Barber / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Barber License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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

What the Tennessee data shows for Barbers

To practice as a barber in Tennessee, the state licensing board requires 1,189 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Barber Board Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The regulation sits under Tennessee's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Barber School".

The initial price tag is $82, and renewal costs $46 every 2 years. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Tennessee, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

On reciprocity, barbers should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Barber School
1,189 hours
Exam Requirement
State Barber Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$82
Renewal Fee
$46
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Barber in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee's requirements cover 1189 hours of education or training, the State Barber Board Exam exam, and an initial fee of $82. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Barber in Tennessee? ▼
Certification as a barber in Tennessee means clearing the state's checklist: 1189 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Barber license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for barbers nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Tennessee. Verify the specifics with the Tennessee licensing board.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Barber licensing? ▼
Tennessee does require a background check before issuing a barber license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

Related Guides

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

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