NEW JERSEY LICENSING GUIDE
How to become a barber in New Jersey
New Jersey licenses barbers separately from cosmetologists. You need 900 hours at a board-approved school, pass state exams, and apply through the NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Most students finish in six to twelve months.
NJ barber license at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Barbering program hours | 900 hours Required for a NJ barber license (vs. 1,200 for cosmetology). |
| Cosmetology program hours | 1,200 hours Separate license track — not required if you pursue barbering only. |
| State exams | Prometric Written and practical exams; theory exam eligibility at 720 hours completed. |
| Typical timeline | 6–12 months Full-time enrollment; part-time schedules take longer. |
| Regulator | NJ Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling Under the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. |
| Board fees (approx.) | $140–155 Application and licensing fees — confirm current amounts with the board. |
- Barbering program hours
- 900 hours
- Required for a NJ barber license (vs. 1,200 for cosmetology).
- Cosmetology program hours
- 1,200 hours
- Separate license track — not required if you pursue barbering only.
- State exams
- Prometric
- Written and practical exams; theory exam eligibility at 720 hours completed.
- Typical timeline
- 6–12 months
- Full-time enrollment; part-time schedules take longer.
- Regulator
- NJ Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling
- Under the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
- Board fees (approx.)
- $140–155
- Application and licensing fees — confirm current amounts with the board.
After you enroll
Licensing is step one. These guides help you plan compensation and your first shop once you're licensed.