You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
If you have a criminal record, check if your offenses meet the guidelines to get your barber license. The board reviews the circumstances behind serious crimes to decide if you should be able to practice as a barber or not.
What To Expect From a Barber Program in Utah
1,000 Education Hours
Required to earn a barber license
Barber programs in Utah include 1,000 hours of instruction, cannot be less than 25 weeks, and cover topics like safety and sanitation, business management, and training in all standard barbering services.
You can register for your exams online after you have completed your barber program or apprenticeship. You’re required to pay $96 for the written exam and $98 for the practical exam.
The written exam includes questions on:
Scientific concepts like safety, human anatomy and physiology, skin conditions and disorders, etc.
Implements and equipment, like how to use common barbering tools safely
Hair care services, like client consultations, hair care, hair design, and head shaving
Facial hair and skin care services, like client consultations, draping for shaving and facial services, and shaving
You have 90 minutes to complete the 60 questions on the exam.
The practical exam involves performing standard barbering services, including:
10 minutes to set up your work area, client, and supplies
40 minutes for haircutting
15 minutes to set up a workstation for a new client and supplies for shaving
10 minutes to perform the proper blood exposure procedure
Time varies to perform common shaves
You need 70% to pass your exams.
After completing your training and passing your tests, you can apply for your license and begin your barber career.
Training Hours Calculator
See how your program's required hours translates to a graduation date.
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You can expect to complete your program on 2/10/2026, after 42.9 weeks in school.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Utah?
1,250 Apprentice Hours
Required to earn a barber license
Yes, you can get your Utah barber license through an apprenticeship instead of attending a formal program.
Constant supervision from a licensed barber instructor
40 training hours, five days per week
Similar training to the Utah barber program curriculum
Start working on clients after completing 10% of your technical training hours
Instructor tracks your hours and submits them to the board.
Utah Barber License Reciprocity
If you have a barber’s license in another state, you may be eligible for a license in Utah. To qualify, you must have held your license for at least a year and have passed the NIC written and theory exams. If different exams were required for licensure in the state you earned your license in, you need to take both exams to qualify for your Utah barber’s license.
To get your reciprocity license, you can complete an online form. You need to submit proof of your licensure along with your application.
Military members and their spouses can waive the reciprocity licensure fees, typically $52.
Barber License Renewal in Utah
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
Utah barbers must renew their licenses every two years. The deadline is September 30 of odd-numbered years. There’s a $52 fee to renew your license, and you can do so online.
Utah does not require barbers to take continuing education to renew licenses. However, keeping current on industry news, techniques, and tools is always wise.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Utah
$29,910
Average yearly salary for barbers in Utah
Utah barbers earn an average yearly salary of $29,910, or $14.38 per hour. Salaries in the state range from $22,200 to $60,910, on average. Those working in Salt Lake City, Utah’s largest city, earn a median salary of $27,160. Barber jobs in Utah are projected to grow by a whopping 41% between 2021 and 2031.
Contact the Utah Division of Professional Licensing - Cosmetology
Utah Division of Professional Licensing - Cosmetology
