Montana Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in Montana is controlled by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
General Guidelines for a Barber in Montana
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?
Barbers – 1,500 Hours
Barber Instructors – Barber License + 1 Year Work Experience + 600 Hours
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews every 2 years
What are the fees associated with licensing?
$80
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 Montana there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Undertake state licensing exams
- Apply for registration with the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Ensure your license remains up to date
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In Montana, there is only one method in which to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber: a formal barbering program. Students must undertake a minimum of 1500 hours of registered coursework at a barber college. This will be sufficient to practice as a barber following examinations.
Montana does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber.
Undertake state licensing exams
In the state of Montana, there are two licensing exams that must be completed: the theoretical exam and the practical exam. Barber examinations in Missouri are administered by DL Roope Administrations Inc. There will be an $80 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 apply for licensure to practice within the state of Montana.
Apply for registration in the state of Montana
Following the completion of formal education via an institution, barbers are required to apply for registration with the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Once this application has been processed, barbers are then able to apply for the licensing examinations. In order to have this application processed, applicants are required to submit:
- The completed application
- An application fee
- A barber diploma
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license biannually. This can be done easily online through the Montana State Board’s online license renewal portal. There is an $80 renewal fee.
There is currently no ongoing education needs for barbers during their licensing period in the state of Montana. However, many barbers may choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.