BARBER License in Illinois
Quick Answer
To become a licensed barber in Illinois, you need a barber school diploma, must pass a third-party exam, and maintain CE for biennial renewal. Expedited processing and temp licenses for military families.
- Education Required
- 1500 hours
- Exam
- Third-party Exam
- Total Cost
- $300 (est.)
- Timeline
- 9-12 months (including barber school)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
BARBER license in Illinois
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $50
- Exam Fee
- $100
- Renewal Fee
- $50
- Total Estimated Cost
- $300
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your BARBER license in Illinois. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Illinois licensing board.
BARBER Salary in Illinois
Entry Level
$32,320
Median
$36,300
Experienced
$68,490
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed BARBER in Illinois.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Third-party Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 9-12 months (including barber school).
BARBER Licensing in Illinois: What to Know
Illinois requires a degree/diploma from an approved barber program, passing a third-party exam, and CE for renewal. Specific criminal convictions are prohibited. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation handles licensing. Illinois offers expedited processing for military and spouses with temporary licenses available in the interim.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a BARBER license cost in Illinois?
- The estimated total cost is $300, including application fees, exam fees ($100), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a BARBER license in Illinois?
- The process typically takes 9-12 months (including barber school), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a BARBER license in Illinois?
- You need to pass the Third-party Exam. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare BARBER requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.