South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners

Message To LLR Stakeholders About Regulatory Review Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I become a barber?

Answer: You would need to either complete 1500 hours of barber school or you may complete 12 months of on the job training under a qualified instructor. The number of hours would approximately be 1,920 hours.

Question: When can I take the exam?

Answer: Once the required training has been completed, you would then be eligible to take the exam.

Question: If I am licensed as a cosmetologist, how can I become licensed as a barber?

Answer: If you are currently licensed as a cosmetologist in this state and have been for at least two years, you would be eligible to take the crossover examination. This would involve taking the practical portion only of the examination. Once you pass the exam, you would then receive your master hair care specialist license.

Question: Can I become licensed as a barber in South Carolina if I am licensed as a barber in another state?

Answer: If you meet the requirements for reciprocity, you would be eligible. If not, you may be eligible to take the examination. Note: If you are licensed as an apprentice barber, you would not be eligible for reciprocity. You may want to contact our office for further assistance with this matter.

Question: What do I study for the instructor’s exam?

Answer: You would need to study on the subject of methods of teaching and on barbering. You may be able to obtain some books in the library on the subject of methods of teaching. The barber textbook and review book would need to be studied as well.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS IN PLACES OF BUSINESS.