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Utah Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

US-UT · License preparation

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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.

Legacy barbering license

Retained legacy authorization, including initial issuance to the cohorts specified in 58-11a-302.24(3).

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing · Application information

Initial issuance — approved apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the DOPL-approved application through My License One, pay the applicable fee, and provide required identity and qualification documentation.
Apprenticeship
Complete the approved apprenticeship with at least 1250 hours under the applicable current statute; register before beginning, use a licensed instructor supervisor, complete within two years, and notify DOPL within 30 days of a supervisor change. The current statute controls over older contrary apprenticeship hour or supervision provisions.
Board page score window
The current DOPL FAQ states: "The examination must be passed within three years before the date of application , or within another reasonable timeframe approved by the Division after its review of applicable extenuating circumstances.". This three-year implementing statement conflicts with the one-year current rule; the rule controls.
Grandfathered cohort
Initial legacy issuance requires school enrollment and commencement, or registered apprenticeship, on or before January 1, 2026, and completion of the applicable statutory requirements.
Other equivalent examinations
R156-11a-302a(3) accepts substantially equivalent examinations approved by another jurisdiction. This open approval set is an applicant condition; it does not replace the specifically named current registered examinations.
Passing score
At least 70%, as determined by the examination provider (R156-11a-302a(1)).
Score window
R156-11a-302a(1) requires passage within one year before application, unless DOPL approves another reasonable timeframe for extenuating circumstances.
Service counts
Provide satisfactory documentation of required minimum service counts certified by the school or apprenticeship supervisor, under 58-11a-302(1)(b).
Endorsement — licensed applicant competency or substantial equivalency

All of the following:

Application
Submit the DOPL-approved application through My License One, pay the applicable fee, and provide required identity and qualification documentation.
Board page score window
The current DOPL FAQ states: "The examination must be passed within three years before the date of application , or within another reasonable timeframe approved by the Division after its review of applicable extenuating circumstances.". This three-year implementing statement conflicts with the one-year current rule; the rule controls.
Division review
DOPL may refuse for lack of qualification or previous or pending disciplinary action; provide identity, qualifications and good standing under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Exam discretion
R156-1-302(4) allows DOPL to require one or more professional examinations required for initial licensure. The examination references identify that current set; they do not assert every endorsement applicant must sit every examination.
Existing license
DOPL may issue on demonstrated education, credentialing examination, experience and skills plus one year of licensed practice, or on substantially similar requirements when the other license was issued. This includes a jurisdiction outside the United States; examinations of another country are applicant conditions.
Other equivalent examinations
R156-11a-302a(3) accepts substantially equivalent examinations approved by another jurisdiction. This open approval set is an applicant condition; it does not replace the specifically named current registered examinations.
Passing score
At least 70%, as determined by the examination provider (R156-11a-302a(1)).
Score window
R156-11a-302a(1) requires passage within one year before application, unless DOPL approves another reasonable timeframe for extenuating circumstances.
Service counts
Provide satisfactory documentation of required minimum service counts certified by the school or apprenticeship supervisor, under 58-11a-302(1)(b).
Endorsement — unlicensed applicant with substantially similar education and examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the DOPL-approved application through My License One, pay the applicable fee, and provide required identity and qualification documentation.
Board page score window
The current DOPL FAQ states: "The examination must be passed within three years before the date of application , or within another reasonable timeframe approved by the Division after its review of applicable extenuating circumstances.". This three-year implementing statement conflicts with the one-year current rule; the rule controls.
Division review
DOPL may refuse for lack of qualification or previous or pending disciplinary action; provide identity, qualifications and good standing under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Education and experience
Applicant has never been licensed, obtained relevant education or experience outside Utah, and DOPL determines education, credentialing examination and experience substantially similar to current requirements. Foreign or other-profession examinations remain conditions.
Exam discretion
R156-1-302(4) allows DOPL to require one or more professional examinations required for initial licensure. The examination references identify that current set; they do not assert every endorsement applicant must sit every examination.
Other equivalent examinations
R156-11a-302a(3) accepts substantially equivalent examinations approved by another jurisdiction. This open approval set is an applicant condition; it does not replace the specifically named current registered examinations.
Passing score
At least 70%, as determined by the examination provider (R156-11a-302a(1)).
Score window
R156-11a-302a(1) requires passage within one year before application, unless DOPL approves another reasonable timeframe for extenuating circumstances.
Service counts
Provide satisfactory documentation of required minimum service counts certified by the school or apprenticeship supervisor, under 58-11a-302(1)(b).
Endorsement — United States license with one year of practice

All of the following:

Application
Submit the DOPL-approved application through My License One, pay the applicable fee, and provide required identity and qualification documentation.
Board page score window
The current DOPL FAQ states: "The examination must be passed within three years before the date of application , or within another reasonable timeframe approved by the Division after its review of applicable extenuating circumstances.". This three-year implementing statement conflicts with the one-year current rule; the rule controls.
Division review
DOPL may refuse for lack of qualification or previous or pending disciplinary action; provide identity, qualifications and good standing under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Exam discretion
R156-1-302(4) allows DOPL to require one or more professional examinations required for initial licensure. The examination references identify that current set; they do not assert every endorsement applicant must sit every examination.
Existing license
DOPL must determine a similar scope of practice; at least one year of practice under the license and good standing are required. The license need not currently be active under R156-1-302(2).
Other equivalent examinations
R156-11a-302a(3) accepts substantially equivalent examinations approved by another jurisdiction. This open approval set is an applicant condition; it does not replace the specifically named current registered examinations.
Passing score
At least 70%, as determined by the examination provider (R156-11a-302a(1)).
Score window
R156-11a-302a(1) requires passage within one year before application, unless DOPL approves another reasonable timeframe for extenuating circumstances.
Service counts
Provide satisfactory documentation of required minimum service counts certified by the school or apprenticeship supervisor, under 58-11a-302(1)(b).
Military active duty or deployment extension and renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request renewal within 90 days after termination of orders and provide activation/deployment and discharge orders.
Eligibility
License expires during qualifying National Guard or reserve active duty, or service-member deployment; extension lasts 90 days after qualifying discharge or the last deployment date.
Renewal
Meet ordinary renewal requirements, except continuing education or training is waived; qualifying renewal carries no charge. The exclusions for annual training, in-state Guard/reserve orders and orders requiring no relocation outside Utah remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-10-10.

Reinstatement — within 30 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
License was active and in good standing at expiration; submit completed renewal form showing renewal compliance and pay renewal and late fees within 30 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-10-10.

Reinstatement — 31 days through two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
License was active and in good standing at expiration; submit completed renewal form showing renewal compliance and pay renewal and reinstatement fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-10-10.

Reinstatement — continuous licensed or federal government practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Continuously active since Utah license expiration in the profession under another United States jurisdiction license or full-time federal-government employment; apply within six months after reestablishing Utah domicile or ending government service, show renewal compliance and pay the applicable fees. Section 58-1-308(6)(b) explicitly permits reinstatement without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-10-10.

Reinstatement — two through five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Apply between two and five years after expiration and meet reinstatement and renewal requirements. R156-11a-308 expressly waives the examinations in R156-11a-302a.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-10-10.

Ordinary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the prescribed renewal application, renewal fee and evidence of compliance with renewal qualifications under 58-1-308(3)-(4) and R156-1-308c. These renewal provisions and the profession rule set the exhaustive ordinary renewal process without a licensing examination.
Transition
Where applicable, 58-11a-302.25 converts barbering to legacy barbering, cosmetology/barbering to legacy cosmetology/barbering, and hair design to master hair design or master barbering on renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-10-10.

Initial issuance — school education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the DOPL-approved application through My License One, pay the applicable fee, and provide required identity and qualification documentation.
Board page score window
The current DOPL FAQ states: "The examination must be passed within three years before the date of application , or within another reasonable timeframe approved by the Division after its review of applicable extenuating circumstances.". This three-year implementing statement conflicts with the one-year current rule; the rule controls.
Education
Graduate from a licensed or recognized school and satisfy the required curriculum with at least 1000 instruction hours or equivalent credit hours.
Foreign school
Foreign school equivalency is subject to DOPL evaluation under R156-11a-302b. Where the current practice statute allows it, licensed practice in another jurisdiction may supply the difference between recognized schooling hours and the statutory minimum; this is an applicant condition.
Grandfathered cohort
Initial legacy issuance requires school enrollment and commencement, or registered apprenticeship, on or before January 1, 2026, and completion of the applicable statutory requirements.
Other equivalent examinations
R156-11a-302a(3) accepts substantially equivalent examinations approved by another jurisdiction. This open approval set is an applicant condition; it does not replace the specifically named current registered examinations.
Passing score
At least 70%, as determined by the examination provider (R156-11a-302a(1)).
Score window
R156-11a-302a(1) requires passage within one year before application, unless DOPL approves another reasonable timeframe for extenuating circumstances.
Service counts
Provide satisfactory documentation of required minimum service counts certified by the school or apprenticeship supervisor, under 58-11a-302(1)(b).

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