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Illinois 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.

Licensed Barber

Individual license to practice barbering; barber teachers may also practice under their teacher licenses.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation · Application information

Endorsement from a foreign country
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
File Department forms, pay fees, provide name-change records as applicable.
Current license
Hold a foreign barber license whose requirements and scope are same or substantially similar to Illinois requirements.
Evaluation
The Board may require an approved educational credential evaluation at applicant expense, additional coursework, a 250-hour refresher course, an interview, or further information.
Examination discretion
1175.220(c)(2) states: The Board may require additional coursework or a 250-hour barber refresher course from a school licensed by the Division as set forth in Section 1175.331 or may require an applicant to pass the barber examination. The identified current barber examination remains a leaf even when the Board excuses an applicant.
Experience
At least three years of foreign practice after qualifying, within the five years preceding application; evidence may include three client, coworker, or business-owner affidavits.
Official documents
Supply the government license record, issuance and expiry dates, description of any foreign licensing examination and grades, and transcripts or government training certification with official seals. Foreign examinations are applicant conditions.
Passing score
75 under 1175.210; passing-score age is governed by 1175.210(d).
Prior illinois failure
If an applicant previously failed the Illinois licensing examination, verify a substantially equivalent examination passed after the most recent failure under 1175.220(f). The unspecified equivalent examination is a condition.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Obtain barber license from active barber teacher license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active teacher license
Hold an active barber-teacher license.
Application
File the Department application and pay the fee under 225 ILCS 410/1-7(c-5).
Department rules
The Department may provide other requirements by rule; the obtained barber rules do not add an examination to this statutory additional-license route.
Existing license
Apply for an additional barber license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Address
Maintain the Department address of record; missing a mailed form does not excuse renewal.
Application
Submit the completed renewal application and required fee.
License
Renew an existing license.
Period
Licenses expire July 31 of odd-numbered years; renew in the preceding month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board recommendation
Restoration requires the Board's written recommendation; the Department may restore unless the Board determines after investigation and hearing that restoration is not in the public interest.
Completed discipline
Successfully complete the term of suspension or revocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration after five years with authorized practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the Restoration Questionnaire and Department application and pay the fee.
Expiration
License expired for five years or more.
License certification
Provide certification from the licensing authority of the jurisdiction where the practice was authorized.
Practice
Verify at least 24 months of work as a barber in another jurisdiction during the preceding five years.
Verification
For barber restoration, use at least three clients, coworkers, or business owners to verify employment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restore barber license from active barber teacher license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active teacher license
Hold an active barber-teacher license.
Application
File the Department application and pay the fee under 225 ILCS 410/1-7(c-5).
Department rules
The Department may provide other requirements by rule; the obtained barber rules do not add an examination to this statutory additional-license route.
Existing license
Restore a previously held barber license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration following qualifying military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Evidence
Supply the statutory affidavit and DD-214.
Fee
Pay the current renewal fee; statutory protection excuses lapsed renewal, reinstatement, or restoration fees.
Service
The license expired during qualifying federal active-duty service or qualifying federally supervised pre-induction education or training.
Time limit
Apply within two years after termination of service, training, or education other than dishonorable discharge under 225 ILCS 410/1-7(f).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration after five years without sufficient authorized external practice
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
Supply the remaining restoration requirements, including questionnaire, forms and fee.
Course alternative
1175.230(c) permits an official transcript showing a completed 250-hour refresher course instead of the examination; the exam is a leaf and the course alternative is a condition.
Expiration
License expired for five years or more; unable to prove the employment and/or authorized-practice certification required by 1175.230(b)(1)(A)-(B).
Passing score
75 under 1175.210(b).
Prior failed attempt
After taking and failing the examination, restoration requires successful completion of it under 1175.230(d).
Score window
Examination passed within two years before or two years after restoration application.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Restoration of a license expired less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the Department restoration application and pay the required fee.
Expiration
License expired less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Licensure by examination: barber school graduate
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
Apply on Department forms and pay required fees.
Minimum age
At least 16 years old.
Name change
Provide name-change documentation when submitted records use another name.
Passing score
Passing grade is 75 under 1175.210(b).
Retakes
After three failed examinations, complete the remedial study required by 225 ILCS 410/2-7 and 1175.210(c); the Department may waive remedial training.
Score window
If no licensure application is submitted within 12 months after passing, retake and pass the examination under 1175.210(d).
Secondary education
High school graduation, recognized equivalent, or beyond compulsory school-attendance age.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Training
1500 hours of barbering over at least nine months at a licensed school; up to 1000 cosmetology hours may be credited at the school's discretion. The 3000-hour apprenticeship amendment is effective January 1, 2027 and does not apply.
Transcripts
Submit official training transcripts and the school final-examination passing grade under 1175.200(b)(1); the school examination is an educational condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Endorsement from another United States jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certifications
Submit official certifications from original and current licensing authorities.
Current license
Hold a current same or substantially similar barber license in another United States jurisdiction.
Fee
Pay the required fee and file the Department application.
Name change
Provide documentation if record names differ.
Prior illinois failure
This route applies to applicants who have not previously failed the Illinois licensing examination; 1175.220(f) establishes a separate examination-verification condition for those who have.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Licensure by examination: cosmetology school graduate
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
Apply on Department forms and pay required fees.
Minimum age
At least 16 years old.
Name change
Provide name-change documentation when submitted records use another name.
Passing score
Passing grade is 75 under 1175.210(b).
Retakes
After three failed examinations, complete the remedial study required by 225 ILCS 410/2-7 and 1175.210(c); the Department may waive remedial training.
Score window
If no licensure application is submitted within 12 months after passing, retake and pass the examination under 1175.210(d).
Secondary education
High school graduation, recognized equivalent, or beyond compulsory school-attendance age.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Training
1500 hours of cosmetology plus at least 500 additional barbering hours over at least three months at a licensed barbering or cosmetology school.
Transcripts
Submit official training transcripts and the school final-examination passing grade under 1175.200(b)(1); the school examination is an educational condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Licensure by examination: training outside Illinois
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
Apply on Department forms and pay required fees.
Board review
The Board may require an interview or further information; this interview is an applicant condition, not an identified examination.
External licensure
If already licensed elsewhere, provide certifications from original and current or most recent licensing jurisdictions.
Foreign documents
Provide educational credentials, transcripts, and evidence of foreign licensure where applicable; the Board may require a credential evaluation at applicant expense.
Minimum age
At least 16 years old.
Name change
Provide name-change documentation when submitted records use another name.
Passing score
Passing grade is 75 under 1175.210(b).
Retakes
After three failed examinations, complete the remedial study required by 225 ILCS 410/2-7 and 1175.210(c); the Department may waive remedial training.
Score window
If no licensure application is submitted within 12 months after passing, retake and pass the examination under 1175.210(d).
Secondary education
High school graduation, recognized equivalent, or beyond compulsory school-attendance age.
Supplemental training
The Board may require additional coursework or a 250-hour refresher course.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Training
Training in another United States jurisdiction or foreign country must substantially comply with Subpart C.
Transcripts
Submit official training transcripts and the school final-examination passing grade under 1175.200(b)(1); the school examination is an educational condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Conversion from licensed cosmetologist to barber
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
Apply on Department forms and pay required fees.
Current license
Hold a current cosmetologist license and supply its number.
Minimum age
At least 16 years old.
Name change
Provide name-change documentation when submitted records use another name.
Passing score
Passing grade is 75 under 1175.210(b).
Retakes
After three failed examinations, complete the remedial study required by 225 ILCS 410/2-7 and 1175.210(c); the Department may waive remedial training.
Score window
If no licensure application is submitted within 12 months after passing, retake and pass the examination under 1175.210(d).
Secondary education
High school graduation, recognized equivalent, or beyond compulsory school-attendance age.
Supplemental course
Complete the 500-hour supplemental barber course; common cosmetology instruction receives credit.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Transcripts
Provide the supplemental-course official transcript and proof of passage of the barber examination.
Conversion from licensed cosmetology teacher to barber
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
Apply on Department forms and pay required fees.
Current license
Hold a current cosmetology teacher license and supply its number.
Minimum age
At least 16 years old.
Name change
Provide name-change documentation when submitted records use another name.
Passing score
Passing grade is 75 under 1175.210(b).
Retakes
After three failed examinations, complete the remedial study required by 225 ILCS 410/2-7 and 1175.210(c); the Department may waive remedial training.
Score window
If no licensure application is submitted within 12 months after passing, retake and pass the examination under 1175.210(d).
Secondary education
High school graduation, recognized equivalent, or beyond compulsory school-attendance age.
Supplemental course
Complete the 500-hour supplemental barber course; common cosmetology instruction receives credit.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Transcripts
Provide the supplemental-course official transcript and proof of passage of the barber examination.

Licensed Barber Teacher

License to teach barbering and practice barbering without maintaining a separate barber license.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation · Application information

Licensed cosmetology teacher seeking barber teacher license: an existing current barber license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional requirements
Meet the remaining statutory barber-teacher qualifications, including at least eighteen years of age and secondary-school graduation or equivalent; pay the required fee.
Barber qualification
Provide an existing current barber license under 1175.222(b).
Current cosmetology teacher
Hold a current cosmetology-teacher license and provide its license number.
Prior teacher examination
225 ILCS 410/2-4(e) accepts the passed cosmetology-teacher examination; the examination of another profession remains a condition.
Scope reading
The express barber-examination proof in 1175.222(b) attaches to its three-year-experience and reduced-course alternative. It is not stated for the current-barber-license or completed supplemental-course alternatives.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Licensed cosmetology teacher seeking barber teacher license: an official transcript of the supplemental barber course
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional requirements
Meet the remaining statutory barber-teacher qualifications, including at least eighteen years of age and secondary-school graduation or equivalent; pay the required fee.
Barber qualification
Provide an official transcript of the supplemental barber course under 1175.222(b).
Current cosmetology teacher
Hold a current cosmetology-teacher license and provide its license number.
Prior teacher examination
225 ILCS 410/2-4(e) accepts the passed cosmetology-teacher examination; the examination of another profession remains a condition.
Scope reading
The express barber-examination proof in 1175.222(b) attaches to its three-year-experience and reduced-course alternative. It is not stated for the current-barber-license or completed supplemental-course alternatives.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Licensed cosmetology teacher seeking barber teacher license: experienced teacher course credit
National Barber Theory Examination
Barber examination
1175.222(b) expressly requires proof of passing the barber examination for this reduced-course alternative.
Course
Complete only the barber subjects of the supplemental barber course not also required in the supplemental cosmetology course and provide an official transcript.
Current cosmetology teacher
Hold a current cosmetology-teacher license and provide the license number.
Experience
At least three years of experience as a licensed cosmetology teacher.
Other profession exam
The accepted previously passed cosmetology-teacher examination under 2-4(e) is an examination of another profession and an applicant condition.
Other requirements
Meet remaining statutory teacher qualifications and pay the required fee.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Barber teacher endorsement from a foreign country
National Barber Theory Examination
Application
Supply application, fees and name-change documentation.
Board review
The Board may require an applicant-funded credential evaluation, additional coursework, a 250-hour refresher course, interview or further information.
Current license
Hold a foreign barber-teacher license with substantially similar education and practice scope.
Exam discretion
1175.220(d)(2) allows the Board to require the barber and/or barber-teacher examination. The registered NIC Barber Theory exam is retained; whether the Board requires either or both examinations is an applicant condition.
Foreign evidence
Submit government license records and examination descriptions/grades, sealed transcripts or government training records; the foreign examination is a condition.
Prior illinois failure
Under 1175.220(f), verify a substantially equivalent examination passed after any most recent Illinois failure.
Recent experience
Verify at least three years of barber-teacher practice after qualification within the preceding five years, including client, coworker, business-owner, student or school-administrator affidavits.
Test implementation
The IDFPR-hosted guide identifies NIC Barber Theory Examinations. The replacement PSI guide expressly takes effect October 1, 2026, after this evaluation.
Unregistered nationwide examination
The IDFPR guide identifies the barber-teacher test as NIC National Instructor Written Examinations. No version for that nationwide examination is supplied in the frozen context; it remains an examination condition pending nationwide registration.
Regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Address
Maintain the Department address of record; missing a mailed form does not excuse renewal.
Application
Submit the completed renewal application and required fee.
License
Renew an existing license.
Period
Licenses expire July 31 of odd-numbered years; renew in the preceding month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board recommendation
Restoration requires the Board's written recommendation; the Department may restore unless the Board determines after investigation and hearing that restoration is not in the public interest.
Completed discipline
Successfully complete the term of suspension or revocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration after five years with authorized practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the Restoration Questionnaire and Department application and pay the fee.
Expiration
License expired for five years or more.
License certification
Provide certification from the licensing authority of the jurisdiction where the practice was authorized.
Practice
Verify at least 24 months of work as a barber teacher in another jurisdiction during the preceding five years.
Verification
Submit employment verification as a barber teacher.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration following qualifying military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Evidence
Supply the statutory affidavit and DD-214.
Fee
Pay the current renewal fee; statutory protection excuses lapsed renewal, reinstatement, or restoration fees.
Service
The license expired during qualifying federal active-duty service or qualifying federally supervised pre-induction education or training.
Time limit
Apply within two years after termination of service, training, or education other than dishonorable discharge under 225 ILCS 410/1-7(f).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Restoration of a license expired less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the Department restoration application and pay the required fee.
Expiration
License expired less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

Barber teacher endorsement from another United States jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File Department forms, pay required fees and provide name-change documentation if applicable.
Certifications
Submit original and current licensure certifications, including license number, issue and expiration dates.
Current license
Hold a current same or substantially similar barber-teacher license from another United States jurisdiction.
Prior illinois failure
This route excludes prior Illinois examination failures, which trigger the separate 1175.220(f) condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

National Barber 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 (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 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