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Georgia has two barber license tiers: Master Barber (1,500 hours, full scope including chemical services) and Barber II (1,140 hours, no chemicals). Both require written and practical NIC exams through PSI. Here is the full breakdown for 2026.
1,500
Master Barber Hours
NIC
National Exam via PSI
$50
Renewal Fee
5 hrs
CE per Renewal
Georgia's barbering program is overseen by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, which falls under the Secretary of State's office. The state takes a two-tier approach to barber licensing, something you do not find everywhere. Choosing the right license from the start matters, because a Barber II who later wants to offer color or chemical services will need to upgrade to a Master Barber license.
Georgia uses the NIC National Barber examination, administered through PSI Services LLC. That means both a written theory exam and a practical hands-on exam are required before you can be licensed. The passing score for each is 70%. Georgia also requires a high school diploma or GED for barber school enrollment, which sets it apart from states with no education prerequisite.
Most barbers in Georgia pursue the Master Barber license because it covers the full scope of services. The Barber II is a lighter-weight license if you specifically know you will not be doing chemical services, but for most careers it limits your earning potential.
1,500 hrs
Minimum 9 months of school
1,140 hrs
Minimum 7 months of school
Hair coloring, bleaching, perms, and chemical relaxers are restricted to Master Barbers. If there is any chance you will want to offer these services, the extra 360 hours to earn the Master Barber license is worth it. Upgrading later requires additional training and a new application.
You must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma, GED, or postsecondary education degree. Georgia is one of the states that requires proof of secondary education for barber school enrollment. Gather your diploma or GED certificate before applying to school.
Enroll in a Georgia State Board-approved barber school and complete either 1,500 hours (Master Barber, at least 9 months) or 1,140 hours (Barber II, at least 7 months). Alternatively, a registered apprenticeship requires 3,000 hours for Master Barber or 2,280 hours for Barber II. The curriculum covers cutting, shaving, scalp treatments, sanitation, and Georgia Board rules. Master Barber programs also include chemical services.
Schedule the NIC National Barber written exam through PSI Services LLC. The written exam tests your knowledge of barbering theory, safety, sanitation, and State Board rules. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass. You can schedule your written and practical exams separately or together depending on PSI availability in your area.
Schedule and complete the NIC barber practical exam through PSI. The practical tests your technical skills on a live model or mannequin, including cutting procedures, shaving, sanitation setup, and safety protocol. You need a 70% or higher to pass. Both the written and practical exams must be passed within 48 months of completing your training hours.
Submit your license application to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers through the Secretary of State's online portal. Include your school completion certificate, exam score reports, and the $30 application fee. The Board reviews your application and issues your Master Barber or Barber II license.
Georgia uses the NIC National Barber exam, the same exam used by many other states. Because the NIC exam is nationally standardized, Georgia-approved study materials and resources that work in one NIC state translate well to preparation for Georgia's exam. Both the written and practical components must be passed, and a 70% is required on each.
The NIC written exam covers barbering theory: hair and scalp science, skin and nail care, chemical services (relevant to Master Barber), sanitation and infection control, electricity, and Georgia State Board laws and rules. Multiple-choice format. Passing score: 70%.
The practical exam evaluates your hands-on technique on a model. Tasks include haircut procedures, shaving, sanitation station setup, and safety protocols. You are scored on precision, procedure sequence, and proper use of sanitation practices. Passing score: 70%.
Georgia gives you 48 months after finishing your training hours to pass both exams. Missing that deadline means repeating your school hours. Do not wait years between graduating and testing. Schedule your exams within a few months of finishing school while the material is fresh.
Georgia allows aspiring barbers to complete an apprenticeship instead of attending school. The hour requirements are double the school path: 3,000 hours for Master Barber (minimum 18 months) and 2,280 hours for Barber II (minimum 14 months). You must work under a licensed Georgia barber who is registered with the State Board to supervise apprentices.
The apprenticeship allows you to earn income while training and builds real-world client experience from day one. The tradeoff is the longer total hour commitment. Either way, you sit for the same NIC written and practical exams at the end.
3,000 hrs
Minimum 18 months under a registered supervising barber
2,280 hrs
Minimum 14 months under a registered supervising barber
Georgia barber licenses expire December 31 of every even-numbered year (2026, 2028, and so on). The renewal fee is $50. Submit your renewal before December 31 to avoid the late renewal fee, which doubles the cost to $100. Starting in 2026, all CE completion must be reported through CE Broker, Georgia's CE tracking platform.
Three of the five hours must be a Board-approved health and safety course. The remaining two hours can be industry-related topics of your choice. CE can be completed online or in person through Board-approved providers. Starting January 2026, completion must be logged in CE Broker.
Georgia licenses expire at the end of even-numbered years. The renewal window opens around October 1. Submit before December 31 to pay $50. After that date, the fee jumps to $100. A late renewal period runs through January 31 — after that, you may need to apply for reinstatement.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Georgia requires barbers to register with CE Broker and submit proof of CE completion through the platform. If you have been tracking CE through other means, set up your CE Broker account before the next renewal cycle. The Board uses CE Broker to verify compliance during renewal.
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