi State Board’s online license renewal portal. There is a renewal fee for this license.

There is currently no ongoing education needs for barbers during their licensing period in the state of Mississippi. However, many barbers may choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.

Location(s):

Mississippi