Currently, all barber licensing in South Carolina falls under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Examinations are administered through the South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners.
South Carolina Licensing Requirements
1. Complete 1,500 hours of barber school OR 1,920 hours / 12 months training under a registered barber.
2. Pass both the Theory and Practical portions of the Registered Barber Examination.
Practical: $100, Re-Examination Practical: $55
Theory: $110, Re-Examination Theory: $65
Theory and Practical: $165 Re-Examination Practical and Theory: $120
Must be at least 17 years old
Must have at least a 9th grade education level and provide proof (e.g. transcripts)
Must have a Tuberculin Skin Test (specifically, the 5TU-PPD test )
South Carolina License Reciprocity or Transfer
Cosmetologists in South Carolina may become licensed as Master Haircare Specialists, which includes the duties of a Registered Barber plus the ability to use chemicals to wave, relax, straighten, or bleach hair.
Requirements:
Must be licensed in South Carolina for at least 2 years.
Must take the practical portion of the Barber Examination ($100).
Barbers licensed in another state may apply for reciprocity. This does not include apprentice barbers.
Requirements:
Attach a letter of certification from the state barber board you are currently licensed in.
Provide two notarized statements from two registered or master barbers from the state you are currently licensed in proving you have been practicing full-time for at least a year.
Must be at least 17 years old
Must have at least a 9th grade education level and provide proof (e.g. transcripts)
Must have a Tuberculin Skin Test (specifically, the 5TU-PPD test )
Reciprocity Fee: $140
South Carolina Renewal Information
Licenses expire on June 30th every other year. A renewal application must be postmarked by that date.
If not renewed by June 30th, licenses can be reinstated for up to 3 years. After 3 years, a person must retake the Practical Exam.
Barber Renewal: $80
Barber Reinstatement: $105
Master Hair Care Renewal: $100
Master Hair Care Reinstatement: $125
South Carolina State Board of Barber Examiners
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, SC 29211
Phone: (803) 896-4540
Fax: (803) 896-4484
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/barber
