Barber / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts Barber License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Cuts and styles hair. Licensed in all 50 states and DC.

What the Massachusetts data shows for Barbers

Massachusetts's path to barber licensure runs through 1,318 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on State Barber Board Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 16 can be licensed. Massachusetts folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Barber School".

The initial price tag is $114, and renewal costs $60 every 2 years. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Massachusetts, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

For barbers, the reciprocity picture is: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

B-
Licensing Ease Score
66/100
Barber · Massachusetts

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,318 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$114
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B+
$30/yr
$60 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Barber School
1,318 hours
Exam Requirement
State Barber Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$114
Renewal Fee
$60
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Barber All Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Barber in Massachusetts? ▼
In Massachusetts, the license path calls for 1318 education/training hours, a passing score on State Barber Board Exam, and a $114 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Barber in Massachusetts? ▼
Certification as a barber in Massachusetts means clearing the state's checklist: 1318 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Massachusetts licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Barber license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
For barbers, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Massachusetts licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Barber licensing? ▼
Yes, Massachusetts requires a criminal background check as part of the barber licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.

Related Guides

What to do with this barber license

Barber in Massachusetts, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a barber-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Massachusetts's barber requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Barber in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state barber license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Massachusetts's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Massachusetts overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Massachusetts licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.