South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners

    Click any of the links below for more information or assistance:

  1. Applications and Forms
  2. Renew My License
  3. Document Submission
  4. Military Spouse Licensure
  5. Licensee Lookup
  6. Board Orders

Licensure

A current South Carolina registration and/or license is required to engage in professional Barbering and Barber-related services in this state, as defined in S.C. Code of Laws Title 40 Chapter 7.

You may find information regarding application fees here, and you can find the Frequently Asked Questions here.

Requirements

Use the applications in the sections that follow for more information.

Registered Barber/Master Hair Care Specialist

  1. Possesses at least a 9th grade education or its equivalent;
  2. Submit a student permit application along with required documents (review application).
  3. Pay the prescribed fee of $35.
  4. Successfully complete the Board-approved curriculum for one of the following programs under the supervision of a licensed barber instructor:
    1. 1,540 hours in a Board approved high school program
    2. 1,500 hours in a Board approved barber college
    3. 1,920 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed barber instructor
  5. Upon completion of the required hours, you will need to register for and pass the National Interstate Council (NIC) examination (theory and practical).

Barber Instructor

  1. You must be licensed for three years as a registered barber or master hair care specialist.
  2. One year of apprenticeship does not count towards years of licensure.
  3. Register for and pass the National Interstate Council (NIC) examination (theory and practical).

Barber Assistant - Shampoo/Manicurist

  1. Be at least 16 years old.
  2. Submit student permit application along with required documents (review application).
  3. Pay the prescribed fee of $35.
  4. Complete 240 hours of training in shampooing and manicures.
  5. Upon completion of the required hours, you must register for and pass the Barber Assistant Exam.

Reciprocity Requirements

  1. Possesses at least a 9th grade education or its equivalent.
  2. Submit reciprocity application along with required documents (review application).
  3. Have the state where you are currently licensed mail or email (Boardinfo@llr.sc.gov) a verification of licensure that displays the type of examination passed, status of license, license number, and disciplinary status if applicable.
  4. South Carolina does not accept “Apprentice” licenses.
  5. All applicants must have passed the National Interstate Council (NIC) examination (theory and practical). If you didn’t pass the NIC examination, you will be required to test in South Carolina before a license can be issued.

Hair Braider

  1. Submit hair braider registration application along with required documents (review application).
  2. Pay the prescribed fee of $25.
  3. Complete a six (6) hour online course on health and sanitation.
  4. Upon completion of the training course, you must pass the online exam with a 70%.

Barbershop

  1. Submit a completed application.
  2. Pay the prescribed fee of $250.
  3. Submit documented proof of the federal tax identification number (or EIN).
  4. Designate a licensed registered barber, master hair care specialist or barber instructor as the manager of the barbershop who will be responsible for compliance with Barber statutes and regulations.
  5. License will issued upon a satisfactory inspection.

Barber College/School

  1. Submit a completed application along with required documents (review application).
    1. Board appearance is required
  2. Pay the prescribed fee $300.
  3. Supply a listing of current full/part-time instructors (include name, license number, and specify those who are backups).
  4. Successfully pass the preliminary and final inspections after the Board appearance.
Online Applications

Hair Braider Application

Barbers Licensed In Other States

If you are licensed in another state as a barber and want to be licensed in South Carolina, you may submit an online electronic application via the link below. This is a three-step-process. Before starting the online application, download the instructions and supplemental forms below. Then fill out the online application and pay the fee. Lastly, you will need to upload or supply all requested information before your application can be processed.

Registered Barber, Master Hair Care Specialist and Barber Instructor Licensed In Other States Application

Paper Applications

Student Applications

Barber School Applications

Barbershop Applications

Resources for Current instructors

Training Requirements

Student Time Sheet Reporting Forms

Training Affidavits

Curriculum Information
Reinstatement Applications
Other Forms