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Maryland 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

Individual apprentice certificate of registration under master-barber supervision.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Barbers · Application information

Initial apprentice registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 16 years old.
English Course
An applicant who does not speak English must show intent to participate in an English comprehension course during the apprenticeship under §4-402(3)(ii).
Orientation
Participate in Board orientation before registration; the implementing page provides a self-paced PowerPoint after receipt of sponsor information.
Sponsorship
Secure a sponsoring shop and master barber; submit the apprentice and sponsor forms, Board application and fee, and obtain Board approval.
Supervision
Train under direct master-barber supervision in the authorized premises; the supervisor reports progress monthly.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New barber apprentice registration for good cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may issue a new registration for good cause.
Prior Hours
Surrender all hours earned under any other barber apprentice registration.
Waiting Period
At least six months must have elapsed since the last barber apprentice registration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

One time apprentice registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Initial Term
The statutory initial apprentice registration term is two years.
Renewal Limit
The apprentice registration may be renewed only once.
Requirements
Remain entitled to registration, apply before expiration using the Board form, and pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barber-Stylist Apprentice Registration

Individual apprentice certificate of registration under master-barber supervision.

Licensing authority: Board of Barbers · Application information

Initial apprentice registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 16 years old.
English Course
An applicant who does not speak English must show intent to participate in an English comprehension course during the apprenticeship under §4-402(3)(ii).
Orientation
Participate in Board orientation before registration; the implementing page provides a self-paced PowerPoint after receipt of sponsor information.
Sponsorship
Secure a sponsoring shop and master barber; submit the apprentice and sponsor forms, Board application and fee, and obtain Board approval.
Supervision
Train under direct master-barber supervision in the authorized premises; the supervisor reports progress monthly.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

One time apprentice registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Initial Term
The statutory initial apprentice registration term is two years.
Renewal Limit
The apprentice registration may be renewed only once.
Requirements
Remain entitled to registration, apply before expiration using the Board form, and pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barber License

License to practice barbering.

Licensing authority: state board of barbers · Application information

Initial licensure by examination: registered apprenticeship

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Correctional Training Credit
The Board may credit approved or equivalent correctional-facility barber-school training toward the apprenticeship, up to 600 hours under §4-302.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Training
Complete at least 2250 hours within 2 years in a permitted barbershop under a master barber; comply with apprentice registration and monthly reports.
Initial licensure by examination: Maryland cosmetologist training credit

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Existing License
Be trained and currently licensed as a cosmetologist in Maryland.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Training Credit
The Board must credit one-half of the relevant training requirement and determines how that credit applies; examination requirements remain.
Late renewal following military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The unit may allow late renewal without penalty or reinstatement fee when deployment directly caused the delay, and allow any required continuing education or competency to be completed within a reasonable time after renewal.
Military Status
Be an active service member deployed outside Maryland.
Ordinary Requirements
Otherwise meet the license renewal requirements under §4-310.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after automatic suspension for dishonored payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Pay the fee and late charges to end the suspension; §1-208(c) provides retroactive reinstatement when payment or proof of erroneous dishonor is supplied within five business days after suspension.
Suspension
This route applies only to the automatic suspension under §1-208 for a dishonored issuance or renewal payment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by endorsement or reciprocity

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Existing License
Hold an active license in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction; the licensing authority must send official verification and disciplinary history directly to the Board.
Experience
Section 4-305 requires licensure for at least the preceding six months and passing the applicable examination. Section 4-306 allows examination waiver upon otherwise meeting qualifications, a similar prior examination, practice during the two immediately preceding years, employer or self-employment proof, good-standing certification, and written acknowledgment of Maryland law.
Implementation Experience
The Board endorsement page states that all reciprocity applicants must show at least six months of work experience using a notarized employer letter or official tax documentation; the statutory two-year practice condition governs the §4-306 examination waiver.
Prior Examination
The other jurisdiction’s prior examination and license are applicant evidence, not Maryland examination leaves.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Waiver
The Board may waive Maryland theory and practical examinations; the named current Maryland examinations remain leaves because the Board may require them after evaluating training equivalency.
Initial licensure with a foreign license and possible written waiver

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Additional Training
The Board may require successful additional training up to 1200 hours; foreign credentials require translation, notarization and Board eligibility approval.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Equivalence
Show that the foreign licensing examination and qualifications were substantially equivalent to Maryland requirements at that time; the foreign examination is an applicant condition.
Foreign License
Hold a license to practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services in a foreign country.
Practical
Pass the applicable Maryland practical examination.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Written Waiver
Under §4-307 the Board may waive the written examination; it remains a current examination involved in this route.
Initial licensure by examination: foreign education

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Credential Evaluation
For a foreign-educated applicant not currently licensed in the United States or a U.S. territorial possession, obtain a NACES-accredited evaluation and approved translation, and obtain Board approval before examination.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Training
Meet the applicable Maryland training requirements based on evaluated foreign education.
Initial licensure by expedited military endorsement

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Existing License
Hold an active license in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction; the licensing authority must send official verification and disciplinary history directly to the Board.
Experience
Section 4-305 requires licensure for at least the preceding six months and passing the applicable examination. Section 4-306 allows examination waiver upon otherwise meeting qualifications, a similar prior examination, practice during the two immediately preceding years, employer or self-employment proof, good-standing certification, and written acknowledgment of Maryland law.
Implementation Experience
The Board endorsement page states that all reciprocity applicants must show at least six months of work experience using a notarized employer letter or official tax documentation; the statutory two-year practice condition governs the §4-306 examination waiver.
Military License
Hold each out-of-state license in good standing, including a qualifying license held for at least one year.
Military Status
Be an active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse under Business Regulation §2.5-101.
Prior Examination
The other jurisdiction’s prior examination and license are applicant evidence, not Maryland examination leaves.
Processing
Submit a full application, proof of military status, all required supporting documentation and application fee; the unit must issue the expedited license within 60 days once the statutory requirements are met.
Residence
Show Maryland duty-station assignment or legal residence as required for the service member, veteran, or spouse.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Waiver
The Board may waive Maryland theory and practical examinations; the named current Maryland examinations remain leaves because the Board may require them after evaluating training equivalency.
Initial licensure by examination: training outside Maryland

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Eligibility
The training institution must submit official sealed academic records, applicant email and mailing address to the Board; obtain the approval letter before examination.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Training
Meet the applicable Maryland training requirements through approved equivalent training completed outside Maryland.
Reinstatement more than five years after expiration

All of the following:

Elapsed Time
Apply more than five years after license expiration.
Examination
Pass the applicable examination required by the Board; request a Board reinstatement eligibility letter. Master Barber is theory-only; Barber and Barber Stylist have theory and practical examinations.
Renewal Requirements
Meet §4-310 renewal requirements and pay both renewal and reinstatement fees.
Reinstatement within five years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Elapsed Time
Apply within five years after license expiration.
Reinstatement Fee
Pay the reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee; §4-312(a) exhaustively lists these requirements without an examination.
Renewal Requirements
Meet §4-310 renewal requirements, including continued entitlement, application and renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Remain entitled to the license, submit the Board renewal form and pay the renewal fee before expiration; §4-310(d) gives the complete renewal requirements without an examination.
Filing
COMAR 09.16.01.09 requires filing the application and payment at least 14 days before expiration.
Tax Clearance
Renewal requires verification of payment or satisfactory arrangements for undisputed taxes and unemployment contributions under §1-204(b).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination: approved school

All of the following:

Accommodations
Under §4-304(e)-(f), the Board may approve a written-exam interpreter, additional time, or an oral accommodation for dyslexia or another reading impairment. These are applicant accommodations, not independent examinations. COMAR 09.16.01.07E limits interpreters or readers for the master examination.
Application
Submit the Board application, obtain examination eligibility, and pay applicable examination and license fees under §§4-303 and 4-308. PSI applications must be submitted online under the Board instructions effective March 31, 2025.
Domestic Violence Training
Complete one hour of in-person or virtual domestic violence awareness training with a Maryland Board-approved provider under §4-302 and the Board endorsement instructions.
Score Window
COMAR 09.16.01.07G(3) states: "An applicant who has not passed all parts of the examination within 1 year of the original examination date shall be required to retake the entire examination." The lower-ranked Board exam page states: "Please note that testing scores must be passed successfully within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board."
Training
Complete at least 1200 hours in an approved barber school.

Temporary Work Permit

Temporary individual authorization for a qualifying military applicant pending full licensure.

Licensing authority: maryland state board of barbers and cosmetologists · Application information

Temporary military authorization pending full licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The unit may issue the temporary license unless issuance poses a risk to public health, welfare or safety.
Duration And Scope
The unit determines the limited period and authorized services while the applicant completes additional Maryland full-licensure requirements. Examinations for the permanent credential belong to that permanent route; §2.5-107 does not make them preconditions to issuing this interim permit.
Military Status
Be an active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse under §2.5-101; the Board licensing FAQ expressly identifies a spouse in the military.
Other License
Have held a valid out-of-state license in good standing for less than one year and have every held license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barber Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Examination sources

Barber Theory Examination

Examination outline
  • Safety, Sanitation, and Disinfection (25%)
    • Safe working conditions and practices
    • Safe working conditions and practices / Environment
    • Safe working conditions and practices / Protective coverings (client draping, gloves)
    • Safe working conditions and practices / Water temperature
    • Safe working conditions and practices / Chemical labeling and storage
    • Safe working conditions and practices / Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
    • Safe working conditions and practices / Patch test
    • Safe working conditions and practices / Prohibited materials
    • Safety agencies
    • Safety agencies / Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA)
    • Safety agencies / Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    • Safety agencies / Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    • Sanitation and disinfection
    • Sanitation and disinfection / Cleaners and disinfectants
    • Sanitation and disinfection / Procedures for tools, equipment, and work surfaces
    • Sanitation and disinfection / Storage of tools and equipment
    • Sanitation and disinfection / Single and multiuse items
    • Sanitation and disinfection / Prevention of cross-contamination
    • Infectious diseases and pathogens
    • Standard precautions for exposure incidents
    • Standard precautions for exposure incidents / Procedures
    • Standard precautions for exposure incidents / First aid kit
    • Standard precautions for exposure incidents / Blood exposure disinfection and disposal
  • Client Consultation and Professional Conduct (3%)
    • Client consultation
    • Contraindications
    • Record keeping
    • Professional ethics
    • Personal hygiene
  • Hair, Scalp and Skin Anatomy (10%)
    • Hair and scalp structure and physiology
    • Hair and scalp structure and physiology / Hair structure
    • Hair and scalp structure and physiology / Hair type (e.g. texture, elasticity, density, porosity)
    • Hair and scalp structure and physiology / Hair growth phases
    • Hair and scalp structure and physiology / Hair and scalp conditions and disorders
    • Skin structure and physiology
    • Skin structure and physiology / Skin structure
    • Skin structure and physiology / Skin types
    • Skin structure and physiology / Skin conditions and disorders
  • Shampooing, Conditioning, and Scalp Care (7%)
    • Shampoos and conditioners
    • Shampoos and conditioners / Purpose and types
    • Shampoos and conditioners / Procedures
    • Scalp care
    • Scalp care / Scalp analysis
    • Scalp care / Scalp massage
    • Scalp care / Special procedures for presence of scalp conditions
  • Hairstyling (5%)
    • Blow dry styling producers
    • Combs and brushes
    • Temperature precautions
    • Styling aids and products
    • Artificial hair styling
  • Haircutting (15%)
    • Types of haircuts
    • Types of haircuts / Blunt
    • Types of haircuts / Tapered/Fade
    • Types of haircuts / Layered
    • Guidelines
    • Sectioning hair
    • Thinning and texturizing
    • Using a razor
    • Using clippers
    • Using scissors or shears
  • Chemical Services (15%)
    • Hair Coloring
    • Hair Coloring / Color theory
    • Hair Coloring / Hair color application
    • Hair Coloring / Hair color application / Virgin
    • Hair Coloring / Hair color application / Retouch
    • Hair Coloring / Coloring mustache and beard
    • Permanent waving
    • Permanent waving / Products
    • Permanent waving / Hair and scalp preparation for permanent waving
    • Permanent waving / Application, processing, and removing products
    • Permanent waving / Techniques of wrapping hair with rods and other tools
    • Relaxing and chemical straightening
    • Relaxing and chemical straightening / Products
    • Relaxing and chemical straightening / Hair and scalp preparation for chemical straightening
    • Relaxing and chemical straightening / Application, processing, and removing products
  • Shaving (10%)
    • Procedures
    • Procedures / Preparation
    • Procedures / Shaving and shaving areas
    • Procedures / Post-shave
    • Techniques
    • Techniques / Presoftening the beard with steam towels
    • Techniques / Lathering
    • Techniques / Shaving strokes
    • Techniques / Shaving strokes / Freehand
    • Techniques / Shaving strokes / Backhand
    • Techniques / Shaving strokes / Reverse freehand
    • Techniques / Shaving strokes / Reverse backhand
    • Techniques / Beard and mustache design
    • Skin Care
    • Skin Care / Products
    • Skin Care / Skin Analysis
    • Skin Care / Cleansing the skin with steam towels
    • Skin Care / Massage manipulations
  • Maryland Laws and Regulations (10%)
    • Licensing
    • Sanitation Requirements
Examination sources