Utah Barber License & Training Requirements

Join Utah’s Barbering Renaissance  

Everything old is new again — at least when it comes to men’s grooming. Thanks in part to a fresh wave of beard popularity and 1920s-era long on top, short on the sides hairstyles, demand for barbers is growing at double-digit rates nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates no slowdown to this trend through 2026, making this a great time to train for a barbering career in Utah.

The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is the body that oversees barbering in the state. The DOPL determines which barbering subjects are included in the 1,000 hours of training required to prepare for your barbering exams and eventually earn your Utah barber’s license.

Utah Barbering School and Apprenticeship Training Options

The classes you take in barber college are designed to train you in every aspect of barbering: cutting hair, shaving and razor cutting, client relations, advertising, barbershop management, and more. The 1,000 hours of Utah DOPL training include subjects such as:

• History of barbering
• Personal, client, and shop safety
• Sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization
• Developing clientele
• Professional image and ethics
• Public relations and advertising
• Human immune system
• Anatomy
• Science of barbering
• Hair and scalp analysis
• Basic hairstyling and haircutting
• Shaving and razor cutting
• Mustache and beard design
• Business and shop management
• Utah barber examination review

As an alternative to classroom hours, you can choose the barber apprenticeship path toward licensing. This option requires you to complete 1,250 hours of training with a licensed barber instructor. Under Utah DOPL requirements, this individual must submit daily accounts of your barber theory and practical training hours. The barbershop in which you complete your apprenticeship must also acknowledge your presence with a prominently displayed Apprentice in Training sign.

Submitting your Utah Barber Examination Application

When you complete your chosen barber college or apprenticeship training hours, you may apply to take your licensing exams. Before registering and paying to take your exams, the Utah barber Candidate Information Bulletin recommends that you read the entire document and understand its contents.

When you’re familiar with scheduling, scoring and have a good idea what to expect, you can submit the examination registration form on page 6 of your Bulletin. Follow the instructions regarding which supporting documentation and applicable fees to submit along with your application.  

Mail your DOPL application materials to:

ATTN: Examination Registration UT COS
3210 E Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV  89121

Successfully Completing Your Utah Barbering Exams

The barber exams you register to take are overseen by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). You will need to pass your practical and theory exams with scores of 75% or better within one year of submitting your licensing application to the Utah DOPL to earn your license.  

The information you’ll need to register for and take your exams is also included in your Candidate Information Bulletin. Testing locations, exam fees, test questions and more can be found there.

Practical Examination

This 100-minute exam grades your ability to perform designated barbering services. Using your own approved supply kit and mannequin head you will demonstrate your ability to:

• Set up and provide client protection (10 minutes)
• Shave with a straight razor (20 minutes)
• Perform a haircut (30 minutes)
• Summarize and Complete final clean-up

Theory Examination

During this 90-minute written exam, you will demonstrate your barber theory knowledge by correctly answering multiple choice questions related to:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Draping procedures
• Scientific concepts
• Infection control
• Chemistry
• Electricity and light
• Skin histology
• Haircutting and styling
• Facial and shaving services
• Facial treatments
• Haircare services
• Client consultation
• Scalp and hair analysis

Your unofficial theory exam scores will be available the same day you take your test and will be submitted to the Utah DOPL within three business days. Once that body receives and reviews your passing scores, it will issue your Utah barber license.

Requirements for Renewing Your Utah Barber License

Your Utah barbering license will renew every odd year on September 30th. Keep your address updated with the DOPL to ensure you receive renewal reminders. Up-to-date licensing renewal information, application forms, current renewal fees and other services are available at the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing website.

The state DOPL doesn’t require continuing education credits to renew your Utah barber’s license. That said, ongoing education is a great tool for staying at the forefront of your industry. The additional skills you acquire can also help you earn a percentage of the growing demand for licensed barbers capable of helping their Utah clients look their best.

Find Barbering Programs in Utah