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Oregon Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

US-OR · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Demonstration Permit

Temporary practice, demonstration and teaching primarily for educational purposes; valid 30 days and not renewable.

Licensing authority: Health Licensing Office · Application information

Temporary educational demonstration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Permit specifies purpose, time and place; no more than 30 days; not renewable.
Qualifications
Submit application, fees, purpose and an affidavit of active out-of-state licensure with no current or pending discipline; statute also permits otherwise qualified applicants as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Facility License

Authorization to operate a facility providing services in one or more regulated fields of practice; valid for one year.

Licensing authority: health licensing office, board of cosmetology · Application information

New application for expired facility license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Applicant must be at least 18; implementing rule requires the holder to be a natural person.
Application
Submit application, fees, facility name and list of authorization holders; register applicable assumed business name.
Standards
Comply with facility health, safety and infection-control rules; individual practitioners must hold their own certificates.
Status
Inactive for more than three years; meet current OAR 817-007-0025 requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal within three years of inactive facility status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit renewal application and pay delinquency and authorization fees.
Status
No more than three years inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial issuance or new license after relocation or ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Applicant must be at least 18; implementing rule requires the holder to be a natural person.
Application
Submit application, fees, facility name and list of authorization holders; register applicable assumed business name.
Standards
Comply with facility health, safety and infection-control rules; individual practitioners must hold their own certificates.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual facility renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit renewal application and fee before inactive status; facility license term is one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Freelance License

Authorization for a practitioner to practice outside or away from a licensed facility.

Licensing authority: Health Licensing Office · Application information

Initial freelance authorization
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit prescribed application and required fees; provide current assumed business name filing if applicable.
Practitioner certificate
Hold an active practitioner certificate; it is an existing-credential condition rather than a new examination requirement of this supplemental authorization.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of dormant authorization
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation
Complete required qualifications, submit the prescribed form and pay renewal fees; maintain the practitioner-certificate qualification.
Status
Unrenewed authorization is dormant, not inactive or expired, and is not valid while dormant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew annually and pay required renewal fees; maintain current practitioner qualification and applicable registration or freelance requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

independent contractor registration

Supplemental registration for a certified practitioner independently offering services in a licensed or temporary facility.

Licensing authority: board of cosmetology · Application information

Initial independent contractor registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 18 years old.
Application
Submit application, required fees and applicable assumed business name filing; qualify as an independent contractor under the statutes identified by OAR 817-007-0225.
Practitioner certificate
Hold a current active practitioner certificate with no current disciplinary action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of dormant authorization
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation
Complete required qualifications, submit the prescribed form and pay renewal fees; maintain the practitioner-certificate qualification.
Status
Unrenewed authorization is dormant, not inactive or expired, and is not valid while dormant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew annually and pay required renewal fees; maintain current practitioner qualification and applicable registration or freelance requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

military spouse or domestic partner temporary authorization to practice

Temporary authorization for a qualifying military spouse or domestic partner; two statutory pathways.

Licensing authority: Health Licensing Office · Application information

Military spouse or domestic partner pending evidence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Meet OAR chapter 331 division 30 and submit application and fees.
Authorization
Attest that evidence of comparable out-of-state authorization has been requested and applicant is not subject to discipline related to comparable services.
Duration
Valid three months; not renewable.
Military relationship
Spouse or domestic partner of an active Armed Forces member transferred to Oregon.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse with verified authorization
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Meet OAR chapter 331 division 30; submit application and fees.
Authorization
Hold current comparable out-of-state authorization in good standing with substantially similar licensing requirements; provide affidavit of licensure and no relevant disciplinary action.
Competency
Demonstrate competency as required by the licensing board under ORS 670.400(2)(d); implementing OAR 331-010-0060(2) requires evidence of providing services or teaching the subject for one of the preceding three years.
Duration
Ends at the earliest of two years after issuance, end of spouse’s Oregon service, or expiration of out-of-state authorization; not renewable.
Military relationship
Spouse of an Armed Forces member stationed in Oregon.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barbering Practitioner Certificate

Authorization to practice barbering.

Licensing authority: health licensing office, board of cosmetology · Application information

Add barbering to an existing practitioner certification
Application
Submit the prescribed signed application, identity and authorization-history information and required fees under OAR 331-030-0000 and 817-006-0025; disclose disciplinary action and satisfy any fitness determination.
Emergency permission
OAR 331-030-0025 separately permits eligible holders of an unrestricted out-of-state authorization to practice during a Governor-declared emergency, on verification, photographic identification and an official request for services. This is conditional permission for existing authorization holders rather than issuance of the ordinary Oregon certificate.
Existing certificate
Hold a current Oregon certification in another field and qualify for barbering under OAR 817-006-0025. A current holder adding a field must pass Oregon laws and rules within two years of applying for the additional field.
Fees
Pay all certification fees after passing the examinations and before receiving the certificate.
Practical examination
Submit the passing score of a Board-approved practical examination administered by a school; scores are valid for five years. OAR 817-006-0075(1) recognizes school-administered practical examinations without identifying one distinct statewide examination, so this required slot is an applicant condition.
Transcript
An applicant previously certified in Oregon is not required to submit an official transcript for each field of practice under OAR 817-006-0025(3)(a)(D).
Written scores
Pass both written examinations within two years of application; if not passed within two years, reapply and pay required fees (OAR 817-006-0025).
Reapplication after more than three years inactive
Application
Submit the prescribed signed application, identity and authorization-history information and required fees under OAR 331-030-0000 and 817-006-0025; disclose disciplinary action and satisfy any fitness determination.
Emergency permission
OAR 331-030-0025 separately permits eligible holders of an unrestricted out-of-state authorization to practice during a Governor-declared emergency, on verification, photographic identification and an official request for services. This is conditional permission for existing authorization holders rather than issuance of the ordinary Oregon certificate.
Fees
Pay all certification fees after passing the examinations and before receiving the certificate.
Practical examination
Submit the passing score of a Board-approved practical examination administered by a school; scores are valid for five years. OAR 817-006-0075(1) recognizes school-administered practical examinations without identifying one distinct statewide examination, so this required slot is an applicant condition.
Previous certification
OAR 817-006-0025(3)(a)(D) exempts an applicant previously certified in Oregon from the specified official-transcript submission. The Board page describes practical and written examinations within two years of reapplication; the rule controls practical-score validity.
Status
Certificate has been inactive for more than three years and is expired. Meet current practitioner application requirements under OAR 817-006-0025.
Written scores
Pass both written examinations within two years of application; if not passed within two years, reapply and pay required fees (OAR 817-006-0025).
Conversion from temporary military authorization, Pathway one
Application
Submit the prescribed signed application, identity and authorization-history information and required fees under OAR 331-030-0000 and 817-006-0025; disclose disciplinary action and satisfy any fitness determination.
Conversion
Evidence of providing services or teaching at least one year in the preceding three years is expressly required for this conversion.
Emergency permission
OAR 331-030-0025 separately permits eligible holders of an unrestricted out-of-state authorization to practice during a Governor-declared emergency, on verification, photographic identification and an official request for services. This is conditional permission for existing authorization holders rather than issuance of the ordinary Oregon certificate.
Fees
Pay all certification fees after passing the examinations and before receiving the certificate.
Qualifications
Meet permanent barbering certification requirements, including examinations, under OAR 331-010-0061; qualify through reciprocity.
Temporary authorization
Hold the corresponding temporary military spouse or domestic partner authorization. Submit marriage or partnership evidence, active-duty Oregon assignment orders and comparable out-of-state authorization without disciplinary action before temporary status expires.
Written scores
Pass both written examinations within two years of application; if not passed within two years, reapply and pay required fees (OAR 817-006-0025).
Conversion from temporary military authorization, Pathway two
Application
Submit the prescribed signed application, identity and authorization-history information and required fees under OAR 331-030-0000 and 817-006-0025; disclose disciplinary action and satisfy any fitness determination.
Conversion
Conversion must occur before the temporary authorization expires.
Emergency permission
OAR 331-030-0025 separately permits eligible holders of an unrestricted out-of-state authorization to practice during a Governor-declared emergency, on verification, photographic identification and an official request for services. This is conditional permission for existing authorization holders rather than issuance of the ordinary Oregon certificate.
Fees
Pay all certification fees after passing the examinations and before receiving the certificate.
Qualifications
Meet permanent barbering certification requirements, including examinations, under OAR 331-010-0061; qualify through reciprocity.
Temporary authorization
Hold the corresponding temporary military spouse or domestic partner authorization. Submit marriage or partnership evidence, active-duty Oregon assignment orders and comparable out-of-state authorization without disciplinary action before temporary status expires.
Written scores
Pass both written examinations within two years of application; if not passed within two years, reapply and pay required fees (OAR 817-006-0025).
Restoration following honorable discharge from active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior status
Previously held Oregon authorization and entered active military service.
Restoration
Notify HLO in writing within 60 days of honorable discharge; restoration is to former authorization status without the current fee. Subsequent fees become due in the following renewal period.
Training
Continuing education during active duty is evaluated case by case.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Education or training outside Oregon without an active authorization
Application
Submit the prescribed signed application, identity and authorization-history information and required fees under OAR 331-030-0000 and 817-006-0025; disclose disciplinary action and satisfy any fitness determination.
Emergency permission
OAR 331-030-0025 separately permits eligible holders of an unrestricted out-of-state authorization to practice during a Governor-declared emergency, on verification, photographic identification and an official request for services. This is conditional permission for existing authorization holders rather than issuance of the ordinary Oregon certificate.
Fees
Pay all certification fees after passing the examinations and before receiving the certificate.
Practical examination
Submit the passing score of a Board-approved practical examination administered by a school; scores are valid for five years. OAR 817-006-0075(1) recognizes school-administered practical examinations without identifying one distinct statewide examination, so this required slot is an applicant condition.
Training
Provide an Oregon school with prior education and training records and obtain school verification of a passed skills assessment and practical evaluation for barbering; school retains verification records and submits requested information.
Waiver
HLO may waive all or part of Pathway 1 requirements. OAR 817-006-0025(3)(c)(B) expressly requires a practical passing score; the Board page describes a practical examination as sufficient proof of assessment: "An applicant will need to seek an Oregon school who is willing to review their documentation and conduct a skills assessment and a practical evaluation (passage of a Board-approved practical examination is considered sufficient proof of having passed the skills assessment and practical evaluation)." The rule controls the score requirement.
Written scores
Pass both written examinations within two years of application; if not passed within two years, reapply and pay required fees (OAR 817-006-0025).
Graduation from an Oregon school
Application
Submit the prescribed signed application, identity and authorization-history information and required fees under OAR 331-030-0000 and 817-006-0025; disclose disciplinary action and satisfy any fitness determination.
Education
Complete a Board-approved Oregon school curriculum and have the school submit the official transcript. Current hour-based barbering curriculum is 746 hours and 465 practical operations plus 20 hours of Oregon laws and rules and 20 hours of career development; proficiency-based curriculum requires 465 practical operations plus the two 20-hour courses. Previously approved curricula may continue under OAR 817-006-0002(1).
Emergency permission
OAR 331-030-0025 separately permits eligible holders of an unrestricted out-of-state authorization to practice during a Governor-declared emergency, on verification, photographic identification and an official request for services. This is conditional permission for existing authorization holders rather than issuance of the ordinary Oregon certificate.
Fees
Pay all certification fees after passing the examinations and before receiving the certificate.
Practical examination
Submit the passing score of a Board-approved practical examination administered by a school; scores are valid for five years. OAR 817-006-0075(1) recognizes school-administered practical examinations without identifying one distinct statewide examination, so this required slot is an applicant condition.
Written scores
Pass both written examinations within two years of application; if not passed within two years, reapply and pay required fees (OAR 817-006-0025).
Renewal or activation within three years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board page boundary
The Board barber page states: "Practitioners whose certificate is inactive for three years or more must take and pass both the practical and written examinations (within two years of reapplication), reapply for certification and pay all application, examination and certification renewal fees." ORS 676.572(4) and OAR 817-008-0000(4)-(5) place expiry after more than three years and control the boundary.
Renewal
Submit the renewal or activation application, delinquency and authorization fees, and attest to current blood borne pathogens training.
Status
Authorization has been inactive for no more than three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal before inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Blood borne pathogens
Attest to current blood borne pathogens training and retain training records for five years; provide records within 30 days if audited. Training had to be completed by July 1, 2025.
Renewal
Apply and pay renewal fees before inactive status; practitioner certificates have a two-year term.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity
Application
Submit the prescribed signed application, identity and authorization-history information and required fees under OAR 331-030-0000 and 817-006-0025; disclose disciplinary action and satisfy any fitness determination.
Emergency permission
OAR 331-030-0025 separately permits eligible holders of an unrestricted out-of-state authorization to practice during a Governor-declared emergency, on verification, photographic identification and an official request for services. This is conditional permission for existing authorization holders rather than issuance of the ordinary Oregon certificate.
Existing authorization
Hold an active authorization in another US state or territory or another country without disciplinary action; submit an affidavit of licensure under OAR 331-030-0040 and attest to substantially equivalent education or training, including military training.
Fees
Pay all certification fees after passing the examinations and before receiving the certificate.
Waiver
HLO may waive all or part of Pathway 1 eligibility requirements; the implementing rule still requires the field-of-practice and Oregon laws and rules written examinations.
Written scores
Pass both written examinations within two years of application; if not passed within two years, reapply and pay required fees (OAR 817-006-0025).

Specialty Certificate in Barbering

Specialty certification for advanced services in a field other than natural hair care, requiring approved post-graduate education, an approved or recognized examination, and applicable fees.

Licensing authority: Health Licensing Office · Application information

Renewal within three years of inactive specialty certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit renewal form, delinquency and authorization fees and attest to current blood borne pathogens training.
Status
Inactive for no more than three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of current specialty practitioner certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate
Existing specialty qualification is indicated on the practitioner certificate under ORS 690.048(3).
Renewal
Submit renewal form and fees and attest to current blood borne pathogens training under OAR 817-008-0000(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

temporary facility permit

Permits temporary facility operation for no more than 30 consecutive calendar days, subject to applicable health, safety and infection-control requirements.

Licensing authority: Health Licensing Office · Application information

Temporary facility operation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Natural-person holder must be at least 18 years old.
Application
Submit prescribed application and fees, authorization-holder list and facility name; provide applicable assumed business name registration. Apply before opening.
Duration
Operate no longer than 30 consecutive calendar days and comply with applicable facility safety and infection-control requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Barbering Examination

Provider
Health Licensing Office
Format
Written examination
Exam questions
100
Time limit
90 minutes
Passing score
75%
Examination outline
  • Anatomy and Physiology (25%)
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%)
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%): Hair color
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%): Hair diseases / disorders
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%): Hair growth
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%): Hair loss
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%): Hair structure
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%): Scalp diseases / disorders
    • Histology of Hair and Scalp (14%): Trichology
    • Histology of the Skin (8%)
    • Histology of the Skin (8%): Melanin
    • Histology of the Skin (8%): Skin diseases /disorders
    • Histology of the Skin (8%): Structure of the skin
    • Anatomy of the Head and Face (3%)
    • Anatomy of the Head and Face (3%): Bones
    • Anatomy of the Head and Face (3%): Muscles
    • Anatomy of the Head and Face (3%): Nerves
  • Microbiology (4%)
    • Bacteriology (4%)
    • Bacteriology (4%): Viruses
    • Bacteriology (4%): Immunity
    • Bacteriology (4%): Parasites
    • Bacteriology (4%): Bacteria
  • Barbering Services (42%)
    • Treatment of the Hair, Scalp and Skin (7%)
    • Treatment of the Hair, Scalp and Skin (7%): Client consultation
    • Treatment of the Hair, Scalp and Skin (7%): Hair and Scalp analysis
    • Treatment of the Hair, Scalp and Skin (7%): Skin analysis
    • Treatment of the Hair, Scalp and Skin (7%): Hair and scalp treatments
    • Treatment of the Hair, Scalp and Skin (7%): Skin treatments
    • Treatment of the Hair, Scalp and Skin (7%): Referral to physician
    • Hair Care Procedures (2%)
    • Hair Care Procedures (2%): Scalp massage
    • Hair Care Procedures (2%): Shampoo service
    • Skin Care Procedures (4%)
    • Skin Care Procedures (4%): Skin analysis
    • Skin Care Procedures (4%): Facial
    • Skin Care Procedures (4%): Facial massage
    • Design Elements (10%)
    • Design Elements (10%): Elevations (projections)
    • Design Elements (10%): Facial shapes
    • Design Elements (10%): Form and texture
    • Design Elements (10%): Head form
    • Design Elements (10%): Profiles
    • Design Elements (10%): Shape, balance and proportion
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%)
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Thermal Styling
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Head shaving
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Blending, tapering and fading
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Arching and outlines
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Shear cutting
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Razor cutting
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Clipper cutting
    • Cutting and Styling Procedures (11%): Artificial hair
    • Shaving Procedures (8%)
    • Shaving Procedures (8%): Areas of the face
    • Shaving Procedures (8%): Shaving technique
    • Shaving Procedures (8%): Steaming and lathering
    • Shaving Procedures (8%): Shaving strokes
    • Finishing step
  • Implements, Tools and Equipment (12%)
    • Items (12%)
    • Items (12%): Brushes
    • Items (12%): Capes and drapes
    • Items (12%): Clippers
    • Items (12%): Combs
    • Items (12%): Razors
    • Items (12%): Shears
    • Items (12%): Massage tools
  • Product Knowledge and Chemistry (11%)
    • Products (7%)
    • Products (7%): Shampoos and conditioners
    • Products (7%): Styling aids
    • Products (7%): Shaving products
    • Chemistry (4%)
    • Chemistry (4%): pH and pH scale
    • Chemistry (4%): Water
    • Chemistry (4%): Cosmetic chemistry
  • Safety and Infection Control (6%)
    • Safe Usage and Devices (2%)
    • Safe Usage and Devices (2%): Safe usage
    • Safe Usage and Devices (2%): Safety devices
    • Federal Regulations and Standards (4%)
    • Federal Regulations and Standards (4%): Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    • Federal Regulations and Standards (4%): Food and Drug Administration
    • Federal Regulations and Standards (4%): Environmental Protection Agency
    • Federal Regulations and Standards (4%): Centers for Disease Control
Examination sources

Oregon Laws and Rules Written Examination

Provider
Health Licensing Office
Format
Written examination
Exam questions
90
Time limit
90 minutes
Passing score
75%
Examination outline
  • Definitions
  • Facility Standards
  • Practice Standards
  • Facility Operations
  • Examinations
  • Licensing and Certification
  • Chemicals
Examination sources