Barber Schools in North Carolina

If you want to become a barber in North Carolina, we're here to help! Browse our directory of barber schools in North Carolina, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Barber in North Carolina

Before you can work as a barber in the Tar Heel State, you must follow specific steps to obtain the necessary experience, qualifications, and certifications. From education and training to state examinations and licensing, these steps provide the building blocks of a rewarding barbering career. Continue reading as we lay out some of the most crucial elements of a North Carolina barber certification.

• Education: First, you must enroll in and complete a state-approved barber program. North Carolina requires all future barbers complete at least 1,528 hours of training, including classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
• Training: You must complete a one-year apprenticeship program at an approved location.
• State Exams: After meeting all the requirements of an approved barbering program, students must pass the licensure exam overseen by the North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners.
• Licensing: Once you pass the state barber exam, you can apply for a license. You must include proof that you completed an approved program and your passing scores on the exam.

Next, it's time to utilize your skills by beginning your barbering career. Alongside barber training, some students complete a crossover program introducing cosmetology skills. This provides a solid way to expand your professional toolbox and marketability.

North Carolina's barbering rules can impact whether you secure and maintain licensure, so aspiring barbers should consult the state Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners with any questions or concerns.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in North Carolina

A North Carolina barber curriculum typically covers a wide range of theoretical and technical skills. These classes traditionally touch on essential topics like hair cutting techniques, hair styling, beard trimming, and hair coloring. Standout programs also touch on client safety, business management, and customer service topics.

In addition to theoretical training, prepare to gain extensive practical training. Students hone their skills on mannequins and eventually move to real clients under the watchful eye of experienced instructors.

As well as meeting the state's requirements for licensure, barber programs also prepare you for the state's licensure exams, providing comprehensive review materials, practice exams, and guidance to succeed in both the written and practical portions of the exam.

Here are some of the topics that are covered during a North Carolina barber program:

• Hair Cutting Techniques: Students learn techniques including clipper cuts, scissor cuts, layering, fading, and blending.
• Shaving and Beard Grooming: Students learn the art of traditional shaving techniques, including straight razors, beard shaping, and beard trimming.
• Sanitation and Safety: These essential topics emphasize maintaining a clean and safe workplace, disinfection and sterilization techniques, and North Carolina health and safety regulations.
• Barber Tools and Equipment: Students familiarize themselves with tools of the trade and how to use them safely and effectively.
• Business Management: Running a successful barbering business requires more than cutting hair. Client management, scheduling, retail sales, and marketing are vital to barbershop life.
• Customer Service: Learn how to provide excellent customer service by focusing on essential topics like effective communication, client consultation, and building a dedicated customer base.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in North Carolina?

Unlike other states that allow for a barber or cosmetology apprenticeship pathway toward licensure, North Carolina requires all students to complete a one-year apprenticeship before earning full licensure. You can apply for an apprentice license after completing a training program and passing exams. This license remains active for 12 months.

After working as an apprentice for one year, you can apply for the state's registered barber exam.

North Carolina Barber Licensing Requirements

To become a barber in North Carolina, you must fulfill the state's Board of Barber Examiners requirements. These requirements ensure future barbers meet the necessary standards of competency and professionalism. Check out the list of conditions below.

• Complete a state-sanctioned barber program with a minimum of 1,528 education hours.
• Submit to an FBI background check.
• Apply for the state's apprentice exam and pay all relevant fees.
• Pass the state's apprenticeship exam with a minimum score of 70%.

North Carolina's apprentice barber licensing exam includes both written and practical sections. The 90-minute written portion tests your knowledge of barbering theory, while the one-hour practical test examines your technical proficiency. We break down the test content below.

Written

• Safety and infection prevention
• Anatomy and physiology
• Beard trimming and facial services
• Beard and mustache styling
• Hair cutting and services

Practical

• Setup
• Straight razor shaving
• Hair cutting
• Styling
• Sanitation procedures
• Cleanup

Apprenticeship

After completing an approved program and passing the apprenticeship exam, you can start working with a certified barber as an apprentice. Throughout this first year of real-world training, you can put your knowledge to the test and gain valuable experience. The next steps are:

• A minimum one-year apprenticeship at an approved site
• Apply and complete the state's registered barber exam
• Pay all relevant fees and complete the apprenticeship experience affidavit

North Carolina's registered barber exam contains only a practical portion. This test covers standard barbering services, including setup, straight razor shaving, hair cutting, hair styling, and sanitation procedures. Upon successful completion, the Board issues your full barber license.

North Carolina Barber License Reciprocity

For out-of-state applicants, North Carolina offers license reciprocity. That said, requirements can vary based on the applicant's current residence state. For instance, some may still need to pass North Carolina's barber exam. Details the Board of Barber Examiners considers include:

• Whether you hold an active barber license in another state.
• If you have practiced as a licensed barber for at least three years.
• If you completed a 1,500-hour barber program.
• If any active disciplinary measures are levied against your barber license.

You must include a verification letter from your home state's licensing agency when applying. If you have completed at least 1,500 training hours in a barber education program, you should be exempt from taking North Carolina's barber exam. If you haven't completed an equivalent barbering program, you may be eligible for a temporary license until you pass the state exams.