Become a Master Barber: Education and Career Roadmap
Learn how to become a master barber. Research the education and career requirements, licensure and experience required for starting a career as a master barber.
Master Barber Requirements
Barbers cut and trim hair and beards, often for male clients. However, some may perform additional duties, such as coloring and shampooing hair and giving scalp massages. Barbers can receive a master designation from the state; this requires individuals to meet certain education and licensing requirements. Master barbers are the highest level of barbers, and while specific qualifications may vary by state, prospective master barbers will need to complete a barbering school, obtain the requisite experience and pass examinations. The table below includes the requirements to become a master barber.
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Training program, certificate or diploma |
| Degree Field | Barber/cosmetology |
| Licensure | State licensure is required for barbers in all states; licensure for master barbers varies by state |
| Experience | Individual states typically require you to complete a minimum amount of work experience before you can become eligible to sit for a master barber examination, could be up to 1,500 hours** |
| Key Skills | Stamina, customer-service and creativity* |
| Additional Requirements | Some employers may require individuals to pass a background check; prospective barbers must be able to bend and stoop, lift 40 pounds and have strong interpersonal skills*** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance; ***Job Postings from Monster.com (July 2012).
Step 1: Complete a Barbering Program
Prospective barbers must first complete a barbering program, where they will learn about cutting hair and shaving beards. They may also include instruction in elements of cosmetology. Barbering programs will combine both classroom study with hair cutting experience. Courses may be offered in the day or evening to accommodate individuals who need a flexible schedule. Courses will cover areas involving clipper cutting, facial massage, hygiene, sterilization and sanitation, scissors-over-comb techniques and shaving. The program will also prepare students for job interviews and state licensure as a barber.
Success Tips
- Check licensure requirements. Before applying to any barbering school, check with the state board to ensure that any licensing requirements will be met upon graduation.
Step 2: Participate in an Apprenticeship
Some states will require that individuals complete a barbering apprenticeship before becoming a master barber. An apprenticeship offers aspiring master barbers a chance to work and learn under a master barber and begin cutting hair and working with clients. Some states may require you to satisfy a minimum number of hours, while other states may require you to work for a minimum number of years.
Step 3: Pass Licensing Exams
In order to become licensed and earn the master barber designation, individuals may have to complete several examinations. For example, Minnesota requires that barbers pass a written, oral and practical examination. Individuals must achieve at least 75% on each exam, and in addition to cutting hair, must have knowledge of state barber statues and laws.
Related to Become a Master Barber: Education and Career Roadmap
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Hair Technician: Educational Overview for the Barber Related Professions
Hair technicians specialize in performing hair care and are responsible for cutting, dying and styling hair. Community...
Job Description of a Manicure Technician
Manicure technicians, also known as nail technicians or manicurists, provide nail services to customers at spas,...
Barber School: Information on Becoming a Barber or Hairdresser
Research the requirements to become a barber or hairdresser. Learn about the job duties and read the step-by-step...
Hair Extension Training: Info for Hair Stylists
Hair extension training teaches hair stylists to add artificial length, volume and color to hairstyles. Adding hair...
List of the Top Hair Stylist Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
- Cosmetology Certification: Certificate Program Outline
- Barber: Educational Requirements for Barbers
- Barber Continuing Education Programs: An Overview
- Top School for a Hospitality Management Degree - Colorado Springs, CO
- Top Bachelor Degree Programs in Information Systems Security - Chicago, IL
- Top Ranked Medical Assisting Degree Programs - Denver, CO
- Top Ranked Networking Degree Program - Philadelphia, PA
- Become a Certified Barber: Certification and Career Roadmap
- Cosmetologist: Overview of Becoming a Barber or Cosmetologist
- Best School for Learning Computer Animation Technology - Denver, CO
- Top Ranked Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees - Chicago, IL
- Top Schools for Earning an Interior Design Degree - Atlanta, GA
Other Popular Schools:
-
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Virginia Commonwealth University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
