How to Become a Barber in Connecticut
- 1,000 education hours or 2,150 apprenticeship hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in Connecticut is $41,590.
- There is a predicted 31% job increase for barbers between 2020-2030 nationally.
To become a barber in Connecticut, you need to meet certain requirements for licensure:
- Meet eligibility requirements. You must have completed 8th grade or the equivalent.
- Complete a Connecticut barber training program. These programs must consist of at least 1,000 hours of instruction and be approved by the Connecticut State Board for Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmeticians.
- Pass the barber licensing exam.
- Submit an application for a barber license.
- Pay the $100 application fee.
- Maintain your license. You must renew your Connecticut barber license every two years.
Prospective barbers in Connecticut must have completed 8th grade or the equivalent. If you meet this requirement, you can train as a barber through a state-approved barber school or apprenticeship. State-approved programs require a minimum of 1,000 hours of instruction covering essential hair cutting, styling, and shaving techniques barbers use.
After completing a Connecticut barber program, you need to pass a licensing exam approved by the board. When you've passed the exam, you can apply for your Connecticut barber license.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Connecticut
1,000 Education Hours
Required to earn a barber license
Barber programs in Connecticut comprise at least 1,000 hours of instruction in hair, skin, and nail care, sanitation and infection control, state laws and regulations, and business relations.
The first 150 hours of training are dedicated to theoretical instruction. The remaining hours are reserved for supervised clinical practice.
A standard Connecticut barber program curriculum includes the following:
- Anatomy and Physiology: 15 classroom hours
- Business Skills: 10 classroom hours, 10 clinical hours
- Chemical Procedures: 30 classroom hours, 100 clinical hours
- Hair Care and Treatment: 10 classroom hours, 50 clinical hours
- Hair Cutting, Styling, and Shaving: 50 classroom hours (20 hours for haircutting and shaving, 10 hours for styling), 640 clinical hours
- Sanitation and Hygiene: 15 classroom hours, 20 clinical hours
- Skincare and Manicuring: 15 classroom hours, 40 clinical hours
- State Law and EEOC Guidelines: 5 classroom hours
Connecticut Barber Licensing Requirements
Completing your barber program is just one step toward earning your license. When you've finished training, you must sit for Connecticut's barber licensure exam.
The barber exam is a theoretical test assessing your knowledge of barbering. You need to apply to take the exam online and pay a $65 fee.
Once approved, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam. The test can be taken in English or Spanish. You need to score at least 70% to pass.
The theory exam contains 100 scored questions and lasts 90 minutes. It includes:
- Scientific Concepts: 30%
- Nail Care and Services: 15%
- Hair Care Services: 40%
- Facial Hair and Skin Care Services: 15%
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Connecticut?
2,150 Apprenticeship Hours
Required to earn a barber license
Yes, you can apprentice as a barber in Connecticut. You need to complete 2,000 hours of hands-on training with an approved and registered barber and 150 hours of theory training.
Connecticut Barber License Reciprocity
If you're a licensed barber in another state, you can obtain a Connecticut barber license through endorsement.
To qualify, you need to:
- Hold an active barber license
- Have completed a barber program and passed licensure exams
- Submit a license verification form
- Submit an application and pay the $100 fee
Barber License Renewal in Connecticut
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
Your Connecticut barber license must be renewed every two years during your birth month to stay active. You must pay a renewal fee of $100 and can renew through the Department of Public Health's website.
Connecticut doesn't require continuing education to renew your barber license.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Connecticut
$41,590
Average yearly salary for barbers in Connecticut
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Connecticut barbers make an annual salary of $41,590, with pay ranging from $28,770-$58,500. Barber jobs in Connecticut are expected to boom in the next decade, growing by 31% — much higher than the national average of 8%.
Contact the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians
Resources for Barbers in Connecticut
Connecticut Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians
Here you'll find everything you need to know about getting your barber license in Connecticut.
FAQ About Barbering
This page covers critical information about barber programs and careers.
Connecticut Barber Association
The American Barber Association's Connecticut chapter covers barber entrepreneurship, networking, and licensing recognition.
