Barbering

The Barbering Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in the barbering profession.

Required Courses

BARB 7007 – Barbering 1

Students learn foundational barbering skills and industry practices, including:

• Haircutting
• Shaving
• Facials
• Hair coloring
• Chemical services
• Client care
• Health and safety procedures
• Professional ethics

BARB 7011 – Barbering 2

Students continue developing barbering skills through advanced instruction and additional supervised practice.

Topics include:

• Advanced haircutting techniques
• Advanced shaving and grooming services
• Hair coloring and chemical services
• Client consultation
• Customer service
• Professional workplace practices
• State board examination preparation

Program Length

Approximately 1,000–1,200 hours

Grading Method

Satisfactory Progress (SP)

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue employment opportunities such as:

• Barber
• Grooming Specialist
• Barber Shop Owner
• Hair and Grooming Professional

What is the Barbering Program?

The Barbering Program provides students with the technical knowledge and hands-on training needed to prepare for a career in barbering. The program meets the training requirements established by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Is this a credit or noncredit program?

This is a noncredit program.

Students receive high-quality career training through tuition-free classes while completing the educational requirements needed to pursue barber licensure in California.

Where will the Barbering Program courses be held?

All Barbering Program courses are held at the Cosmoton Academy facility in Lompoc, California.

Address

736 N H Street
Lompoc, CA 93436

Students complete both classroom instruction and hands-on barbering training at this location.

What days and times will classes be held?

Classes meet on the following schedule:

• Tuesday (Online via Zoom): 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 12:30–2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday (In Person): 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–5:30 p.m.
• Thursday (In Person): 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–5:30 p.m.
• Friday (In Person): 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–5:30 p.m.

How is the program structured?

The program consists of two noncredit courses:

• Barbering I: 500 hours (Fall semester)
• Barbering II: 500 hours (Spring semester)

Students who successfully complete both courses will complete the 1,000 hours of instruction required by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Do I need to complete both courses?

Yes.

Students must successfully complete both Barbering I (500 hours) and Barbering II (500 hours) to complete the required 1,000 hours for barber licensure in California.

Who is eligible to enroll?

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in barbering is encouraged to apply.

To qualify for barber licensure in California, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
• Provide either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Licensing requirements may change. Students should verify current requirements with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

What will I learn?

Students receive instruction in:

• Haircutting and styling techniques
• Shaving and beard grooming
• Chemical services
• Health and safety practices
• Infection control and sanitation
• California barbering laws and regulations
• Professionalism and customer service
• Hands-on barbering skills

Will I receive hands-on training?

Yes.

Students participate in practical training designed to develop the skills needed for employment in the barbering industry.

How many hours are required to become a licensed barber?

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires 1,000 hours of training in a Board-approved barbering program.

Does completing the program guarantee a barber license?

No.

Completing the program satisfies the required training hours. Students must also meet all requirements established by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and successfully pass the required licensing examination.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Students who complete Barbering I during the fall semester and Barbering II during the spring semester can complete the full 1,000-hour training sequence in approximately one academic year.

Is there a cost to attend?

The Barbering Program offers tuition-free classes, so there is no cost to enroll.

Students are responsible for purchasing required textbooks, materials, supplies, uniforms, and paying applicable licensing and examination fees.

The estimated total student cost is approximately $2,187, including:

• Textbooks: $562
• Barbering kit: $1,500
• California Barbering application and examination fee: $75
• Initial California barber license fee: $50

These costs are estimates and may change. Students will receive detailed information before enrollment.

Are students required to purchase a barbering kit?

Yes.

Students must purchase an approved barbering kit that includes the tools, equipment, and supplies needed throughout the program.

• Estimated cost: $1,500

Specific kit requirements, vendors, and purchasing instructions will be provided before enrollment.

What are the California barber licensing and examination fees?

Students are responsible for paying all state licensing fees.

Current fees include:

• Application and examination fee: $75
• Initial barber license fee: $50

Total estimated licensing cost: $125

State fees may change. Students should verify current fees with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before applying.

Are licensing and examination fees included in the program?

No.

Licensing and examination fees are paid directly by the student to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and are not included in the cost of materials or supplies.

Is financial aid available?

Because this is a noncredit program, students are not eligible for traditional federal financial aid.

Are there campus resources available to help with the cost of materials, supplies, or fees?

Students may be referred to Allan Hancock College's Basic Needs Center to explore available resources and support services.

Assistance for program-specific materials and supplies is not guaranteed.

What career opportunities are available after licensure?

Licensed barbers may pursue careers in:

• Barber shops
• Salons
• Men's grooming establishments
• Independent barbering businesses
• Shop ownership
• Product sales and demonstrations
• Barber instruction (additional qualifications may be required)

Is attendance important?

Yes.

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires students to complete a specific number of training hours.

Regular attendance is essential for successful program completion and eligibility for licensure.

How do I apply?

Sign up for the Barbering Program Interest List.

As openings become available, students will be contacted and invited to attend a mandatory orientation session. During orientation, program requirements, expectations, and enrollment procedures will be reviewed.

Because of the intensive nature of the program and facility capacity, enrollment is limited to approximately 30 students per academic year.

Placement in the program is not guaranteed and depends on available space and completion of all enrollment requirements.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions that are not answered in these FAQs, please contact:

Dana Avila
Barbering Program Coordinator

Email: danaavila@hancockcollege.edu