Most barber certificate programs require applicants to have at least a high-school diploma/GED and be 16 years of age. Learn how your comment data is processed. Most states require license applicants to complete a certain number of practical hours, so you cannot get your entire barber training online. The barber profession dates back to the middle ages with responsibilities of a dentist, and surgeon. These figures are estimates as many barbers also receive a large number of cash tips from customers that may not be reflected in BLS data. Noel Griffith is a Doctor of Philosophy with a strong interest in educational research. Alternatively, you could become a barber by pursuing a cosmetology degree. The Barber School holds to the standard of NO discrimination in admission, instruction, and graduation policies on basis of race, ethic origin, age, sex, religion, and financial status. How Long Does it Take to Become a Barber? 801-304-7000 This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Depending on the school you decide to go to, you may enter barber school with or without standard credentials like a high school diploma. Marketing 15. NACCAS-approved barber programs are eligible for federal funding and offer federal financial aid to students. Barbers focus specifically on different shaving techniques, including safety razors and straight blade shaving. Therefore, most students are eligible to obtain their barber license after 4 years in high school … The Barber School offers barber classes for full and part-time students. Most barber certificate programs require applicants to have at least a high-school diploma/GED and be 16 years of age. However, most cosmetology programs may require you to have a high school diploma by the time you graduate, and many employers want candidates who have at least a high-school degree. ), barbers have the highest average hourly pay at $13.44. The courses should allow students to prepare for their exams, finish practical hours and leave with the needed in … Every state requires prospective barbers to pass a state-approved license exam. A cosmetology program curriculum might look like: Overall, you cover a lot of the same ground as a barber program with extra instruction on other beauty applications. If … Interestingly, out of all other hairstylist professions (hairdressers, cosmetologists, etc. The other main option for becoming a barber is to attend a cosmetology program. Straight Razor 14. Starting a barber’s school requires professionalism and good grasp of the trade and technical schools industry. Without the money to finance your barber schooling, you obviously can't attend classes. Barbers also learn about chemically straightening hair, applying hair tonics, and how to measure, fit, and cut hairpieces. No, you do not need a college degree to become a barber. A fair amount of barbers are self-employed and set their own hours. Maryland has high standards for aspiring barbers. Every state has different requirements, but most have a minimum of 1500 … Barbering is very much a field in which entrepreneurs do well, so having the ability to self-motivate and a propensity to work well with others are good traits for someone who wants to become a barber. The tests typically assesses general knowledge like math and reading comprehension, and will not usually be about barbering specifically. After 50 years, our name stands as a great reference in the industry! Next: View Schools Created with Sketch. Any barber program worth its salt will include training in: If you decide to go the cosmetology program route, then you will also take courses focusing on other aspects of beauty care, such as nail coloring, facial treatments, makeup, and more. Barbers face decent starting salaries and good potential for career growth. An apprenticeship must be completed under the supervision of a state-approved and licensed barber. Generally, such license candidates have to take a few extra courses focusing on barber-specific techniques. Get your high school diploma or GED. Barber education is very similar to cosmetologist education. Since being a barber is a rather hands-on profession, options for fully online barber/cosmetology programs are limited. If you wait too long to get your license renewed, you may be required to take the entire license exam again. A hypothetical course load for a barber certificate program might look like: Certificate programs are very focused and not deviate much from the core skill set barbers need to succeed in the field. However, distance learning and online courses can be found for licensed barbers seeking continuing education credits. Students will learn the ins-and-outs of running a barbershop and how to interact with customers. Here are the basic steps to becoming a barber: The first step is to get an education in either a barber program or a cosmetology program. Barbers, however, focus more on male beard grooming and shaving while cosmetologists learn about other beauty applications like nail and skin treatments. According to the US Dept. These exams usually involve both a written and practical component. To become a barber or hairdresser, you need to be licensed by the state, which requires some training as regulated by the state. Your email address will not be published. You do need to go to barber school or cosmetology school. Basic Manicuring 13. Some states, like New Hampshire, require both a degree and an apprenticeship. States like Montana require students to have their high school diploma or GED before applying to barber school. The programs have to help students meet state requirements for licensing. 4. You may train under an experienced barber or go to barber school before taking a certification exam (usually with written and practical parts), or you may need a high school education or GED to take the … Most cosmetologist programs only require that applicants be at least 16 years of age. Unlike licensure qualifications, the requirements for enrolling in barber school typically don’t vary much from state to state. These programs also cover the basics of running your own salon/spa. Sanitation 10. You should also look into any schooling or licensing requirements for your state. You need to know what you’re doing, in terms of cutting hair, you need to know how … There are two main education paths to become a barber. The work of a barber will become that much easier once you earn your barber certificate. Fortunately, there are several barbering … Most states require barbers to pass a state-approved licensure exam before they can work on their own as a barber. We offer a fully accredited program in barbering. Other accrediting agencies recognized by the US Dept. You need to pass the written and practical examination and be issued a license to perform barbering … There are generally no prerequisite courses to complete and schools usually do not require standardized test scores. Facial Grooming 2. These are the only two qualifications you need to meet: You must be at least 16 years of age. It generally only requires a high school diploma to … of Education include the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Accrediting Council for Continued Education & Training (ACCET) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and a valid barber or cosmetology license. To get you started there are 5 things you should know before starting barber school. That’s why we put together this comprehensive guide on how to become a barber. And students need barber school grants to subsidize the training courses needed to learn about various procedures to cut, style and color hair. Do I need to take the examination to provide services in California? Before you can apply for a barbering license, you must go through at least 1,200 hours of training at an approved barbering school. PLZ SEND ME THIS LINK & MORE INFO ON BECOMING A LIC BARBER, Your email address will not be published. How Much Does it Cost to Become a Barber? Many schools and states require that you … Most barber programs are very hands-on so the majority of your time will be spent working on actual customers. Cosmetology School Requirements: Age. Once applicants have … Rest assured you will not have to pay for your whole tuition out of … The most recognized national agency for barber program accreditation is the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Most states also require you to renew your license every year or two. Commonly offered online barber course might include: Each state requires barbers to pass a state-approved licensure exam. Other requirements for admission often include a physical and a personal interview, and most programs require candidates to possess both a Social Security number and a valid drivers license. Additionally, they must demonstrate hours of experience working as licensed barbers or … Further, if you already hold a barber’s license in another state, some states will allow you to transfer your credentials with little to no extra work. Some programs may require applicants to take a test to show English proficiency. Not only do you need to make a sizable deposit up front to enter school, you must also pay for your supplies and books if not already included in tuition, the fees for testing, and the fees to obtain your license upon completion of barber school. What Are the Requirements for Enrolling in Barber School? You need a barber license, you need insurance, you need to be legally covered to cut hair and shave faces. Cosmetology programs are offered at technical colleges, vocational schools, community colleges, and traditional 4-year universities. Cosmetology programs cover a lot of the same ground as barber programs, including hair treatments, hair styling, chemical treatments, and shaving/beard care. You’ll be proud when your Texas Barber College credentials are recognized by employers. For example, the state of Connecticut requires license applicants to complete a program that is at least 1,500 hours in duration while Florida requires students to complete a 1,200-hour program. Your barber … Some states, like New York, allow license applicants to have completed an approved apprenticeship program in lieu of completing an educational program. And more! However, cosmetologists also take courses on other beauty applications like nail treatments, facials, makeup, and more. Become a Barbershop Receptionist. State requirements may vary, but usually, a student can pursue their barber license if they are 16 years or older, hold a high school diploma, and graduate from a state-licensed barber program. The average barber program can last anywhere from 9-24 months. Haircutting 3. They also tend to add in basic English composition and communications courses. Required fields are marked *. Most states require prospective barbers to have completed a formal degree program consisting of at least 1,500 hours of instruction. The majority of programs require students to be at least 17 years of age and to possess a high school diploma or GED. Aside from technical barber skills, certificate programs usually devote some time to teaching the basics of salon management and professional development. Factoring in a few months to study for the license exam and to find a job, you can start working as a full-fledged barber in as little as a year. If you are more interested in just being a barber your best bet is to just attend a solid barber program. Students attending accredited barber programs may be eligible for federal financial assistance. Client Retention 16. To find out if the barber profession is the right fit, a job as a … Barbers learn how to properly cut, style, and maintain hair and beards, hair care techniques, and diagnosing hair and scalp conditions. Barber schools often require students to meet a number of minimum requirements to be accepted into a barber program. However, if you are interested in being a barber but also want to keep your career options open, you could consider pursuing a cosmetology degree and getting your barber license. Requirements for Barber School Depending on the school you decide to go to, you may enter barber school with or without standard credentials like a high school diploma. Aside from tuition, barbers must also buy their own equipment and supplies, and pay any program application and license application fees. These license exams differ from state to state but normally involve giving proof of completion of a 1,200-hour program, proofs of a certain number of hours worked, and pass an exam with written and practical components. Online Barbering School – Due to the very hands-on nature of the training you will need to attend an actual physical school … of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for barbers in 2018 was $24,830 ($11.94/hour). What began … Barbers are trained in the grooming of (predominantly male) hair and facial hair. All reputable programs are geared towards preparing students to pass state licensing exams.". Tandeace Hairston's articles appear in relationship and family publications. Because the requirements for entering barber school vary by state, it's best to select a school you're most interested in from a list of approved schools and contact them about requirements. Many states allow those who hold cosmetology degrees to take the barber license exam without having to complete a separate barber program. She's been named "Best Writer" by the National Association of Black Journalists, is founder and president of HeartShape Relationship Advocacy, Inc. and is publishing her first book on healthy relationships in 2012. According to CostHelper.com, "Program costs vary significantly by school, from around $2,000 to more than $11,000. If you have an artistic flair, a passion for hair, and dislike the “normal” 9-5 life, then you should consider becoming a barber. Basic Skincare 9. Other schools may require courses in basic anatomy and bacteriology, as well as basic business management. The idea is that you only need … The “basic” educational option for barbers is to pursue a barber certificate/diploma program. You can also do a … Barber certificate programs focus on the basics of hair care and styling and include courses on how to cut and style hair, hair care techniques, and how to trim and shave beards and facial hair. Once you pick a barber school, you can expect to complete the program in about nine months of full-time training.Barber programs typically culminate in a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Depending on the state, you could also get an apprenticeship with a state-licensed barber. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Barber programs vary significantly in cost depending on the area and can range from $2,000 to more than $11,000. First, you can attend a barber education program then sit for the state licensing exam. Barber programs are more focused on male-hair care while cosmetologist programs focus on hair care and other beauty applications. Most states require you to renew your license every year and provide proof of completing continuing education credit hours. barber shop pole image by Tammy Mobley from, Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education, Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article, Beauty and Cosmetology School Authority: Barbering School by State, Education-Portal: Barber Schools in Illinois. In general, there are no hard and fast rules surrounding barber education. After the excitement of being admitted to barber school wears off, you may start to worry about how you will pay for it. Whether or not you need a high school diploma or GED will depend on the state in which you're planning to attend school. You can get a job without attending a formal program, though formal programs often better prepare students for state-mandated license exams. You must be a minimum of 16 years old. Exact licensure requirements differ from state to state but most states require a minimum age, a certain number of hours worked, and a practical exam. He has been an editor-in-chief of CareersWiki.com since 2014. Many states allow those who possess a degree in cosmetology to sit for the barber license exam without having completed a barber program. Cosmetology programs can last anywhere between 9 months and 2 years. Learn more about our class information and how you can get your school paid for. Shaving 5. Both programs and apprenticeships involve a large amount of hands-on experience so a good deal of your education will be spent working on actual clients under the supervision of a licensed professional barber. Read on to figure out the exact steps you need to become a hair care professional. I have completed my training. If you pursue an internship, then you will start working as a barber immediately, albeit in a subordinate role under a supervisor. Many states allow licensed cosmetologists to apply for barber licensure without having to complete a barber program. Apprenticeships usually take about 2 years to complete, though this can vary by state. Work is usually on a per-client basis so many barbers work irregular hours including nights and weekends. Whether you choose to go with a barber apprenticeship or barber school, you’ll learn the technical skills that you need … Hair Color 6. These specifics vary by state so make sure you do thorough research on the license requirements for your state. Learning to be a barber or a hair stylist gives you … Other than these nationally recognized agencies, each state has its own barber board that approves accredited programs. You must have graduated from high school or have an equivalent diploma or degree—unless you’re in a … When you apply for your barber program, there will likely be a second application for financial aid, or you may be able to indicate your interest in scholarships and grants on the primary application. Some programs may require applicants to take a test to show … You’ll need to … Generally, schools offer reduced tuition for in-state residents. Step 1: Complete a program/apprenticeship, Training Information & Types of Barber Degrees. These programs are typically short and can be completed in about a year or less. Our Pivot Point® International Barbering Program curriculum was created with the intention of helping students learn the art of barberingand the technical skills in modern men’s grooming. Yes. Some states allow those with cosmetology degrees to take the barber license exam without having completed a barber program. More often than not, states do require a high school diploma or GED. Men’s haircutting (taper, buzz, trim, fades, etc), Scalp treatments (shampooing, scalp massage), Fundamentals of skin disease and conditions. However, cosmetologists may be required to take a few extra courses to be eligible to sit for the state barber exam. Some states will allow you to complete a barber apprenticeship to sit for the exam in lieu of completing a formal program. Normally, renewal involves offering proof of completed continuing education credits and a license renewal fee. Barber shop programs may be full-time or part-time, and many are organized to fit arou… After passing the state-license exam, you must maintain your license. By the time you finish a barber certificate program, you will be qualified to take the state-mandated barber license exam. (quick note: barber “certificate” and “diploma” programs are basically synonymous). Both barbers and cosmetologists focus on hairstyling, hair treatment, and hair grooming practices. If a school only offers training at a time that conflicts with your duties out of school obviously you will need to look elsewhere… or change your life around in other ways. Other than that, there are no real requirements to apply to a barber certificate program. You can learn: 1. Typically, a school of barbering will take about nine months to two years to complete, depending on how regularly you schedule classes. Enroll in a barber school program. Razor Design 8. Courses are often built on a theory-practice model in which the first half of the lesson is lecture-focused about hair techniques and the rest is devoted to practicing learned techniques. Very rarely, cosmetology programs may require some prerequisite courses and might require you to demonstrate some basic competency in reading, writing, and math. In this case, have a copy of your diploma on hand for when you visit the school to fill out an application. This means that you can start cosmetology school while finishing your last two years of high school. Hair Design 7. Chemical Services 12. Besides, you would need to get the required certifications and licenses (accreditations) … Most programs also incorporate professional and business-oriented courses that focus on client interaction and running your own barbershop. It is at barber school where you can really hone your hair-cutting skills and more to become a great barber — and maybe even own your own barber shop. Noel is an avid reader (non-fiction), enjoys good food, live theatre, and helping others make wiser career decisions. Head to cosmetology school, whether it’s through a community college, beauty school, or a trade school. Students who want to pursue a career as a barber must graduate from a program that is accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization or is recognized by the state department of barbering. Associations, Groups & Resources for Barbers. For example, at Salon Success Academy, if you are a licensed cosmetologist, you can transfer 1300 existing cosmetology hours toward the 1500 required hours for your barbering program. Becoming a professional barber requires either completing a state-approved barber program or completing an apprenticeship. Barbers are specialized in hair treatments and grooming, typically focusing on male hair. Try our FREE award-winning tool to find the best schools in your area. Perms 11. To achieve state licensure, most state boards of cosmetology and barbering require … Ask the school's admissions office about the procedure for getting school … A comprehensive education in barbering is usually the first step to earning the state license required to become a barber. Hairstyling 4. In states like Illinois, where you don't need a high school diploma to apply for barber school, you'll most likely have to take an entrance exam to be considered for acceptance. Although it might be a “non-traditional” career, there is a certain educational path that you must follow. Hairston holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Temple University and a Master of Arts in Christian counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. Only require that applicants be at least a high-school diploma/GED and be years... Besides, you would need to meet: you must maintain your license year. Examination to provide services in California get you started there are 5 things you also... 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Least 16 years of age on how to become a hair stylist gives you 4!