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Are You Working Without a Cosmetology or Barber License? You May Be Breaking the Law!
Let us help you obtain your N.Y. State license — see if you qualify. We take the guesswork out of the licensure process.
It's easy to get confused and frustrated when dealing with state and local licensing laws. The time and attention needed to obtain a license can be overwhelming. Very often, applicants have to prepare for the New York State Exam — or go to appearance-enhancement school — while maintaining their current work schedule and juggling family obligations. Who has time left over to prepare a lengthy application that requires assembling an exorbitant amount of documentation?
No need to worry — American Barber Institute will guide you through it. Our staff supports you through the entire licensing process, from enrollment to your New York State Board Exam. ABI has the knowledge and resources to help students deal with special circumstances that would otherwise stall or delay the licensing process — we specialize in helping people get properly, legally licensed.
Need an Appearance Enhancement License?
Does This Sound Like You?
New License or Renewal
You want to obtain a Cosmetology or Barber License — or you just need your existing license renewed.
Not Sure Where to Start
You need help understanding eligibility requirements, licensure methods, or exactly what New York requires.
Licensed Elsewhere?
You're already a licensed professional from another country or state and need licensure in New York through Reciprocity.
American Barber Institute has the knowledge and experience to help you work toward a properly submitted application to the Division of Licensing Services. See if you qualify so you can be on your way toward a successful career.
The Law in New York
What New York State Actually Requires
Barbering and cosmetology are separate, state-regulated professions in New York. Each has its own required training hours and its own state exam — and in both cases, you must be licensed before you can legally work for pay. This page focuses on the barbering license, the credential ABI trains you to earn.
A License Is Required by Law
To work as a barber for compensation anywhere in New York State, you must hold a valid barber license. The barber license is issued and regulated by the New York State Division of Licensing Services, part of the Department of State. Working for pay without it is unlicensed practice.
500 Hours of Approved Training
The standard path to a New York Master Barber license is 500 hours of training at a state-licensed barber school. ABI's 500-Hour Master Barber Program covers barber theory, sanitation, cutting, fading, shaving and hands-on work on real clients — the full scope the State expects.
Pass the NY State Board Exam
After your training hours, you sit for the New York State Board Exam — both a written and a practical component. Passing it earns you the Master Barber license, which lets you legally work as a barber and even own a barbershop and employ other barbers.
Always confirm current requirements with the official source. New York's barber and cosmetology licensing rules are published by the NYS Division of Licensing Services.
Official NYS licensing information (dos.ny.gov)
The Right Way Forward
Get Licensed at American Barber Institute
ABI is licensed by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED / BPSS) and has been training barbers since 1996, with campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx.
500-Hour Master Barber Program
Become a licensed barber in about four months full-time (roughly 17 weeks at 30 hours per week), or on a weekend schedule over about 27 weeks. Morning, afternoon and weekend options are available. New classes start the first Monday of every month.
See the programsTuition & Payment Plans
Tuition is $5,600 for the morning schedule, $3,600 for the afternoon schedule and $4,600 for the weekend schedule. Every program includes a weekly payment plan so you can pay while you attend — plans start as low as $160 per week.
Financial aid & fundingFunding Options
You may qualify for help paying for school. ABI is VA-approved for eligible veterans using the GI Bill®, and ACCES-VR may cover tuition, tools and books for New Yorkers with documented disabilities.
Veterans & GI Bill®
Call Us Today
See If You Qualify
Stop taking the risk of working unlicensed. Call (212) 290-2289 today, or start your enrollment online — the next class starts the first Monday of the month and seats fill fast.