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Washington 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

Individual license to practice barbering; licenses and examination requirements are distinct from location licenses.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information

Licensure by examination after apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Complete the department-approved application and pay the licensing fee.
Dol training statement
DOL Get your license, Education option 2, states: "Barber: 2,000 hours". This implementing demand is retained alongside the controlling statutory minimum.
Exam scores
Pass both required examinations; the minimum passing scaled score is 75 for each. WAC 308-20-120 considers results more than three years old expired for initial licensure.
Minimum age
At least seventeen years old.
Timing
Registration or examination may occur within 100 hours of completing required instruction, but all required hours must be completed before licensure.
Training
Complete a state-approved barber apprenticeship program. RCW 18.16.020(12)(b)(iii) specifies 1,200 hours.
Training currency
Certified apprentice training hours expire three years from the last date of attendance under WAC 308-20-101(7).
Reinstatement after cancellation for nonrenewal

All of the following:

Application
Submit a reinstatement application, pay the fee and meet current licensing requirements.
Cancellation
License not renewed within one year after expiration is cancelled; the pandemic renewal exception ended June 30, 2023.
Examinations
Pass the state-approved written and practical examinations; DOL contacts the applicant about scheduling after receiving the application.
Additional barber licensure through crossover training

All of the following:

Application
Complete the department-approved application and pay the licensing fee.
Exam scores
Pass both required examinations; the minimum passing scaled score is 75 for each. WAC 308-20-120 considers results more than three years old expired for initial licensure.
Existing credential
Currently licensed in another category under chapter 18.16 RCW.
Minimum age
At least seventeen years old.
Timing
Registration or examination may occur within 100 hours of completing required instruction, but all required hours must be completed before licensure.
Training
Complete the approved crossover training course before examination and barber licensure.
Expedited standard licensure for a transferring military spouse

All of the following:

Application
Complete the department-approved application and pay the licensing fee.
Equivalency
Other jurisdiction standards must be equal to or greater than Washington standards; the director determines qualification for the standard license.
Exam scores
Pass both required examinations; the minimum passing scaled score is 75 for each. WAC 308-20-120 considers results more than three years old expired for initial licensure.
Existing credential
Currently licensed in good standing as a barber or equivalent in a United States state, territory, possession, or foreign country.
Military transfer
Spouse of a service member transferring to Washington; request expedited processing, submit applicable fees, requested fingerprints/background documentation, verification of a license in good standing and no disciplinary action, and affirmation of the military transfer.
Minimum age
At least seventeen years old.
Other jurisdiction examination
DOL's reciprocity instructions state: "You must provide proof you have passed that jurisdiction's approved exam(s)." Other jurisdictions' own examinations are applicant evidence, not Washington requirement leaves. WAC 308-20-115 likewise accepts proof of a director-approved examination. The current written/performance examinations remain referenced under RCW 18.16.130 and WAC 308-20-120; proof accepted for a particular applicant can excuse a new sitting.
Timing
Registration or examination may occur within 100 hours of completing required instruction, but all required hours must be completed before licensure.
Licensure using equivalent military training or experience

All of the following:

Application
Complete the department-approved application and pay the licensing fee.
Exam scores
Pass both required examinations; the minimum passing scaled score is 75 for each. WAC 308-20-120 considers results more than three years old expired for initial licensure.
Military equivalency
Military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements unless the director determines it is not substantially equivalent to Washington standards.
Minimum age
At least seventeen years old.
Timing
Registration or examination may occur within 100 hours of completing required instruction, but all required hours must be completed before licensure.
Placement on inactive status and extensions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Status
Individual license must be in good standing; submit a written notarized request and fee equivalent to a duplicate license; extensions are for two years, at most once every twenty-four months and no more than six consecutive years. Practice is prohibited while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Pay the penalty fee and applicable yearly renewal fees; do not practice while expired; after one year the cancellation/reinstatement route applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to active status after military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Return
Request active status within six months after qualifying discharge, provide written service-status notice and requested discharge orders or DD-214, and pay the current renewal fee if applicable. Standard late renewal or cancellation applies if the six-month deadline is missed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse inactive status during deployment outside Washington
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Status
Request inactive status for a license valid when the spouse or domestic partner is deployed or stationed outside Washington; submit requested service orders and relationship documents; no Washington practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse reactivation upon return to Washington
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Return
Apply within six months of returning, pay the current renewal fee if applicable, and meet current renewal conditions. The director may defer necessary continuing education for ninety days under WAC 308-09-030.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Maintain a license in military status during service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Status
License must have been valid when service began; request military status and submit service orders. The license remains in force during service unless suspended, cancelled or revoked; renewal and continuing education are not required during military status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement from voluntary inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Changed requirements
If the Board finds health or other requirements changed while inactive, complete the instruction it requires at a licensed school, no more than four hours per inactive year.
Dol general reinstatement statement
DOL renew/reinstate instructions generally state "You will need to pass the state-approved practical and written exams"; RCW 18.16.110(3) specifically governs inactive reinstatement through fee and any required instruction.
Renewal
Pay the renewal fee without penalty for a two-year license commencing on reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew every two years, pay the renewal fee, provide Social Security number and disclose changes to the original application; DOL asks legal background questions and supporting documents where needed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Recognition through military professional license portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c); background check may be required.
Covered license
Professional license in good standing with no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender while under investigation.
Dol prior use statement
DOL states: "Use the professional license at some point during the 2 years prior moving to Washington." The obtained federal statutory text, amended December 23, 2024, sets the covered-license and application criteria stated above; the DOL demand is retained as an implementing condition.
Practice
Subject to Washington scope of practice, discipline and continuing requirements; an applicable interstate compact is governed separately.
Relocation
Service member or spouse relocates to Washington because of military orders.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic reissuance after compliance with a child support order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Department receives DSHS release stating compliance with the support order; the licensee must have continued meeting all other reinstatement requirements during suspension. An expired or cancelled license separately remains subject to its renewal or reinstatement requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure from another jurisdiction

All of the following:

Application
Complete the department-approved application and pay the licensing fee.
Exam scores
Pass both required examinations; the minimum passing scaled score is 75 for each. WAC 308-20-120 considers results more than three years old expired for initial licensure.
Existing credential
Currently licensed in good standing as a barber or equivalent in a United States state, territory, possession, or foreign country.
Minimum age
At least seventeen years old.
Other jurisdiction examination
DOL's reciprocity instructions state: "You must provide proof you have passed that jurisdiction's approved exam(s)." Other jurisdictions' own examinations are applicant evidence, not Washington requirement leaves. WAC 308-20-115 likewise accepts proof of a director-approved examination. The current written/performance examinations remain referenced under RCW 18.16.130 and WAC 308-20-120; proof accepted for a particular applicant can excuse a new sitting.
Timing
Registration or examination may occur within 100 hours of completing required instruction, but all required hours must be completed before licensure.
Removal of a director ordered scope restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Order
Services beyond the restricted authorization may be performed only once the restriction has been removed; compliance with the director order and any ordered remedial education, treatment or other corrective action is an applicant condition. The cited provisions do not identify an examination for restriction removal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after school graduation

All of the following:

Application
Complete the department-approved application and pay the licensing fee.
Education
Graduate from a licensed school in the approved barber curriculum, with at least 1,000 hours.
Exam scores
Pass both required examinations; the minimum passing scaled score is 75 for each. WAC 308-20-120 considers results more than three years old expired for initial licensure.
Minimum age
At least seventeen years old.
Timing
Registration or examination may occur within 100 hours of completing required instruction, but all required hours must be completed before licensure.
Training currency
(7) Certified training hours expire three years after the last day of attendance. Any hours earned by a student that are more than three years old are considered by the department to be expired and will not be considered valid towards initial licensure.

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