In Georgia, barbers are in high demand, and the industry is projected to grow by nearly 10% over the next decade. Additionally, barbers earn a good wage, with the average barber in Georgia making nearly $30,000 per year. And of course, becoming a barber can be a very rewarding career, as it allows you to help people look and feel their best. If you’re interested in becoming a barber in Georgia check out our barber school listings below to find one near you to see if this is the right opportunity for you.
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Georgia:
The following are the steps for becoming a barber in the state of Georgia:
- Complete a barber school program or apprenticeship
- Pass the barber exam
- Complete continuing education requirements
- Renew license every two years
There are two types of barbering licenses in Georgia: Barber II, and Mater Barber.
Barber II
1,140 hours of training at a state accredited barber school is required to obtain a Barber II license. These hours must be completed in a minimum of 7 months and must be made up of 190 curriculum and 950 practical hours. Unlike Master Barbers, those with Barber II licenses cannot use chemicals as a part of their services.
The following is the breakdown of hours by curriculum and training type for Barber II licenses in Georgia:
Curriculum Hours
- Classroom Theory – 50 hours
- Hair and Scalp Treatments, Shampooing, and Conditioning – 25 hours
- Shaving – 25 hours
- Hair Cutting and Styling – 70 hours
- Facial Hair Design and Waxing – 20 hours
Practical Hours
- Practical Theory – 200 hours
- Hairstyling techniques and cutting – 500 hours
- Shaving – 25 hours
- Shampooing – 5 hours
- Facial Hair Design and Waxing – 10 hours
- Scalp Treatment Techniques – 10 hours
- Additional hours, up to instructor – 200 hours
Master Barber
1,500 hours of training at a state-accredited barber school program, or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship work, is required to obtain a Master Barber license. The 1,500 hours of training at a barber school program consists of 280 curriculum hours and 1,220 practical hours. The program must be completed in a 9-month minimum time period.
Master Barbers must complete all the requirements outlined above for Barber II in addition to the hours outlined below:
Curriculum Hours
- Coloring of Hair – 25 hours
- Permanent Waving, Relaxing, and Chemical Application – 65 hours
Practical Hours
- Permanent Waving, Relaxing and Chemical Application – 270 hours
Barber Apprentice
Barber apprentices must be registered with a specific barber shop or hair saloon and can only work with a licensed Master Barber.
Barber Apprentices can only renew their license once before they expire. Barber apprenticeship is an alternative option to barber schools with the purpose of accruing enough hours to become a Master Barber. There is not an apprenticeship option for becoming a Barber II. 3,000 hours of apprenticeship work are required to become a Master Barber.
What’s The Estimated Cost of a Georgia Barber School?
The average cost of barber programs in Georgia is $13,215 per year. The licensing application fee is $30.
State Licensing Exams
The Barber examinations for Barber II and Master Barbers is organized by PSI Services. Scheduling an exam can be done online at www.psiexams.com after registering.
The written exam consists of four sections for both the Barber II exam and the Master Barber exam. However, each of the sections are weighted differently, with Master Barbers tested on more hair care services such as chemical services. A combined passing score of 70% is required to pass the exam.
| Barber II | Master Barber | |
| Scientific Concepts | 40% | 35% |
| Implements and Equipment | 10% | 10% |
| Hair Care Services | 30% | 40% |
| Facial Hair and Skin Care Services | 20% | 15% |
The written exam can be taken at five locations and the practical exam can be taken at two. All locations are managed by PSI:
Written Exam
PSI Macon (Written and Practical)
3902 Northside Dr, Suite C5
Macon, GA 31210
PSI Atlanta (Written)
1000 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 720
Atlanta, GA 30339
PSI Duluth (Written)
3505 Koger Blvd, Suite 175
Duluth, GA 30096
PSI Marietta (Written)
The Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center
2100 Roswell Road NE, Suite 2128
Marietta, GA 30062
PSI Tifton (Written)
251 Southwell Blvd., Suite A
Tifton, GA 31794
Practical Exam
PSI Atlanta/Smyrna (Practical)
2400 Lake Park Drive, Suite 245
Smyrna, GA 30080
PSI Macon (Written and Practical)
3902 Northside Dr, Suite C5
Macon, GA 31210
How Much Do Georgia Barbers Make?
The average barber in Georgia makes a salary of $34,380 per year or about $16.53 per hour. This is less than the national average estimates for barbers at $35,700 per year or $17.16 per hour.
Are There Continuing Education Requirements?
Continuing education requirements are required in order to renew your license for a second time and any renewals afterwards. Renewals must be completed once every two years for Master Barber or Barber II licenses.
Georgia requires proof of a total of 5 continuing education hours for license renewal. The hours must be comprised of:
3 hours of a health and safety course that is developed by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) or approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
2 hours of experience or coursework in any of the following areas
- Barbering
- Health and safety
- Industry event or trade show
- Computer skills
- Industry trends
- Business management
Any trade show or industry event that you use as credit must be registered with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
You can locate a list of Approved Continuing Education providers here.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The following is the contact information for the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers:
Website: https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-cosmetology-and-barbers
Email: https://sos.ga.gov/form/contact-georgia-board-cosmetologists-and-barbers
Address: 214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
