State Board of Barber Examiners
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UPDATED 04/01/2022 (ORIGINALLY POSTED: 05/17/2021) - With the Governor's signing of Act 14 of 2022, licensing waivers that had been set to expire March 31 will remain active until June 30, 2022, unless action is taken to end them sooner. We will provide additional updates as needed.
The State Board of Barber Examiners regulates the licensure and practice of the barbering profession in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board has jurisdiction over the procedures for obtaining a license to become a barber, manager-barber or barber-teacher. Through its agents, the Board inspects, approves and registers all barber shops and schools of barbering and prescribes the sanitary requirements for the individual establishment. By performing these functions, the Board protects the public from gross incompetence, unethical or dishonest practice or conduct, and the spread of contagious and infectious disease.
The best method for candidates to register for an exam is to log into their Pearson VUE account, via the web at: https://home.pearsonvue.com/pa/bpoa, and search for an exam date & time; candidates can then enter different zip codes and a mile radius as well for alternate options.
IF YOUR LICENSE IS EXPIRED
If your license has been expired for less than 5 years, please visit www.pals.pa.gov to reactivate your license. Upon logging in to PALS, scroll down until you see your license number. To the left of your license number, you will see a green pencil icon. Click on the green pencil and a pop up window will appear. You will then see the word "reactivate"; click on it and follow the directions to reactivate your license. Payment is by credit or debit card only. After successful reactivation of your license, it will be mailed to you. Please ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address so that your license is not returned to the Board. Also, please allow seven to ten business days to receive your renewed license in the mail.
If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, the Barber Law states that you must retake the examination in order to reactivate the license. Please contact Dasher, Inc., at 1-866-474-1148 or email: paboards@dasherinc.com and ask for a reinstatement application. Dasher, Inc., processes all exam applications for the exam administrator, Pearson VUE. To view a copy of the Law and Regulations, please visit: www.dos.pa.gov/barber
Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario. You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.