Planning to become a licensed barber in Florida? To get your Florida barber license, you must complete the required barber school hours, finish a board-approved 2-hour HIV/AIDS course, submit your DBPR application, and pass the Florida barber written exam administered through Pearson VUE.
The basic process is:
Complete your barber school hours → finish the HIV/AIDS course → apply through DBPR → schedule your Pearson VUE exam → pass the written exam → receive your Florida barber license.
This guide explains Florida barber license requirements, exam topics, application steps, fees, retake rules, online testing, renewal requirements, and the difference between a Barber and a Restricted Barber license.
600 Florida barber school hours + school competency determination, or 900 Florida barber school hours
HIV/AIDS course
Board-approved 2-hour HIV/AIDS course completed within the required timeframe
Application
Submit DBPR Barber application and fees
Exam vendor
Pearson VUE
Exam type
Written/computer-based exam
Passing score
70%
Renewal
Barber licenses renew on DBPR’s renewal cycle
Florida Barber Licensing Exam FAQs
1. What are the requirements to get a barber license in Florida?
To get a barber license in Florida, you must generally: 1.Be at least 16 years old. 2.Complete barber school training in Florida: either 600 hours with a school competency determination or 900 total barber school hours. 3.Complete a board-approved 2-hour HIV/AIDS course. 4.Submit the DBPR barber application and required fees. 5.Receive approval to test. 6.Pass the Florida barber written exam through Pearson VUE.
Florida has two education pathways: the 600-hour route with school competency sign-off or the 900-hour route. If you are already licensed in another state, you may qualify through endorsement instead of repeating the full Florida school and exam process.
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2. What topics are covered on the Florida barber licensing exam?
Florida’s barber written exam covers safety/sanitation/sterilization, Florida laws and rules, haircutting & styling, chemical procedures, hair structure/chemistry, shaving/beard design, and shampooing (7 content areas total).
Topic weights:
Exam Topic
Weight (%)
Safety, Sanitation & Sterilization
30%
Florida Laws & Rules
25%
Hair Cutting & Hair Styling
15%
Chemical Procedures
10%
Hair Structure & Chemistry
10%
Shaving / Beard / Mustache
5%
Shampooing
5%
Study priority tip: Safety/Sanitation/Sterilization and Florida Laws & Rules make up 55% of the exam combined, so these should be your first study priority. After that, focus on haircutting/styling, chemical procedures, hair structure and chemistry, shaving, and shampooing.
3. How many questions are on the Florida barber exam?
The Florida Barber written exam has 100 multiple-choice questions (3 hours). The Restricted Barber exam has 30 questions focused on Florida laws and rules (1 hour).
Exam Details:
General Barber exam time: 3 hours (so you get about 1.8 minutes per question).
Result timing: You get your score report immediately after finishing.
Topics Covered (General Exam): Safety, sanitation, sterilization, laws/rules, hair cutting/styling, chemical procedures, hair structure, shaving, and shampooing.
Which exam should you take?
Take General Barber if you want full barber privileges (including haircutting, shaving, and chemical services).
Take the Restricted Barber if your license type only requires Florida laws & rules (limited scope).
Feature
Barber License
Restricted Barber License
Hair cutting
Yes
Yes
Shaving
Yes
Yes
Shampooing/blow drying
Yes
Yes
Chemical services
Yes
No
Hair coloring, relaxing, and permanent waving
Yes
No
Exam length
100 questions / 3 hours
30 questions / 1 hour
Exam focus
Barber theory, sanitation, laws, hair services, chemical services
Florida barber laws and rules
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4. What is the passing score for the Florida barber exam?
To pass the Florida barber exam, you must score at least 70% on the written exam. The current Florida barber licensing exam is a written/computer-based exam administered through Pearson VUE.
How your score is reported
Your result is shown as a percentage from 0 to 100
You usually receive your score report immediately after finishing
If you don’t pass
You can retake the exam after submitting the re-exam form (if required) and paying the re-exam fee.
Focus your next attempt on the two largest sections:
Safety, Sanitation & Sterilization
Florida Laws & Rules
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5. Can you get a barber license without going to school in Florida?
No. If you are a first-time barber license applicant in Florida, you cannot skip barber school. Florida requires approved barber school training before you can qualify for the licensing exam. However, if you already hold an active barber license in another state, you may be able to apply through Florida endorsement instead of completing a full Florida barber program again. DBPR reviews endorsement applicants separately.
What people confuse with “no school”:
1) “I’ve been cutting hair for years; can that count?”
No. Florida doesn’t convert job experience into training hours for first-time applicants.
Your hours must come from a licensed barber school.
2) “I’m already licensed in another state; do I still need the Florida school?”
Maybe not. You may qualify for licensure by endorsement, which can let you avoid repeating a full Florida program.
But Florida will review:
whether your license is active and in good standing, and
whether your training/testing is substantially similar to Florida’s standards.
3) “Why do some people still need extra hours after endorsement?”
If your out-of-state education is shorter than Florida’s requirement, Florida may ask you to complete additional hours before approving your license.
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6. How many times can you retake the Florida barber exam?
If you fail the Florida barber written exam, you must submit a re-examination application before scheduling another exam with Pearson VUE. If you originally qualified to test after completing only 600 Florida barber school hours, DBPR requires you to return to school and complete the remaining 300 hours before applying for re-examination.
How to apply for the Florida barber exam retake (step-by-step)
Step 1: Get the official retake form (BAR 3)
Download DBPR BAR 3 – Application for Reexamination.
Step 2: Fill out the retake application
Complete the BAR 3 form with your details, including your previous exam info and updated contact details.
Step 3: Check if you need extra school hours
If you originally qualified using 600 hours, Florida may require you to complete the remaining 300 hours before retesting.
Step 4: Submit the retake application to DBPR
Submit your completed BAR 3 through the DBPR application process (online or paper, depending on your case).
Step 5: Schedule your retake with Pearson VUE
After DBPR approves your retake, schedule your new exam date on Pearson VUE.
Step 6: Reschedule if needed
If you need to change your appointment, you can reschedule/cancel inside your Pearson VUE account.
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7. What should I bring on the day of the Florida barber exam?
For the Florida Barber exam, bring two valid IDs (one must be a government photo ID) and your Pearson VUE exam confirmation. Your name on your ID must match your registration, or you may not be allowed to test.
Your name on both IDs should match the name used for your exam registration. If your name does not match, you may not be allowed to test. Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you have time for check-in and security procedures.
Extra exam-day allowances (often missed):
1) IDs (Most important)
Bring 2 forms of ID:
Primary ID: Government-issued photo ID (Driver’s license, State ID, Passport, Military ID)
Secondary ID: Another ID with your name + signature
Do not bring: student IDs, expired IDs, or IDs with mismatched names.
2) Your exam confirmation
It is also helpful to keep your Pearson VUE confirmation email available in case there is a check-in issue.
It helps if there’s a check-in issue.
3) Dress and arrival tips
Wear comfortable clothes (testing rooms can be cold).
Arrive 30 minutes early to complete sign-in and security steps.
4) Don’t bring restricted items
Testing centers usually do not allow:
Phones, smartwatches, earbuds/headphones
Notes, books, bags (these must be stored)
You may lose your exam slot if you break testing rules.
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8. Can I take my Florida barber test online?
Yes. Florida allows you to take the Florida barber written exam online using Pearson VUE’s remote proctoring (OnVUE). You can also take it at a Pearson VUE test center. Florida’s barber exam is written only (no practical test).
For online testing, you usually need:
A working computer or laptop
Webcam and microphone
Strong internet connection
Private testing space
Valid ID
No phones, notes, books, or unauthorized materials nearby
Ability to complete Pearson VUE’s system check before the exam
Before you can take the test online
You must first:
Complete your required barber school hours (600 + competency OR 900)
Apply and get approved by DBPR
Get exam authorization so Pearson VUE lets you schedule
How to schedule the online exam (fast steps)
Go to Pearson VUE – Florida DBPR
Choose your exam
Select “Online Proctored” as the test option
Pick a date and time
Note: It is not an open-book test. A proctor watches you through a webcam + microphone the whole time.
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9. How to apply for the Florida Barber exam?
To apply for the Florida Barber exam:
– Complete your barber program – Fill out the DBPR Barber exam application (BAR 1) – Upload/attach required documents – Pay the application fee – Wait for DBPR approval – Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE
Note: You must meet Florida’s training + HIV/AIDS course requirements before applying.
Step 1: Complete the required training
Before applying, you must finish either:
600 school hours + school competency sign-off, or
900 school hours You must also complete a 2-hour board-approved HIV/AIDS course (within 2 years).
Step 2: Fill out the DBPR barber application (BAR 1)
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your government ID (Avoid spacing issues).
Step 3: Attach required documents
Proof of completed barber school hours
HIV/AIDS course certificate
Step 4: Application fee:
$205.50 if you apply between April 1 (even years) and July 31 (odd years)
$155.50 if you apply between August 1 (odd years) and March 31 (even years)
Payment is made payable to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
After payment, save your receipt/confirmation – it’s helpful if you need to follow up on delays.
Application type
Fee
Barber license by examination
Add current DBPR BAR 1 fee
Restricted barber license by examination
Add current DBPR BAR 1 restricted barber fee
Re-examination
Add current DBPR BAR 3 fee
Step 5: Wait for DBPR approval
DBPR reviews your application for completeness.
If anything is missing, they’ll mark it “deficient” and request corrections.
Processing time varies, so check your application status regularly.
Step 6: Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE
Once approved, you can schedule your written barber exam with Pearson VUE. Also, you can choose a test center or an online proctored test (if available).
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10. What is the best way to study for the Florida barber exam?
For the Florida barber exam study using the official Florida Barber Candidate Information Booklet, focus most on Sanitation/Safety and Florida Laws, and take timed practice tests to match the 3-hour, 100-question format. Then review every wrong answer and repeat.
Written (Theory) Exam
What to Do
Why It Helps
Study the Candidate Information Booklet (CIB)
Shows exactly what topics are tested and how much they matter
Take timed practice tests
Helps you get used to the exam format and time pressure
Use Q&A / practice question books
Trains you to understand exam-style questions
Make flashcards for key terms
Improves memory for rules, sanitation, and definitions
Review your textbook basics
Strengthens weak areas like hair/scalp, hygiene, and techniques
Florida Barber Written Exam Study Plan
Study area
Why it matters
Safety, sanitation, and sterilization
Largest exam section; high scoring opportunity
Florida laws and rules
Florida-specific content many students overlook
Haircutting and styling theory
Important service knowledge
Chemical procedures
Needed for full barber license scope
Hair structure and chemistry
Helps with science-based questions
Shaving, beard, and mustache trimming
Smaller section but easy points if reviewed
Timed practice tests
Builds speed and confidence for the 100-question exam
General Exam Tips
Tip
Why It Matters
Follow your school’s guidance
Instructors know the exam structure
Stay calm and focused
Reduces careless mistakes
Rest well and arrive early
Improves focus and avoids exam-day stress
Read More +
Okay, now let’s try some Florida Barber State Board practice test questions.
Florida Barber State Board Exam Practice Test
Tips On Florida Barber Licensing
What Happens If You Fail the Florida Barber Exam?
If you fail, review your score report first. It can show which content areas need more study. Then complete DBPR’s re-examination process and reschedule with Pearson VUE after approval. If you tested after only 600 hours, you may need to complete the remaining 300 school hours before reapplying for the exam.
Retakes
If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, TRY again.
Your score report tells you exactly where you lost points. The fastest way to pass is to fix those weak sections and take practice tests until your score stays above passing.
Also, remember Florida’s rule: you must pass within 4 years of your first attempt, so it’s better to retake sooner rather than later.
Keep our license active
Florida barber licenses renew on a fixed cycle, so make sure you are not missing it.
Your Barber or Restricted Barber license renews every 2 years and typically expires on July 31 of even-numbered years.
DBPR opens renewal ahead of time, so renewing early is the easiest way to avoid late fees or expiration.
Grow with continuing education
To renew smoothly, Florida also requires continuing education.
As informed initially, the key CE requirement is 2 hours of board-approved HIV/AIDS continuing education per renewal period.
Florida Barber License Renewal
Florida barber licenses must be renewed on DBPR’s renewal cycle. Before renewal, barbers generally need to complete the required board-approved continuing education, including HIV/AIDS education, and pay the renewal fee.
Transfer license
If you’re moving from another state, Florida may allow licensure by endorsement, which is the state’s version of “transfer.”
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Florida
If you already hold an active barber license in another state, you may be able to apply for a Florida barber license by endorsement. Endorsement is different from first-time licensure because DBPR reviews your existing license history instead of treating you as a new Florida student applicant.
Florida checks whether your out-of-state license is active and whether your training/testing meets Florida’s standards. If your original training is shorter, you may be asked to complete additional hours before approval.
After You Get Licensed: Building Your Barber Career in Florida
After you receive your Florida barber license, you can start building your client base in a licensed barbershop or consider opening your own shop. Many barbers increase income by offering beard trims, hot towel services, enhancements, rebooking, and product sales.
Planning a business? It’s not about working 7 days a week; it’s about increasing your average ticket and keeping your chair full.
A simple $100K/year model looks like this:
6 clients/day × 5 days/week = 30 clients/week
If your average service is $70 (haircut + beard + add-on), that’s $2,100/week
That’s ~$109,000/year, before product sales and tips
What helps most:
Add beard trims, enhancements, and hot towel finishes
Rebook clients before they leave
Raise prices slowly as your schedule fills
Renewal Courses: Some continuing education, like HIV/AIDS courses, is also fully online and approved by the board.
Final Thoughts: How to Get Your Florida Barber License
Getting a Florida barber license starts with completing the required barber school hours and HIV/AIDS course, then applying through DBPR and passing the Pearson VUE written exam. The fastest way to prepare is to study the official exam topics, focus first on sanitation and Florida laws, and take timed practice tests until you are consistently scoring above 70%.
Once you pass and receive your license, remember to keep it active by completing required renewal steps on time.
Ready to prepare? Start with the Florida Barber Practice Test or review the Barbering Course for more guided study.
