North Carolina Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in North Carolina is controlled by the North Carolina Board of Barber Examiners.
General Guidelines for a Barber in North Carolina
Specific requirements to perform barber services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.
Who’s allowed to perform these services?
Anyone holding a barber license
General requirements for a barber license?
Barber License – 1,528 Hours + 12-Month Apprenticeship
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
North Carolina Board of Barber Examiners
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews annually.
What are fees associated with licensing?
$50
Barber Licensing
A barber is a professional who specializes in the cutting, styling, and grooming of men and boy’s hair and beards. This profession has a long-standing history filled with tradition and is an important subsection of the beauty industry. Many of the techniques and tools of barbering are as old as the profession itself. This includes the tools, techniques and overall aesthetic of the barbershop itself. Barbers are experts in their field. A barber’s job is primarily in customer satisfaction, which revolves around the customer service, friendliness, and communication of the barber.
To become a licensed barber in North Carolina there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Undertake examination for a certificate of registration as an apprentice barber
- Undertake examination for a certificate of registration as a registered barber
- Ensure your license remains up to date
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In North Carolina, students are required to undertake a minimum of 1,528 hours of registered coursework at a barber college. In order to attend a registered barber college, students must include an endorsed application, along with an FBI Criminal History Summary, and a fee of $25.
Undertake examination for a certificate of registration as an apprentice barber
In North Carolina, students are required to work as an apprentice barber following the completion of their schooling. In order to do this, students must first pass an apprentice barber examination. Students must first submit an application for this exam, along with an $85 exam fee.
The examination includes both a theoretical and practical side. Once these examinations have been successfully passed, barbers will be administered an apprenticeship license. Barbers must work as an apprentice for one year before they can register for their next examinations.
The main concepts that will be covered in the theory exam may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Scientific concepts
- Hair services
- Facial hair services
- Skin care and facial services
The main concepts that are covered in the practical examination may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Set up and client protection
- Haircutting
- Shaving with a straight razor
- Chemical Waving
- Virgin hair lightening
- Chemical Relaxing
Undertake examination for a certificate of registration as a registered barber
Following a one year apprenticeship, barbers are able to apply for their registered barber examination. Barbers must include the following in their application:
- The complete application
- Complete barber school training information
- Barber experience record
- Apprenticeship experience affidavit
- An $85 fee
The registered barber examination only requires barbers to re-take the practical examination. This will be the same exam that they passed on the last round of examinations.
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the Board detailing their results from their examination. If successful, barbers will be eligible to practice as a licensed barber within the state of North Carolina.
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license before May 31 each year. This can be done easily online through the North Carolina State Board’s online license renewal portal. There is a renewal fee for this license.
There is currently no ongoing education needs for barbers during their licensing period in the state of North Carolina. However, many barbers may choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.