Wednesday, June 9, 2010

How to Become a Licensed Barber in Florida

Apply to a formal training program at a state-recognized barber school. The list of schools recognized by the Florida State Licensing Board includes the Florida Academy of Health and Beauty, The Hair Design School and Burner’s Barber College. Check the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences to make sure the program you choose meets the state's licensing requirements.

To become a licensed barber in the State of Florida you must attend a Florida barbering school and successfully complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of barber training. Upon completion of the educational hours, a completed examination application should be submitted to the department for processing, along with the applicable fees. Once the examination application has been approved, you will be contacted by the departments examination vendor, Pearson VUE, to schedule a date and time for the written examination.

Complete the barbering training program, which takes about nine months. Be prepared to present proof of all your course work and practical training when you apply for the licensing examination.

Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to take the licensing examination, and send an application fee, which was $288 in 2010. An official of the barbering school you attended must sign your application, confirming that you completed the training program. In addition, you must have a high school diploma and be at least 16 years old to take the test.

"Under The Supervision" Of A Licensed Barber Signify

The term "under the supervision" of a licensed barber signifies that the supervising individual holds a current and active Florida barber license and is physically present at all times when the applicant is performing barbering services. However, the supervised work practice exception does not apply to an individual who has applied by endorsement from another state or country. Endorsement applicants must have their Florida barbers’ license prior to practice

Qualifications for an Endorsement Application:

Applicants for endorsement must:


  • Complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of schooling in a program similar to, comparable to, or more stringent than what is required of Florida students;

  • Demonstrate that he or she has satisfactorily completed a written examination comparable to or more stringent than the examination administered by the department;

  • Demonstrate that he or she possesses a current, active license in another state or country; and

  • Apply and pay the required application fee of $255.

Apprentice licenses are not eligible for endorsement. All barber endorsement applications must include an education evaluation that was conducted by a credential evaluation service which is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A complete listing of NACES members is located on the barbers’ web page. If the NACES evaluation is not included with the endorsement application, it will be considered deficient.

As soon as you have a license to practice the profession, you can start by becoming apprentice in local barbershops. In this way, you can improve your understanding on the important things and skills that you should learn to become successful. After completing the apprenticeship, you can open your own shop or you can pass application in local shops. If you want to know more about Florida Barbers’ License or Find the best Barber Schools, visit Bestofcolleges.com

Barber Education Programs and Top Barber Schools

If you are interested in a new career, becoming a barber can provide you with a very rewarding professional life. If you enjoy being in an environment that is constantly filled with a different mix of people, working in a barbershop may be the perfect place for you.

Attending a barbering school is useful in getting started as a barber. It is important to select an accredited barbering school with experienced teachers. Barbering schools are usually accredited by the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the Accrediting Council for Continued Education and Training (ACCET), and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

Training at a barber school provides hands-on experience and skills for those interested in pursuing a career in hair design. Barber schools focus on training hair design school students by providing comprehensive hair and skin services for men. Traditional barber training will most certainly include cutting, styling, and dyeing of men's hair, as well as shaving and trimming moustaches and beards. Barbershops today will often include services for women, and some barber schools will expand barber studies to include cosmetology, beauty and applications of makeup. But, generally, most barber training focuses exclusively on male grooming practices.

Licenses and Certifications

Training hours required for licensure vary by state and may range from 1500-2000. In addition, states vary on licensing requirements, including minimum age, prerequisite experience and educational experience. Candidates will need to complete the state application, pay the fee and take the written and practical examination of skills.

Courses available at a hair designer school include:


  • Professional Hair care Technique

  • Hair Color Theory

  • Skincare Basics

  • Cutting Technique

  • Shaving Practices

  • Barber Instruction

  • Manicuring

  • Esthiology

  • Business Management

Career and Job

Employment of barbers is projected to have little or no increase in job growth, increasing 1% from 2006 to 2016 (1). Employment of personal appearance workers cutting both men’s and women’s will create slow job growth for barbers

Job prospects should be fair for barbers with extensive experience and to replace barbers who retire or leave the field for other reasons.

As of September 2009, the middle 50% of barbers earned annual salaries between $21,877 and $32,727. The highest 10% earned annual salaries of more than $37,782 (2).

List of Top Colleges and Universities Offering Barber Certification:


  • University of Arizona

  • Michigan State University

  • New York University

  • Western Michigan University

  • San Diego State University

A career as a barber is a great choice for people interesting in providing personal appearance services for male clients. Barbers must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and great customer service. They must keep a clean work environment and have a neat personal appearance. Good business skills are essential for barbers who own their own businesses.

To choosing a barber school, there is a fee for applying to a barber school, so you will want to do your research before your application goes in. You also want to make sure that you meet their prequalification so that you don’t spend time and money on a school that will not accept you as a student. Once you start school, it is important to stay current with your classes. Barber school moves at a quick pace, and if you fall behind it can be difficult to catch up. To find your best barber certification visit the Barber Schools