Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

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Barber

Please click to apply for a Barber License using the  Online Application
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)

  • Application Form   


    Please click for the Barber application by  Exam Checklist
    Applicants for licensure by examination must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by examination, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

    • proof of age;
    • proof of graduation from an approved school or course of barbering with at least 1,100 hours of training or, if a Montana-licensed cosmetologist, completion of a supplemental barbering course;
    • proof of high school diploma or its equivalent; and
    • proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) barber exam at 75% proficiency or higher.
    • Students are eligible to take the national exam upon completion of 90 percent of their curriculum and prior to graduating per board rule 24.121.805(15) SCHOOL OPERATING STANDARDS. Schools will verify student school hours to insure eligibility for taking the national exam and will issue the eligibility to test letter for the exam. A person may submit a license application when the person is no more than 90 days from completing the requisite course of study given the person's current and expected rate of progression, however a license will not be issued until all requirements for licensure are met.

    * Applicants by examination who have never been licensed and who completed their professional education out of state must meet the same requirements as an applicant from Montana.

  • Application Form

    For Barber by credentialing application checklist click Credentialing Checklist
    Applicants for licensure by credentialing must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by credentialing the applicant must submit the following documentation:

    • proof of age;
    • proof of high school diploma or its equivalent;
    • proof of current unencumbered barber license in another state;
    • license verification from each state or jurisdiction the applicant has been licensed in, whether the license is current or not; and
    • proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) barber exam at 75% proficiency or higher. If you have taken and passed the NIC exam in your state, you must submit proof of passage with your application. Otherwise, you will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. Individual state board examinations are not acceptable. Please do not schedule your examinations without first obtaining prior approval from the Board.
    • the applicant must possess a license type in good standing that includes scope of training and practice in haircutting with proper uses of tools (e.g., shears, razor, clippers, and thinning shears); shampooing and scalp treatments; hairstyling, including weaves, braiding, and extensions; wet setting, blow drying, curling, and flat ironing; and the arranging of dry hair; hair coloring, hair lightening, waving, and relaxing; facial shaving with straight razor; and skin care; and
    • either have completed a course of training of at least 1,100 hours in a school or attest to 2,200hours of work experience as a licensed barber.
  • Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses 
    Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
    Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
  • Must be at least 18 years or older and provide proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license.
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