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Connecticut Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Barber

Individual barber license, also called master barber in Chapter 386. School and Labor Department apprenticeship pathways lead to the same license. Chapter 386 and the current DPH licensing directory define its issuance routes; repealed barber-school/shop rules do not establish a separate practitioner credential. Section 20-248 practice exemptions are not separately issued barber credentials.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health, with the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians · Application information

Reinstatement of a suspended or revoked license after a hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
Reinstatement may carry statutory disciplinary or corrective measures, including education, restricted practice, reporting and probation. Section 19a-17(e) identifies no licensing examination.
Hearing
Following a hearing, the Board or DPH must be satisfied the practitioner can practice with reasonable skill and safety.
License
An existing license has been suspended or revoked.
Underlying credential
The applicant must still satisfy the conditions and duration restrictions of the underlying license, including covered-license eligibility when applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure without examination based on an existing United States barber license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
Hold a current barber license in another U.S. jurisdiction at application.
Disciplinary status
No pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaint.
Documentation
Direct-source verification of all licenses held, a completed online application, photograph and $100 fee.
Implementation wording
The DPH barber endorsement page says "education and training in hairdressing and cosmetology" and requests hairdresser/cosmetician verification. C.G.S. §20-236(a)(2) controls and requires barber education/training and a current barber license; retain the page wording as an implementing demand to clarify with DPH.
Prior examination
The issuing jurisdiction must have licensed the applicant on successful completion of an examination. The state source does not name a currently offered examination; the prior qualifying examination is an applicant condition.
Prior training
That license must have been issued after barber education and training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure without examination after at least forty years of holding a United States barber license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to DPH for the barber license; the statutory application fee is $100.
Current license
Hold a barber license from another U.S. jurisdiction.
Disciplinary status
No pending professional disciplinary action or unresolved complaint.
License duration
Have held that license for at least forty years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on at least four years of licensed United States practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
Only checks otherwise required of barber applicants apply; §20-236(c) prohibits a criminal history records check prerequisite.
Current license
Hold a current license in the same occupation in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Examination discretion
§19a-14d(b) permits DPH to require an examination, but its current implementing instructions state: "you will not be required to provide transcripts, verification of any training or be required to complete an examination." Apply the current implementation of that statutory discretion.
Fee
Pay the fees required of other barber applicants.
Good standing
All licenses must be in good standing; no revocation, discipline, pending conduct complaint/allegation/investigation or voluntary surrender under investigation.
Practice
Have practiced under that license for at least four years; affirm the work-experience question on the online application.
Verification
Provide direct-source verification of all current and expired state licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination after a Labor Department apprenticeship
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Application
Submit a written notarized online application, photograph and $100 fee; arrange direct-source supporting documents.
Criminal history
C.G.S. §20-236(c) prohibits a state or national criminal history records check as a prerequisite for this barber license.
Disciplinary status
No pending professional disciplinary action or unresolved complaint; DPH determines eligibility under §19a-14.
Education
Successfully complete the eighth grade or equivalent.
Examination
Pass the written barber licensing examination prescribed by DPH, identified by current DPH instructions and its Connecticut Prometric handbook as the National Barber Styling Theory Examination.
License verification
If previously licensed elsewhere, obtain verification directly from every licensing authority, including expired licenses.
Military training credit
Under §27-102b, applicable military training, schooling or experience receives credits or exemptions; substantively similar training or schooling may not be required again.
Training
Complete an apprenticeship approved by the Connecticut Labor Department and conducted under §§31-22m–31-22u; this statutory pathway is separate from the school pathway.
Initial licensure by examination after approved school training
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Application
Submit a written notarized online application, photograph and $100 fee; arrange direct-source supporting documents.
Criminal history
C.G.S. §20-236(c) prohibits a state or national criminal history records check as a prerequisite for this barber license.
Disciplinary status
No pending professional disciplinary action or unresolved complaint; DPH determines eligibility under §19a-14.
Education
Successfully complete the eighth grade or equivalent.
Examination
Pass the adopted National Barber Styling Theory Examination delivered by Prometric/IQT; the currently supplied national version is referenced. DPH receives scores directly.
License verification
If previously licensed elsewhere, obtain verification directly from every licensing authority, including expired licenses.
Military training credit
Under §27-102b, applicable military training, schooling or experience receives credits or exemptions; substantively similar training or schooling may not be required again.
Training
Complete at least 1,000 hours in an approved barber school; out-of-state training must meet the statutory equivalency requirement. DPH additionally asks that an out-of-state school be approved by its regulatory authority.
Renewal of a license that became void during qualifying military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and other documentation DPH requires.
Deadline
Apply not later than one year after discharge from active duty or the ordered military service.
Disciplinary status
No pending professional disciplinary action or unresolved complaint.
Education
Complete only the continuing education or refresher training required for renewal of a license that has not become void; the ordinary barber renewal statute specifies application and fee.
Exclusions
Regular annual reserve/National Guard training outside mobilization does not qualify.
License
A barber license became void under §19a-88 while the holder was on U.S. active duty or National Guard service ordered by the Governor.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after no active barber practice within the preceding eight years
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Eight year boundary
Where the two-to-eight-year and eight-year wording overlaps, retain the eight-year category's examination-and-refresher demand.
Examination
Successfully complete the Prometric Licensing Examination, identified by current Connecticut exam instructions as National Barber Styling Theory.
Fee
The DPH Barber Licensing fee schedule states reinstatement costs $100.
Inactivity
No active barber practice in Connecticut or another jurisdiction within eight years immediately preceding application.
License
Previously held a Connecticut barber license that has lapsed; apply online for reinstatement.
Professional activities
Upload the required description of work history, length of time since active practice and barber-related activities.
Refresher
Also complete an approved-school 245-hour refresher: sanitation/hygiene 10 theory + 10 clinical; chemical procedures 30 + 80; hair care/treatment 20 + 20; hair shaping/styling 20 + 50; Connecticut laws 5 + 0; total 85 theory + 160 clinical.
Verification
Provide direct-source verification from every jurisdiction in which a barber license has been held, including expired licenses.
Reinstatement following recent active barber practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
The DPH Barber Licensing fee schedule states reinstatement costs $100.
License
Previously held a Connecticut barber license that has lapsed; apply online for reinstatement.
Practice
Active barber practice in Connecticut or another jurisdiction within the two years immediately preceding application; the inactivity categories requiring an exam or refresher do not apply.
Professional activities
Upload the required description of work history, length of time since active practice and barber-related activities.
Verification
Provide direct-source verification from every jurisdiction in which a barber license has been held, including expired licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after two to less than eight years without active barber practice
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Eight year boundary
DPH uses overlapping phrases "two (2) to eight (8)" and "within the eight (8) year period". Applicants with no practice within eight years are assigned to the more specific examination-plus-245-hour category.
Examination alternative
DPH permits either the Prometric Licensing Examination or a 135-hour approved-school refresher. The currently offered identified examination remains the leaf; completion of the refresher excuses this applicant from sitting it.
Fee
The DPH Barber Licensing fee schedule states reinstatement costs $100.
Inactivity
No active barber practice for two to less than eight years immediately preceding application.
License
Previously held a Connecticut barber license that has lapsed; apply online for reinstatement.
Professional activities
Upload the required description of work history, length of time since active practice and barber-related activities.
Refresher
135 hours: sanitation/hygiene 10 theory + 10 clinical; chemical procedures 15 + 40; hair care/treatment 10 + 10; hair shaping/styling 10 + 25; Connecticut laws 5 + 0; total 50 theory + 85 clinical.
Verification
Provide direct-source verification from every jurisdiction in which a barber license has been held, including expired licenses.
Biennial renewal, including renewal within the statutory ninety day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Grace period
DPH states that practice and renewal may continue during 90 days after expiration; on day 91 the license is void and reinstatement is required.
Inactive status
DPH provides no inactive status; reactivation after nonrenewal uses reinstatement.
License
Hold an existing Connecticut barber license.
Renewal
Renew every two years during the birth month, by signed application and the $100 fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal with active duty Connecticut resident fee exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
DPH active-duty instructions require a commanding-officer letter and Connecticut residence proof, with each renewal request. For the statutory post-discharge exemption, document the qualifying discharge/release and residence; DPH's page describes only the active-duty implementation.
Eligibility
A Connecticut resident on active duty in the U.S. armed forces.
Renewal
Complete the ordinary barber biennial renewal application; §27-102a(a) exempts the annual/biennial renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal with one year post discharge Connecticut resident fee exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
DPH active-duty instructions require a commanding-officer letter and Connecticut residence proof, with each renewal request. For the statutory post-discharge exemption, document the qualifying discharge/release and residence; DPH's page describes only the active-duty implementation.
Eligibility
A Connecticut resident within one year after honorable discharge or release under honorable conditions from qualifying active service.
Renewal
Complete the ordinary barber biennial renewal application; §27-102a(a) exempts the annual/biennial renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Barber Styling Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply principles of infection control: Sanitation/Cleansing; Disinfection; Sterilization; Contamination and cross-contamination
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies (e.g., CDC, OSHA, EPA)
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify bones related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Understand the functions of body systems: Nervous system; Circulatory system; Endocrine system; Integumentary system
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to skin: Types; Treatments
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to hair: Types; Treatments
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand the chemical pH scale
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand purpose and effects of products, ingredients, and their interactions
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand interactions among chemicals
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn, inhalation)
  • Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering (10% of items) (10%)
    • Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drape, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g. clippers, blow dryers)
    • Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
  • Hair Care Services (40% of items) (40%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Analyze condition of client’s hair and scalp (i.e., assessment)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Determine hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Document and maintain client records for hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, hair cutting)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for scalp treatments and scalp massage/manipulation
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair cutting: Shaping; Outlining; Neck shave
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures and safety of hair styling: Wet styling; Blowdry styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding, locks)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair enhancements
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of preparation, procedures, and safety for head shaving
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Understand preliminary tests (e.g., purposes, uses, applications): Predisposition; Strand test
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair coloring (including facial hair)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair lightening
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Foiling
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical hair relaxing/restructuring and curl reduction: Hydroxide; Thio; Keratin
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical waving/texturizing: Alkaline; Acid; Non-thio
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15% of items) (15%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Evaluate client’s skin (e.g., type, condition)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Identify contraindications: Disorders; Diseases
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Determine facial hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Document and maintain client records for facial hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Apply knowledge of draping for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Complete shave service with required strokes
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial hair design
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial (e.g., cleansing, steaming, mask)
    • Electrotherapy and light therapy — Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Examination sources