West Virginia Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in West Virginia is controlled by the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
General Guidelines for a Barber in West Virginia
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?
1,200 training hours at an approved barber school
Apply for and pass written and practical examination with third party examiner.
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
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?
$35
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 the state of West Virginia there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Apply for registration with D.L Roope
- Undertake state licensing exams
- Apply for licensing with the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Ensure your license remains up to date.
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In the state of West Virginia, there is only one method in which to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber: a formal barbering program. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 1200 hours of registered coursework at a barber college. This will be sufficient to practice as a barber following examinations.
The state of West Virginia does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber.
Apply for registration in the state of West Virginia
Following the completion of formal education via an institution, barbers are required to apply for registration with D.L Roope. Once this application has been processed, barbers are then able to apply for the state barber examinations. In order to have this application processed, applicants are required to submit:
- A completed application
- A 2×2 photograph
- A copy of photo identification card
- A $99 examination fee
- A $100 online registration fee
Undertake state licensing exams
In West Virginia there are two licensing exams that must be completed: the theoretical exam and the practical exam. Barber examinations in West Virginia are written and conducted by D.L Roope.
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
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the board detailing their results from both examinations. If successful, barbers will be eligible to apply for licensure.
Apply for licensing in the state of West Virginia
Once a barber has successfully completed their state examinations, they can apply for licensure to practice as a barber in West Virginia. Barbers are required to submit:
- A completed application
- Official barber school transcripts
- High school or GED transcripts
- Examination results
- Heath certificate
- Identification photo
- Social security card
- A $35 licensing fee
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to renew their license each year on January 1. This can be done easily online through the West Virginia State Board’s online license renewal portal. There is a $35 renewal fee.
Barbers in West Virginia are required to undertake a minimum of 4 hours of ongoing education during each licensing period. This allows barbers to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.