Iowa Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in Iowa is controlled by the Iowa Board of Barbering .
General Guidelines for a Barber in Iowa
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 Practitioner License – 2100 Hours
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Every 2 years
What are fees associated with licensing?
Check with local governing body for updated details.
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 that barbers are famous for.
To become a barber, there is a set lot of requirements that is individual to each state across America. The following pages look at the detailed information on individual 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 Iowa there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Undertake the written exam
- Undertake the practical examination and apply for registration with the Iowa Board of Barbering
- 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 only current option is for students to undertake a minimum of 2100 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 Iowa does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber.
Undertake state licensing exams
In the state of Illinois there are currently two licensing exams that must be completed: the theoretical exam and the practical exam. Barbers are required to register for this exam prior to completion. Barber examinations in Iowa are conducted by PSI Services. It is essential for students to successfully complete the theoretical exam first. There will be a $55 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
Apply for registration in the state of Iowa
Following the completion of formal education via an institution and the successful passing of the theoretical exam, barbers are required to apply for registration with the Iowa Board of Barbering. 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
- A high school diploma
- A barber diploma
- Completed theoretical examination results
Following the successful application to the State Board, Barbers must complete the practical examination. There will be a $75 fee for this exam.
This examination will cover topics such as (but not limited to):
- Set Up and Client Protection
- Shaving with a straight Razor
- Haircutting
- Chemical Waving
- Hair Lightening
- Chemical Relaxing
- Blood Spill Procedures
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the Board detailing their results from their practical examination. If successful, barbers will be eligible to practice within the state of Iowa.
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license on June 30th every two years. This can be done easily online through the Iowa State Board’s online license renewal portal. There is a renewal fee for this license.
Barbers of Iowa are required to undertake a minimum of 8 credits of continuing education during every two-year licensing cycle to keep their license up to date. Barbers will be notified of education options by the board.