Indiana Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in Indiana is controlled by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – State Board of Cosmetology Examiners.
General Guidelines for a Barber in Indiana
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 – 1,500 Hours
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – State Board of Cosmetology Examiners
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Every 4 years
What are fees associated with licensing?
$40
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 in conjunction with the execution of a sharp and precise hair cut.
To become a barber, there are requirements specific to each state across America. Detailed information below covers state licensing to help give you the best advice as you move forward in your career path.
To become a licensed barber in the state of Indiana there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Undertake state licensing exams
- Apply for registration with the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Ensure your license remains up to date
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In the state of Illinois, there is currently only one method in which to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber: a formal barbering program. The first option is for students to undertake a minimum of 1500 hours of registered coursework at a barber college. This will be sufficient to practice as a barber following examinations. Barber students in the state of Indiana are required to undertake a passing practical examination at the completion of their studies.
The state of Indiana does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber.
Apply for registration in the state of Indiana
Following the completion of formal education via an institution, barbers are required to apply for registration with the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Once this application has been processed, barbers are then able to apply for the licensing examinations. In order to have this application processed, applicants are required to submit:
- The completed application
- An application fee
- A high school diploma
- Be of 18 years or older
- A passport photograph
- A barber diploma
- Other specified documentation
Undertake state licensing exams
In the state of Illinois there is only one licensing exam that must be completed: the theoretical exam. Barbers are required to register for this exam prior to completion. Barber examinations in Indiana are conducted by Pearson VUE examinations. It is essential to read the Indiana State Board Candidate Handbook before undertaking this exam. There will be a fee for this examination.
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
- State laws and regulations
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the Board detailing their results from both examinations. If successful, barbers will be eligible to practice within the state of Indiana.
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license on August 1st every four years. This can be done easily online through the Indiana 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 Indiana. However, many barbers may choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.