A career in barbering offers a rewarding path for creative and service-oriented individuals. The journey toward becoming a licensed professional begins with formal education. While a high school diploma is the standard entry requirement for most institutions, alternatives are available for those who did not graduate. These pathways ensure that the lack of a traditional diploma does not prevent an aspiring barber from pursuing the necessary training. The most common solution is the high school equivalency credential.
Enrollment Requirements for Barber School
Most accredited barber schools require applicants to present a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent for admission. This requirement is driven by federal regulations governing eligibility for Title IV federal student aid programs, such as Pell Grants and federal loans. Schools participating in these programs must adhere to academic standards mandating proof of secondary education completion.
Some vocational schools may offer conditional acceptance, allowing an applicant to enroll while simultaneously working to obtain their equivalency credential. This exception is increasingly rare. Historically, the “Ability to Benefit” (ATB) test allowed students without a diploma to enroll, but this path has been largely eliminated for federal financial aid applicants. Today, applicants without a diploma are expected to secure a GED before or shortly after beginning their professional training.
Obtaining Equivalency: The GED Path
The General Educational Development (GED) test is the most widely accepted high school equivalency credential and provides the primary solution for those without a traditional diploma. Passing the GED grants a recognized high school equivalence diploma accepted by nearly all barber schools and state licensing boards. The exam is composed of four subject area tests: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.
Preparation time varies, but many candidates dedicate at least three months to thorough study before testing. The total cost for the four-part exam typically ranges from $144 to $200, though some states offer subsidized or free testing to eligible residents. The flexibility of scheduling the tests individually allows candidates to focus their efforts on one subject at a time. The HiSET exam serves as an alternative equivalency test in a few states, serving the same purpose as the GED for professional school enrollment.
Distinguishing School Enrollment from State Licensing Requirements
A distinction exists between the requirements for school enrollment and the requirements for professional licensure. While a barber school might have flexibility in its admissions policy, the state’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is the authority governing who can practice. Every state has a licensing board that sets the standards for professional practice.
Nearly all state boards require proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED, before a candidate can sit for licensing examinations. This means that a student conditionally enrolled in a school without a diploma will not be permitted to take the final, required written and practical exams until that credential is secured. The educational requirement is a legal prerequisite to demonstrate a baseline level of academic competency. Failure to meet this mandate means the training hours completed will not lead to a valid professional license.
Other Common Barber School Prerequisites
Beyond the educational requirement, aspiring barbers must satisfy several other prerequisites to enroll and obtain a license. Most barber schools require applicants to be at least 16 years of age, though some states set the minimum age for licensure at 17. Applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license or state-issued identification, along with a Social Security card or documentation proving legal right to work in the United States.
Many state licensing boards require a criminal history background check, often involving submitting fingerprints through a live scan service. This check determines if the applicant is subject to denial based on past criminal convictions, which the board reviews case-by-case. Applicants should also be prepared to pay non-refundable application fees to the school and the state board for student permits and licensing applications.
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Barber
Once an aspiring barber has met the prerequisites, the path to licensure follows a structured sequence. The first step involves enrolling in a state-approved barber program and securing a student permit from the state licensing board. Students must complete a required number of training hours, typically ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 hours depending on state regulations.
After completing the program, the graduate must apply to take the state licensing examinations. This process involves passing both a written exam (testing knowledge of sanitation, anatomy, and state law) and a practical exam (assessing hands-on technical skills). Upon passing both examinations and paying the final licensing fee, the state board issues the professional barber license.