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Maine Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Barber Hair Stylist

Ordinary Maine barber license for the practice defined by 32 M.R.S. §14202(8-A); only this statutory license permits the professional titles barber, barber hair stylist and hair stylist.

Licensing authority: Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program · Application information

Licensure by endorsement with a valid foreign license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Education documents
Submit transcript or affidavit, English translation and approved U.S. credential evaluation where required. The application requires evidence of having passed written and practical examinations; a comparable foreign examination is an applicant condition.
Foreign license
Hold a valid license from another country whose professional standards the Director considers equivalent to or higher than Maine standards; supply official verification and pass the examination requirement applied by Chapter 21.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Training
The foreign endorsement application permits 800 school hours in at least five months, school instruction plus experience totaling at least 1,600 hours, or a 1,600-hour traineeship.
Statutory endorsement from a substantially equivalent U.S. jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Attestation
Obtain, read and abide by Maine practice laws and rules; no state laws-and-rules examination remains.
Denial
No statutory cause for denial may exist.
Fees
Submit the application, license verification and required fee; the official March 2022 U.S. endorsement application requires fee and verification.
License
Hold a valid license in another U.S. jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
Older rule demand
Chapter 21 §1(3) states: "An applicant applying by endorsement shall be subject to the Maine required two-part examination." The mandatory statutory endorsement process in §§14231-A and 8003-H controls this route; the statute only allows an otherwise-required jurisprudence examination, and Maine discontinued that examination in 2012.
Standing
Be in good standing in every present and former licensing jurisdiction, with no pending complaint, allegation or investigation, suspension, restriction, prior surrender or revocation (§8003-H(1)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary U.S. license transfer when substantially equivalent requirements for statutory endorsement are not established

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Current license
Present proof of current U.S. jurisdiction licensure and no statutory cause for denial under §14231. Chapter 21 §4(1) applies the two-part examination; applicants satisfying the statutory substantially-equivalent endorsement route may instead use that route.
Director discretion
The Director may issue on proof of licensure under §14231; acceptance of prior or comparable examinations is an applicant condition, not a separate examination identity.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Examination applicant educated outside the United States without a current license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Foreign education
Submit official foreign education documents, English translations and an evaluation by an approved U.S. credentialing agency under Chapter 21 §5.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Training equivalence
The Director must accept instruction or trainee experience as meeting or exceeding Maine standards.
Initial licensure using qualifying military education, training or service

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Military training
A qualified active duty service member, recently separated veteran, spouse or domestic partner may present military education, training or service toward licensing qualifications under §8011; the remaining examination requirements apply.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Examination applicant trained in another U.S. jurisdiction without a current license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Experience credit
Verifiable licensed practice during the immediately preceding four years may balance deficient training hours; provide W-2 records or other records acceptable to the Director (Chapter 21 §4(2)).
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Training equivalence
The Director must accept the completed licensed-school course or approved traineeship as equivalent to or higher than Maine standards under §14231.
Initial licensure after school instruction

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Training
Complete 800 hours of barber hair styling instruction over at least five months at a school licensed by the Director (§14227-A(3)).
Initial licensure after traineeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Training
Complete 1,600 hours of barber hair styling traineeship over at least ten months (§14227-A(3)). The qualified supervisor documents satisfactory completion.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Timing
Apply no later than 90 days after expiration and pay renewal and late fees. The late period does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with mandatory military examination waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Service
Failure to renew resulted from active duty; apply within 90 days after separation under conditions other than dishonorable. Service cannot exceed four years unless legally required.
Waiver
The Director must waive examination; other renewal requirements and fees remain.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement four or more years after expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Lapse
License expired four or more years ago; the implementing page and exam-eligibility packet require reexamination.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Waiver
Section 14235 permits the Director to waive new-applicant requirements after considering public protection; Chapter 21 §6 otherwise demands the licensing examination after the four-year waiver window.
Reinstatement more than 90 days but less than four years after expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees and disclose all jurisdictions of licensure under Chapter 21 §1.
Lapse
License expired more than 90 days but less than four years ago.
Law attestation
The state laws-and-rules portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. Attest that Maine practice laws and rules will be obtained, read and followed.
Other jurisdiction examination
A written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be accepted if the Director finds it comparable (Chapter 21 §1(3)); such examinations are applicant conditions, not Maine or nationwide exam leaves.
Score window
Both examinations must be passed within one year of the first sitting; otherwise both must be retaken (Chapter 21 §1(3)). Apply and pay for initial licensure within one year of notification of passing, subject to the Director's extenuating-circumstances waiver under §14229-A.
Waiver
The Director may waive examination after considering public protection (Chapter 21 §6 and §14235).
Timely annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Timing
File the renewal application and fee by October 31; maintain an otherwise eligible license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Barber 1 (No Chemical) Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in 5 timed or variably timed core domain sections evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; candidates bring their own supply kit; model or mannequin requirements follow state guidelines; a straight razor must be used
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