Requirements to Become...
Accountant
Air Traffic Controller
Anesthesiologist
Archaeologist
Art Teacher
Astronomer
Athletic Trainer
Attorney
Author
Bail Bondsman
Baker
Barber
Bartender
Bounty Hunter
Cardiologist
Carpenter
Casting Director
CEO
Certified Personal Trainer
CFP
Chaplain
Chef
Chemist
Chiropractor
CNA
Computer Programmer
Coroner
Cosmetologist
Counselor
Court Reporter
CPA
Crime Scene Investigator
Deacon
Dentist
Dermatologist
Detective
Dietician
Director
Doctor
Dog Trainer
Editor
Electrician
EMT
Fashion Designer
Film Director
Financial Advisor
Firefighter
Flight Attendant
Forensic Scientist
Funeral Director
Game Designer
Game Tester
Game Warden
Gym Teacher
Hair Stylist
Health Inspector
Homicide Detective
Journalist
Judge
Kindergarten Teacher
Lawyer
Legal Assistant
Librarian
Life Coach
Loan Officer
LPN

What are the Requirements to Become a Barber?

Every state mandates that barbers earn a license from an accredited cosmetology or barber school, but the requirements to become a barber vary from state to state. Many states also require a GED as minimum education.

Barber School

Many cosmetology schools offer barbering programs, which last about nine months. Barbering schools focus on providing hair and skin services for men. After completing the program, barbers take a written state licensing exam, and they also may have to demonstrate their skills. Many barber schools offer placement programs to help graduates enter the field. Some schools also offer financial aid to full-time students.

Skills You'll Learn at Barber School
  • Foam Shaving
  • Razor Hair Styling
  • Hair Cutting
  • Blow Drying
Personal Skills

Barbers work with people. A pleasant personality, good communication skills--both talking and listening--and a neat appearance are crucial to developing clientele and earnings tips. A good memory also helps, as customers feel more welcome--and generous with their tips--when you remember how you to style their hair without asking.

Employment as a Barber

Nearly half of the barbers in the work force are self employed and tend to work long hours. Employment of hairdressers is expected to increase nearly 12 percent, higher than the national average for most professions.

Final Considerations

Spending a day or two with a barber prior to entering barber school can help decide if this is a smart career path.

The following colleges offer programs that can help you become qualified for a career as a Barber:
Makeup Artist
Manager
Marine Biologist
Math Teacher
Medical Examiner
Meteorologist
Midwife
Minister
Mortgage Broker
Mortician
Motor Vehicle Inspector
Neurologist
Nurse
Nurse Anesthetist
Nutritionist
Obstetrician
Paralegal
Paramedic
Parole Officer
Pastor
Pediatrician
Personal Trainer
Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
Pharmacist
Photographer
Physical Therapist
Pilot
Plumber
Police Officer
Preschool Teacher
Priest
Principal
Private Investigator
Probation Officer
Professor
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Radio DJ
Radiologist
Realtor
Referee
Registered Nurse
Scientist
Secret Service Agent
Secretary
Security Guard
Sheriff
Sniper
Speech Therapist
Stock Broker
Substitute Teacher
Surgeon
SWAT
Tax Preparer
Teacher
Therapist
Tour Guide
Translator
Travel Agent
Truck Driver
Veternarian
Video Game Tester
Web Designer
Welder
Writer
Zoologist