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District of Columbia 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 Apprentice Registration

Two-year registration authorizing supervised apprenticeship training in barbering.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology / Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection · Application information

Extension of barber apprenticeship registration

All of the following:

Duration
An extension expires no later than 180 days after approval.
Examination
The ordinary barber examinations remain required after completion, under § 3704.2.
Filing
File in writing at least 30 days before apprenticeship expiration; the Board decides case by case and responds within 60 days.
Good cause
Request an extension for good cause, including medical emergency, family emergency or military service.
Initial barber apprentice registration

All of the following:

Registration before work
Register with the Board before serving as an apprentice; registration permits learning barbering in a licensed shop under a licensed barber instructor.
Subsequent examination
17 DCMR § 3704.2 requires the barber examination within six months of completion. It is retained as a currently offered examination leaf although it follows initial registration and leads to the ordinary barber license.
Term
Registration lasts two years and is not renewable; display the certificate and wear apprentice identification.
Training
Complete the § 3704 classroom and work requirements, including 500 classroom theory hours and at least 2,000 work hours. The instructor/apprentice ratios and program supervision requirements apply.

Barber

Occupational license authorizing the practice of barbering.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology / Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection · Application information

Licensure by examination — completed apprenticeship

All of the following:

Character and application
Meet D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a), submit the prescribed application and applicable fees, and provide identity documentation under 17 DCMR § 3707.
English competency
If the first language is not English, submit evidence of competency in English satisfactory to the Board (17 DCMR § 3707.12).
Exam timing
Students must take the exam within two years after graduation or completion of an approved program; apprentices within six months after completing the apprenticeship (17 DCMR § 3707.11).
General education
17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and Board verification of education and experience.
Minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits barber licensure at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; applicants should account for the Board rule in its implementing requirements. Apprentices and demonstrators separately require age 18.
Practical retests
17 DCMR §§ 3707.16-3707.18 govern retesting failed practical parts, retention and forfeiture of credits, and new applications and fees.
Registration
Register with the Board before starting, train under a licensed barber instructor in a licensed shop, and sit for the barber examination within six months after completion.
Training
Complete 500 classroom theory hours before beginning work experience, at least 2,000 apprenticeship work hours, and a Board-approved curriculum. Work at least 20 hours per week for at least one year and not more than two years; shampooing alone does not count. Follow 7 DCMR Chapter 11 program requirements, and supply to the Board the information supplied to the apprenticeship office.
Licensure by examination — licensed cosmetologist conversion

All of the following:

Character and application
Meet D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a), submit the prescribed application and applicable fees, and provide identity documentation under 17 DCMR § 3707.
English competency
If the first language is not English, submit evidence of competency in English satisfactory to the Board (17 DCMR § 3707.12).
Exam timing
Students must take the exam within two years after graduation or completion of an approved program; apprentices within six months after completing the apprenticeship (17 DCMR § 3707.11).
General education
17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and Board verification of education and experience.
Minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits barber licensure at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; applicants should account for the Board rule in its implementing requirements. Apprentices and demonstrators separately require age 18.
Other profession examinations
Must have passed the theory and practical portions of the Board’s cosmetologist examination. These are another profession’s assessments and are conditions rather than barber examination leaves.
Practical retests
17 DCMR §§ 3707.16-3707.18 govern retesting failed practical parts, retention and forfeiture of credits, and new applications and fees.
Prior license
Hold a current cosmetologist license.
Training credit
Complete an additional 250 hours in haircutting, shaving/beard trimming, and shop management; up to 1,000 hours of training credit may be granted.
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit six Board-approved CE hours per cycle, two in health/safety/welfare and four electives, except first renewal; reinstatement requires all missed cycles (17 DCMR § 3730).
Fitness
Provide Board-satisfactory integrity, competency, law knowledge and fitness to resume; the Board may require specified additional training (§ 3309).
Order
Meet the conditions of the disciplinary order or final reviewing judgment under D.C. Code § 47-2853.24. Any individual examination imposed by such an order is an unspecified applicant condition, not an invented registered exam.
Waiting period
For revoked licensure or a denied reinstatement, normally wait one year unless the order specifies otherwise (17 DCMR § 3309.1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — equivalent training and experience

All of the following:

Character and application
Meet D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a), submit the prescribed application and applicable fees, and provide identity documentation under 17 DCMR § 3707.
English competency
If the first language is not English, submit evidence of competency in English satisfactory to the Board (17 DCMR § 3707.12).
Exam timing
Students must take the exam within two years after graduation or completion of an approved program; apprentices within six months after completing the apprenticeship (17 DCMR § 3707.11).
General education
17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and Board verification of education and experience.
Minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits barber licensure at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; applicants should account for the Board rule in its implementing requirements. Apprentices and demonstrators separately require age 18.
Practical retests
17 DCMR §§ 3707.16-3707.18 govern retesting failed practical parts, retention and forfeiture of credits, and new applications and fees.
Training
Be licensed in another United States jurisdiction and document 1,250 combined hours of training and experience acceptable to the Board (17 DCMR §§ 3703.7(b)-3703.8).
New licensure after expiration of at least five years

All of the following:

Elapsed period
Expired for five years or longer; reinstatement is unavailable.
Initial requirements
Meet current initial-license requirements in the appropriate ordinary or instructor qualification pathway. Existing credentials, training, experience, and any examination waiver remain applicant conditions.
Waiver
Statutory reciprocity waivers and any applicable Board discretion remain available to qualified applicants.
Reinstatement of expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit six Board-approved CE hours per cycle, two in health/safety/welfare and four electives, except first renewal; reinstatement requires all missed cycles (17 DCMR § 3730).
Deadline
Apply within five years of expiration, meet current renewal and reinstatement qualifications and pay the reinstatement fee.
Fitness
Provide Board-satisfactory evidence of competency, knowledge of District and federal law, and fitness to resume practice. The Board may require additional training under § 3308.5.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — foreign education

All of the following:

Board interview
The Board may interview the applicant to assess education, training or character.
Character and application
Meet D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a), submit the prescribed application and applicable fees, and provide identity documentation under 17 DCMR § 3707.
English competency
If the first language is not English, submit evidence of competency in English satisfactory to the Board (17 DCMR § 3707.12).
Exam timing
Students must take the exam within two years after graduation or completion of an approved program; apprentices within six months after completing the apprenticeship (17 DCMR § 3707.11).
Foreign training
Submit an official transcript or notarized degree, diploma, or certificate for barber training outside the United States and its territories; the Board determines substantial educational equivalency.
General education
17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and Board verification of education and experience.
Minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits barber licensure at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; applicants should account for the Board rule in its implementing requirements. Apprentices and demonstrators separately require age 18.
Practical retests
17 DCMR §§ 3707.16-3707.18 govern retesting failed practical parts, retention and forfeiture of credits, and new applications and fees.
Translations
Submit a signed and dated accurate English translation on a Board-acceptable translation service’s official stationery, at applicant expense.
Licensure by examination — licensed hairstylist conversion

All of the following:

Character and application
Meet D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a), submit the prescribed application and applicable fees, and provide identity documentation under 17 DCMR § 3707.
English competency
If the first language is not English, submit evidence of competency in English satisfactory to the Board (17 DCMR § 3707.12).
Exam timing
Students must take the exam within two years after graduation or completion of an approved program; apprentices within six months after completing the apprenticeship (17 DCMR § 3707.11).
General education
17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and Board verification of education and experience.
Minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits barber licensure at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; applicants should account for the Board rule in its implementing requirements. Apprentices and demonstrators separately require age 18.
Other profession examinations
Must have passed the theory and practical portions of the Board’s hairstylist examination. These are another profession’s assessments and are conditions rather than barber examination leaves.
Practical retests
17 DCMR §§ 3707.16-3707.18 govern retesting failed practical parts, retention and forfeiture of credits, and new applications and fees.
Prior license
Hold a current hairstylist license.
Training credit
Complete an additional 250 hours in haircutting, shaving/beard trimming, shop management, and facial/massage; up to 1,000 hours of training credit may be granted.
Placement on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice prohibition
Do not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice while inactive; no renewal fee applies (D.C. Code § 47-2853.14(a)-(b)).
Previous license
Hold the District license and apply for inactive status with the required fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 60 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit six Board-approved CE hours per cycle, two in health/safety/welfare and four electives, except first renewal; reinstatement requires all missed cycles (17 DCMR § 3730).
Deadline
Renew within 60 days after expiration and pay the late fee; after renewal the license is deemed valid during the intervening period.
Good cause
17 DCMR § 3730.10 permits an extension of the 60-day CE renewal period for stated good cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after at least five years inactive

All of the following:

Elapsed period
Inactive for five years or longer; treated as a new applicant unless the Board accepts reasonable cause or excusable neglect.
Initial requirements
Meet current initial-license requirements in the appropriate ordinary or instructor qualification pathway. Existing credentials, training, experience, and any examination waiver remain applicant conditions.
Waiver
Statutory reciprocity waivers and any applicable Board discretion remain available to qualified applicants.
Reactivation after less than five years inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit six Board-approved CE hours per cycle, two in health/safety/welfare and four electives, except first renewal; reinstatement requires all missed cycles (17 DCMR § 3730).
Inactive period
Inactive for less than five years.
Requirements
Pay the reactivation fee, comply with current CE and all current renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity / Board described out of state endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
Prove active engagement in the profession in the other jurisdiction; pay the application fee. The Board may interview the applicant and consider discipline or fitness-related convictions (17 DCMR §§ 3711.2-3711.4).
District law discretion
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(c)(1) authorizes a Board to require an examination demonstrating District law or procedures. The provision does not identify a barber District-law examination; any such unnamed discretionary requirement is a condition.
Implementation label
The Board webpage labels existing out-of-state licensure as "License by Endorsement" and says "If you are licensed in another state, you can apply for a DC license by endorsement (exam waiver)." It requires a current license copy and certification sent directly by the licensing board, not the applicant. This page was obtained server-side after local anti-bot failures; its broader wording is retained as an applicant condition subject to the controlling statutory reciprocity terms. URL: https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-barber-and-cosmetology
Prior license
Provide good-standing proof of licensure in the same or substantially similar occupation from a jurisdiction with standards at least as high/substantially equivalent at original licensure and reciprocal admission of District licensees (D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(b)(1); 17 DCMR § 3711.1(a)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal of ordinary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a timely renewal application, pay the renewal fee and meet current renewal requirements.
Continuing education
Submit six Board-approved CE hours per cycle, two in health/safety/welfare and four electives, except first renewal; reinstatement requires all missed cycles (17 DCMR § 3730).
Term
Barber licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years under 17 DCMR § 3706.1; general two-year renewal rules apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — school training

All of the following:

Character and application
Meet D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a), submit the prescribed application and applicable fees, and provide identity documentation under 17 DCMR § 3707.
English competency
If the first language is not English, submit evidence of competency in English satisfactory to the Board (17 DCMR § 3707.12).
Exam timing
Students must take the exam within two years after graduation or completion of an approved program; apprentices within six months after completing the apprenticeship (17 DCMR § 3707.11).
General education
17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and Board verification of education and experience.
Minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits barber licensure at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; applicants should account for the Board rule in its implementing requirements. Apprentices and demonstrators separately require age 18.
Practical retests
17 DCMR §§ 3707.16-3707.18 govern retesting failed practical parts, retention and forfeiture of credits, and new applications and fees.
Proof
Provide training verification and the official transcript; the Board page also asks for a Formal Education Certificate for DC schools.
Training
17 DCMR § 3703.7(a) requires 1,250 hours in a licensed or Board-acceptable school, including the specified subjects. The Board application page, obtained through server-side access on October 2, 2026, states "Barbers and Cosmetologists – 1500 hours" under License Requirements; this lower-ranked demand is retained as an applicant condition. URL: https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-barber-and-cosmetology

Barber Prelicensure Supervised Practice Permission

Limited permission for students and qualified applicants to practice under immediate instructor supervision.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology / Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection · Application information

Prelicensure supervised practice by a qualified license applicant

All of the following:

Application
Have an initial application pending and demonstrate all qualifications except sitting for the examination; submit a complete accurate application and receive the Board’s letter permitting supervised practice.
Examination schedule
Take the first licensing examination after applying; good-cause waiver of that date requires taking the next examination. Failure ends supervised practice permission.
Restrictions
Wear applicant identification, accept no customer compensation except salary based on supervised hours, and assume no management responsibility. A denial, discipline or pending action bars supervised practice absent written Board authorization.
Supervision
Practice only in a licensed school, shop or salon under immediate supervision of a licensed barber instructor; the supervisor is responsible for the practice.
Prelicensure supervised student practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Be enrolled and fulfilling educational requirements in a licensed school; complete one third of required course hours before supervised practice.
License examination
Examinations for subsequent ordinary licensure are represented in the ordinary-license examination routes; the student-practice permission itself has no licensing examination slot.
Limitations
No management or supervisory responsibility; wear an acceptable student nametag. No customer compensation directly or indirectly, except salary based on hours of supervised work (17 DCMR § 3714.12-.14).
Supervision and location
Practice only in a licensed school under a licensed barber instructor.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barber Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Format
Practical performance assessment administered by the Department
Passing score
70 percent under 17 DCMR § 3707.15
Examination sources

National Barber 1 (No Chemical) 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
60 items, of which 50 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (40% of items) (40%)
    • 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 related to public protection (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 purpose and effects of products, ingredients, and their interactions
  • 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 (30% of items) (30%)
    • 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
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (20% of items) (20%)
    • 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 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, steam towel massage)
    • Electrotherapy and light therapy — Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Examination sources