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Licensing Support and Services
Obtain a Barber or Cosmetology License in New York City with our Licensing Support Services. Call today and jumpstart your career!
Overview
Getting a barber or cosmetologist license means the beginning of your successful career in beauty and grooming. Owning a license not only demonstrates your mastery as a barber or cosmetologist but also shows a dedication to customer satisfaction and health standards as well.
Keeping your license active is crucial in complying with New York State regulations. Different types of licenses are issued by New York State: Barber Operator, Barber Apprentice, Cosmetology, Barber Shop Owner, etc. All are valid for 4 years and need to be renewed within a certain time frame after the expiration date that’s printed on the front side of the license. Expired licenses can lead to unnecessary fines and business interruptions so it Is important to keep track of dates and renew it in a timely manner!
Leave the hard work to us and keep running your business. Tribeca Barber and Beauty School has more than 25 years of experience in the licensing process to guarantee a seamless and easy journey.
Table of Contents:
Master Barber License
For people who want to work as a barber, it is essential to obtain a Master Barber License, issued by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS). The license allows you to perform a wide range of services on the head, including shaving, beard trimming, hair cutting, scalp massages, shampooing, arranging, dressing, dyeing hair, applying hair tonic, and cosmetic preparations to the scalp, face, or neck.
To acquire a Master Barber License, you have to meet all education and experience requirements and pass the relevant exam. Beginners have to complete a two-year apprenticeship before becoming eligible to apply for the licensing exam. Furthermore, those who already possess a license from another state may not need to do the examination requirement.
Cosmetology License
Individuals who do hair or nail styling, waxing, or any other beauty treatment will need to have a Cosmetology License, which is issued by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS).
All candidates must pass a corresponding exam and fulfill all education criteria and requirements. Those holding licenses from other states may seek endorsement in New York, potentially exempting them from certain examination requirements.
New regulations have been implemented to safeguard workers. For further information, refer to “Nail Salons-Important Information” and “Nail Salon Safety – What You Need To Know,” accessible under “Additional Resources.” Non-compliant businesses risk facing penalties for violating these regulations.
*If you have a license from a different state or country, we can help transfer your license to New York State*
How to Obtain Your New York State Barber or Cosmetology License
The process of obtaining a license may seem like a complicated procedure, but if you have already signed up for courses at our school, or are already studying, you will make the task much easier for yourself!
Step 1: Learn Your State’s Requirements
Successfully obtaining a license demands certain conditions complied. Thus, before entering Tribeca Barber and Cosmetology School, you’ll need to make sure you meet the state’s requirements to be a barber school candidate, including:
- The minimum age – Most states require applicants to be at least 16 years old, but some require them to be 17 or 18.
- The minimum degree requirements – Most programs in the United States insist applicants prove they’ve received a high school diploma or GED before accepting them into the program.
Step 2: Explore Educational Programs
Explore our Barber and Cosmetologist programs to choose one that suits you best. Look through the possible enrollment dates, programs, benefits, and other details, and let us know about your decision via the contact form or by phone call. Your future starts here with us!
Step 3: Complete the Relevant Courses
During the entire period of your training, our professional mentors will support and assist you in every possible way. Feel free to ask any course-related questions you have! Once you complete the program you choose, you will be granted a corresponding certificate for completing your course!
Step 4: Apply for Your Licensing Exam
After completing our courses and receiving a certificate, all you have to do is apply for a license.
Inform your mentor about your license-acquiring intention and our staff will assist you in gathering all necessary documents and other requirements. We’ll answer all the questions regarding the procedure and help you with all the nuances so that you can quickly and easily obtain your license!
New York State Barbering/Cosmetology License Requirements
Anyone performing Barbering and/or Cosmetology services anywhere in New York State needs to have an Active Barber and/or Cosmetology license. Tribeca helps applicants apply for their license through the New York State e-Licensing system. A NY.gov ID account is mandatory for this process. If you do not have an account, you can register for one by visiting the MY NY.gov Online Services page.
Barber License Requirements
Applicant Age
All applicants must be at least 17 years old.
Barber Program
Successfully complete 510-hour hands-on training Master Barber Course.
Medical Inspection
Be examined by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner.
New York State Exam
Successfully pass the New York State practical examination within 2 years.
Medical Safety Course
Complete the “Transmission of contagious diseases and the proper methods of sanitation and sterilization” one-time course.
Cosmetology License Requirements
Applicant Age
All applicants must be at least 17 years old.
Cosmetology Program
Successfully complete 1000-hour hands-on training Cosmetology Course.
Medical Inspection
Be examined by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner.
New York State Exam
Successfully pass both the New York State written and practical examinations.
License Acquiring Time Period
The license-obtaining period implies that you will have to complete the corresponding courses preliminarily.
Barber programs have varying timespans, ranging from 1000 to 1500 hours depending on the state. However, New York State provides barber schools with the possibility to create educational programs and set course time standards on their own. Thus, there is no exact term set to acquire a barber license in New York. Most Barber Schools offer 288-hour courses.
The time taken to complete the education depends on the student’s status:
- Full-time students can typically finish their education and apply for exams to get a license within six months, although this may vary depending on the program’s length.
- Part-time students often balance other employment commitments alongside barber school. Although their journey may take twice as long, many complete their education within one to two years.
Renewal applications are completed online. Depending on your computer skills and knowledge of the New York State system it may take you anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days to complete the application.
Costs and Expenses
If you are trying to obtain a license or already have one, different fees come along with the process. For example: the price of renewing or updating your license may differ depending on the type of license you need. Also, you will be charged if you need to change your name, address, and other license data or use a consultant’s services to get through the process.
Barber License Fees
-
Initial Application
$40 -
Renewal
$40 -
Practical Exam
$15 -
Late Renewal Penalty
$10 -
Change of Address
$10 -
Duplicate License
$10 -
Registration Request
$10 -
Change of Personal Name
$0
Cosmetologist License Fees
-
Initial Application
$40 -
Renewal
$40 -
Written Exam
$15 -
Practical Exam
$15 -
Six Month Temporary License
$10 -
Temporary License Renewal
$10 -
Late Renewal Penalty
$10 -
Change of Address
$10 -
Duplicate License
$10 -
Registration Request
$10 -
Change of Personal Name
$0
*If you are applying for an initial application and a temporary license, you may combine the fees and remit one $50 application fee.
Updating/Renewing Your License
Tribeca School helps in both renewing and updating your licenses. If your license is connected to your online New York State account, you do not need any documents to process the renewal. If your license is not connected to your online New York State account, you will need to have your social security number or ITIN, email, date of birth, and address
License Renewal
Barber, Barber Apprentice, Barber Shop, and cosmetology licenses remain valid for a duration of four years.
Your license expiration date is printed on the license. You become eligible to renew your license three months before its expiration date, and all renewals must be completed online.
License Update
In case you need to update your current license, you have an option via your online account. You are able to:
- Duplicate license requests
- Name change
- Address change
- Contact change (social security number, date of birth, email address, phone number)
How We Can Help You?
As mentioned earlier, each state has its own rules and regulations for obtaining and keeping the license active. New York State is not an exception and provides you with many different ways to get your license. Our job, as a school and as professionals in this very particular field, is to know about all the rules, nuances, and pitfalls, so we can provide our precious students with the simplest, most efficient, and most cost-effective way to obtain a license they need.
Case Clarification
Everyone’s situation is different. Thus, we need to understand your particular situation using the questions below to determine the next steps for your successful license acquisition.
- Do you have any experience from a different state or country?
- Did you complete any schooling in your country or state of origin?
- What type of license are you looking to obtain?
- What are your further plans towards the license? Are you going to use it as an employee or do you want to be an owner of a business yourself?
These questions will help us understand your current situation and intentions, and let us properly guide you to choose the right type of application.
Application Rejection
It may happen that your licensing application may be rejected for one reason or another. In this case, you will likely need to contact the Division of Licensing by phone. The main obstacle may be the impossibility of getting through to the New York City Division of Licensing by phone unless you know the correct number to call and what to do after the call is answered by the machine. This is where our numerous years of experience come in handy again. We can get in touch with the Division of Licensing promptly and resolve the majority of issues that may appear during the licensing process.
Online Portal Issues
The New York City online portal is the only way to apply for a state license. The portal is not quite perfect overall, and that is why various technical problems could often occur within it. Many people just don’t know how to deal with them as it could be their first time or are not familiar with the website. And that is exactly why you have Tribeca Barber and Beauty School on hand! We have more than 10 years of experience with the system and can navigate the portal, dealing with its glitches with ease, comfort, and minimal time expenditure.
Exam Preparation
And lastly, we host the Master Barber Exam at our school fortnightly, every month. We know all the details and pitfalls of the exam and its requirements such as:
- All the relevant tools and supplies need to be in the correct order and labeled properly
- Every single exam step needs to be followed
We go through every single element and question before the exam so you are confident in your abilities right before the assessment.
Accreditation and Licensing FAQ
Can I get a license with you?
Our Barbering course leads to a Master Barber License in New York State. Once the course is completed you will be eligible to take the NYS Barber Operator Exam. The exams are done at our school twice a month, every month.
How long will the training take before I can apply for a Barber license?
The timespan of training depends on the program you choose. Tribeca provides a 510-hour Master Barber Program completed in 17 to 26 weeks and a 360-hour Express Barber Program, which is completed in 12 to 18 weeks – based on the schedule you choose.
How many years of experience is needed to apply for Barber license?
In order to be eligible to apply for the New York State barber exam, applicants must complete two years of licensed New York State barber apprenticeship.
How long will the training take before I can apply for a Cosmetologist license?
You will be able to apply for a Cosmetologist License right after completing Tribeca’s 1000-hour Cosmetology Program completed in 34 to 50 weeks.
Who has to apply for a Cosmetology license?
Any individual practicing Cosmetology is legally mandated to possess a Cosmetology license. Though, it’s important to note that holding a Cosmetology license does not authorize you to operate a business. To have this right, a separate business application must be completed, and a distinct business license must be obtained.
Will I be getting anything after I finish my course?
Once you complete your course, you will receive a School Certificate of Completion showcasing your hard work and dedication. It will help others in knowing that you have the necessary skills and knowledge in barbering or cosmetology.
Who can I talk too about licensing stuff?
Our management staff with experience in administration and barber/beauty is your resource for licensing rules and regulations. We can help you with your questions and/or issues.
Is a physical examination required for obtaining a license?
Yes, you are required to undergo an examination by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner when applying for both Barber and Cosmetology licenses. The Health Certification section of the application must be completed and dated by your healthcare provider. It’s essential to submit your application within 30 days after the certification is signed and dated.
Important Practical Exam Policies
Photo ID Policy
You MUST bring a form of government-issued signature identification which must be photo-bearing. Your identification MUST BE CURRENT (not expired) and from the following list:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued identification (ex. Non-driver ID)
- IDNYC Card (NYC Identification Card)
- Military ID
- United States Passport
- Employment Authorization Card (issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- United States INS issued ID
- Certificate of US citizenship
- Foreign Passport
- Brazilian, Mexican, Honduran, and Ecuadorian Consular ID
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to change your appointment, you MUST reschedule the appointment at least six days before your scheduled examination date. Once you are within the six-day period, you cannot reschedule your examination.
Reschedule Policy
If you wish to change your appointment, you MUST reschedule the appointment at least six days before your scheduled examination date. Once you are within the six-day period, you cannot reschedule your examination.
No-Show Policy
Lateness Policy
All appointments MUST be made in EXACTLY the name which appears on your identification. This does not include middle names or middle initials. If your last name is hyphenated, please be sure to include your full name. If your name does not match your ID exactly, you may be denied access to the examination.
Get In Touch
Reach Us Through
95-16 63rd Road, Rego Park, NY 11374
Working Hours
Monday to Friday: 9 am to 7 pm
Saturday to Sunday: 10:30 am to 6pm
Send Us a Message
Get in Touch
Tribeca Barber & Beauty School is one of the top New York City schools to learn barbering, cosmetology, and beauty. If you are looking to start a new professional career and expand your knowledge and skill set, you are in the right place. Schedule a free one-on-one school presentation tour with one of our teachers.