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Louisiana Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certificate of Registration as a Registered Barber

Ordinary Louisiana credential authorizing the practice of barbering.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners

Initial issuance by examination — completed apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits (R.S. 37:354(A)(2)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old (R.S. 37:354(A)(1)).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
National Testing Reference
LAC 46:VII.909 mentions a national-testing fee but identifies no national examination or version. The phrase alone does not establish adoption of a frozen NIC examination.
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Training
Successfully complete the Barber Apprenticeship Program registered with the Apprenticeship Council of Louisiana Works (R.S. 37:354(A)(4)(c)); program participation alone is insufficient for the ordinary certificate.
Initial issuance by examination — approved barber college graduate

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits (R.S. 37:354(A)(2)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Examination Fee Waiver
The initial examination fee is waived for a Louisiana barber-college graduate holding a registered-student certificate (R.S. 37:375(B)).
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old (R.S. 37:354(A)(1)).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
National Testing Reference
LAC 46:VII.909 mentions a national-testing fee but identifies no national examination or version. The phrase alone does not establish adoption of a frozen NIC examination.
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Training
Complete an approved barber college course and receive its graduation certificate. The statutory course requires at least 1,500 hours within nine months, no more than eight hours in a working day (R.S. 37:354(A)(4)(a), 37:361(A)).
Initial issuance by examination — Louisiana cosmetologist

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits (R.S. 37:354(A)(2)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old (R.S. 37:354(A)(1)).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
National Testing Reference
LAC 46:VII.909 mentions a national-testing fee but identifies no national examination or version. The phrase alone does not establish adoption of a frozen NIC examination.
Qualifying Credential
Hold a current certificate of registration as a cosmetologist issued by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (R.S. 37:354(A)(4)(b)).
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Initial issuance by examination — military training credit

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits (R.S. 37:354(A)(2)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old (R.S. 37:354(A)(1)).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
National Testing Reference
LAC 46:VII.909 mentions a national-testing fee but identifies no national examination or version. The phrase alone does not establish adoption of a frozen NIC examination.
Other Routes
The applicant may instead use a qualifying military endorsement pathway under R.S. 37:3651(A)-(C).
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Training Credit
The Board may completely or partially credit comparable military education, training, or experience under R.S. 37:3651(D). Remaining ordinary qualifications and the identified professional examinations remain applicable.
Initial issuance by examination — licensed elsewhere without qualifying reciprocity

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits.
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Education
High-school graduation or equivalent education determined by a Board examination; this is a general-education condition.
Licensed Practice
Prove to the Board by sworn affidavits or otherwise that the applicant practiced as a licensed barber in another state or country immediately before applying.
Minimum Age
At least seventeen years old under the specific out-of-state provision, R.S. 37:369(A)(1).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
Reciprocity Inapplicable
This examination route applies to an applicant not covered by R.S. 37:369(B).
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Initial issuance without further examination — qualifying reciprocal license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
Submit the prescribed application and applicable certification fee.
Board Decision
The Board must determine that the applicant otherwise meets Chapter 5 requirements and approve licensure without further examination. An applicant not qualifying for this pathway uses the out-of-state examination route.
Current License
Hold a current barber license from a U.S. state, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia.
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Equivalence
The issuing jurisdiction must have equivalent or greater requirements and similar reciprocal provisions for Louisiana certificate holders.
Previous Examinations
The statute does not identify any particular currently offered national examination as prior qualification evidence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military issuance — current license held at least one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No revoked or surrendered license for work-related negligence or intentional misconduct; no unresolved complaint, allegation, or investigation unless accepted by the Board; pay applicable fees (R.S. 37:3651(A)(6)-(9)).
Current License
Hold a current and valid license in another jurisdiction in an occupation of similar scope, held at least one year; passed that jurisdiction's examinations or met its education, training, or experience standards; be in good standing and have no disqualifying criminal record (R.S. 37:3651(A)(1)-(5)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Dependent Definition
Resident spouse or resident unmarried child under 21, financially dependent student under 24, or disabled dependent child of any age (R.S. 37:3651(O)).
Discharge
The route does not apply to an applicant receiving a dishonorable discharge or a military spouse whose spouse received one (R.S. 37:3651(P)).
Eligible Applicant
Member of the military, qualifying U.S. Department of Defense civilian employee, spouse, or dependent, with the station-assignment or Louisiana legal-residence connection required by R.S. 37:3651(A); subsection B or C eligibility applies as specified in that subsection.
Jurisprudential Examination
R.S. 37:3651(E) permits a jurisprudential examination only where the occupation already requires such an examination. The obtained barber licensing provisions identify professional practical and written/oral assessments, with no separately identified jurisprudential exam. No exam leaf is inferred from the conditional permission.
Permanent Application
Simultaneously apply for permanent licensure; a permit automatically terminates if the permanent application fails (R.S. 37:3651(A)(10)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military issuance — three years of unlicensed jurisdiction experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No revoked or surrendered license for work-related negligence or intentional misconduct; no unresolved complaint, allegation, or investigation unless accepted by the Board; pay applicable fees (R.S. 37:3651(A)(6)-(9)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Dependent Definition
Resident spouse or resident unmarried child under 21, financially dependent student under 24, or disabled dependent child of any age (R.S. 37:3651(O)).
Discharge
The route does not apply to an applicant receiving a dishonorable discharge or a military spouse whose spouse received one (R.S. 37:3651(P)).
Eligible Applicant
Member of the military, qualifying U.S. Department of Defense civilian employee, spouse, or dependent, with the station-assignment or Louisiana legal-residence connection required by R.S. 37:3651(A); subsection B or C eligibility applies as specified in that subsection.
Experience
At least three years working in a jurisdiction that does not license or certify the occupation; Louisiana regulates a similar occupation as determined by the Board (R.S. 37:3651(B)).
Jurisprudential Examination
R.S. 37:3651(E) permits a jurisprudential examination only where the occupation already requires such an examination. The obtained barber licensing provisions identify professional practical and written/oral assessments, with no separately identified jurisprudential exam. No exam leaf is inferred from the conditional permission.
Permanent Application
Simultaneously apply for permanent licensure; a permit automatically terminates if the permanent application fails (R.S. 37:3651(A)(10)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military issuance — private certification and two years of experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No revoked or surrendered license for work-related negligence or intentional misconduct; no unresolved complaint, allegation, or investigation unless accepted by the Board; pay applicable fees (R.S. 37:3651(A)(6)-(9)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Dependent Definition
Resident spouse or resident unmarried child under 21, financially dependent student under 24, or disabled dependent child of any age (R.S. 37:3651(O)).
Discharge
The route does not apply to an applicant receiving a dishonorable discharge or a military spouse whose spouse received one (R.S. 37:3651(P)).
Eligible Applicant
Member of the military, qualifying U.S. Department of Defense civilian employee, spouse, or dependent, with the station-assignment or Louisiana legal-residence connection required by R.S. 37:3651(A); subsection B or C eligibility applies as specified in that subsection.
Experience
At least two years working in a jurisdiction that does not license or certify the occupation; Louisiana regulates a similar occupation as determined by the Board.
Jurisprudential Examination
R.S. 37:3651(E) permits a jurisprudential examination only where the occupation already requires such an examination. The obtained barber licensing provisions identify professional practical and written/oral assessments, with no separately identified jurisprudential exam. No exam leaf is inferred from the conditional permission.
Permanent Application
Simultaneously apply for permanent licensure; a permit automatically terminates if the permanent application fails (R.S. 37:3651(A)(10)).
Private Certification
Current valid private certification and good standing with the certifying organization (R.S. 37:3651(C)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal or resumption after military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Eligibility
Service in uniformed services or National Guard, or a military spouse relocated with an active-duty servicemember outside the United States and its territories; provide deployment or relocation evidence before expiry.
Exemptions
May be exempt from renewal or reinstatement fees and continuing education during service, but the exemption does not cover the year of discharge or release.
Ordinary Requirements
Applicable ordinary renewal requirements remain, subject to the statutory exemption.
Resumption
License continues in force if applicable fees and education are completed within 180 days after release or discharge; minimum federal standards, if applicable, govern inactive or dormant status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Eligibility
No refusal ground under R.S. 37:372; retain the qualifications and conditions of the existing credential.
Photographs
At least every five years provide two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs taken within ten days of submission.
Renewal
Apply to the Board and pay the applicable fee on or before January 31; late fees apply as prescribed by R.S. 37:375.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Requalification after prolonged expiration — completed apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits (R.S. 37:354(A)(2)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Expiration
Prior certificate expired at least five years; the old certificate cannot be reinstated; comply with original-issuance provisions.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old (R.S. 37:354(A)(1)).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
National Testing Reference
LAC 46:VII.909 mentions a national-testing fee but identifies no national examination or version. The phrase alone does not establish adoption of a frozen NIC examination.
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Training
Comply anew with the completed apprenticeship route under R.S. 37:354(A)(4)(c).
Requalification after prolonged expiration — approved college graduate

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits (R.S. 37:354(A)(2)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Expiration
Prior certificate expired at least five years; the old certificate cannot be reinstated; comply with original-issuance provisions.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old (R.S. 37:354(A)(1)).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
National Testing Reference
LAC 46:VII.909 mentions a national-testing fee but identifies no national examination or version. The phrase alone does not establish adoption of a frozen NIC examination.
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Training
Comply anew with the approved barber-college graduation route under R.S. 37:354(A)(4)(a).
Requalification after prolonged expiration — current Louisiana cosmetologist

All of the following:

Application
Board form with qualifications proved under oath; two signed 5-by-3-inch photographs; applicable fee (R.S. 37:365).
Character
Good moral character and temperate habits (R.S. 37:354(A)(2)).
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Expiration
Prior certificate expired at least five years; the old certificate cannot be reinstated; comply with original-issuance provisions.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old (R.S. 37:354(A)(1)).
Models And Supplies
Bring two male models and one female model, tools, supplies, towels, and materials (LAC 46:VII.913 and .917).
National Testing Reference
LAC 46:VII.909 mentions a national-testing fee but identifies no national examination or version. The phrase alone does not establish adoption of a frozen NIC examination.
Qualifying Credential
Hold a current Louisiana cosmetology certificate under R.S. 37:354(A)(4)(b).
Registration Notice
Written examination notice and fee must reach the Board at least two weeks before the examination (LAC 46:VII.905 and .911).
Restoration within the statutory renewal window
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay the restoration fee; no R.S. 37:372 refusal ground.
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Expiration
Expired less than one year for a college or associated college facility; otherwise expired less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial issuance by endorsement — Welcome Home Act
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current License
Current and valid license or certification in another jurisdiction with a similar scope, held at least one year; the Board determines scope similarity.
Demonstrations
For Board-approved demonstrations or seminars, comply with LAC 46:VII.301-.307: licensed barber or cosmetologist, sanitation, written approval, private classes, no advertising, and normally no more than four days in thirty to the same group. Regular teaching beyond these limits requires an instructor certificate; seminar approval is not a separately issued certificate.
Fees
Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Jurisprudential Examination
R.S. 37:54(A) permits a jurisprudential examination only if this occupation already requires one specific to Louisiana law. The obtained barber requirements in R.S. 37:354, 37:363, 37:366 and LAC 46:VII.903, .1701 name the professional practical and written/oral examinations, not a separate jurisprudential examination. This permission is not treated as adoption of a new exam.
Prior Qualification
The issuing jurisdiction required an examination or education, training, or experience; no exact professional examination is identified in this condition.
Residency
Live in Louisiana and provide one form of proof under R.S. 37:53. An employment-based proof requires another listed proof six months after licensure.
Standing
Good standing; no disqualifying criminal record; no pending disciplinary action or investigation unless resolved or otherwise accepted by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Permit to Engage in the Practice of Barbering Pending Examination

Temporary barber permit for a currently licensed applicant awaiting the Louisiana examination.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners

Temporary permit — currently licensed barber awaiting Louisiana examination

All of the following:

Board Permission
The Board may issue the temporary permit; pay the permit fee.
Current License
Current valid barber license from another U.S. jurisdiction or a foreign country.
Pending Examination
The permit authorizes practice pending the same registered-barber practical demonstration and written/oral test identified by R.S. 37:366(B). Passing is not a prerequisite to permit issuance; the currently offered examinations remain route leaves.

Louisiana Registered Barber Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners
Format
Live-model practical demonstration
Time limit
Practical examination: three hours.
Passing score
Registered-barber licensing examination: 70% overall and at least 60% in each part; practical and oral segments 60% of total, written 40%.
Examination sources

Registered Barber Written and Oral Test

Provider
Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners
Format
Written and oral test
Time limit
Written portion: one hour; no separate oral time stated.
Passing score
Registered-barber licensing examination: 70% overall and at least 60% in each part; practical and oral segments 60% of total, written 40%.
Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Introduction to Barbering
    • Professional orientation, ethics, shop safety, and occupational stress
  • Louisiana Laws and Regulations
    • Statutory duties and rules for students, shop management, and licensed barbers
  • Implements
    • Identification, handling, use, care, and sanitation of barber implements
  • Sanitation and Safety
    • Bacteria, disinfection methods, safety, and state sanitation requirements
  • Shampooing
    • Hair and scalp analysis, product selection, shampooing, and rinsing
  • Taper Haircut
    • Tool handling, tapering, blending, balance, and client hair analysis
  • Men's Haircutting
    • Style cutting, razor cutting, finishing, and hairpiece fit and care
  • Women's Haircutting
    • Feature analysis, lengths, cutting methods, and styling techniques
  • Shaving
    • Skin and beard analysis, sanitation, preparation, razor strokes, finishing, and beard design
  • Massage and Facials
    • Massage and facial types, masks, creams, and hand manipulations
  • Skin and Scalp
    • Structure, function, disorders, and contagious versus noncontagious conditions
  • Hair
    • Functions, structure, and growth of hair
  • Chemicals
    • Chemical hazards, waves, relaxers, color, bleach, application, removal, and processing
  • Chemistry
    • Compounds, mixtures, water hardness, and cosmetics
  • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Cells and body systems relevant to barbering
  • Shop Management and Salesmanship
    • Board requirements, locations, personal duties, records, advertising, and promotion
  • Employment Preparation
    • Licensure, renewal, legal responsibilities, and workplace transition
Examination sources