You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

Related Beauty Careers

Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:

Barbering Schools Near Me

Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Illinois have to offer.

How to Become a Barber in Illinois

Illinois Barbering Careers At a Glance

1,500 education 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 cosmetologists in Illinois is $44,490.
There is a predicted 8% job increase between 2021–2031 for barbers nationally.

To become a barber in Illinois, you must complete 1,500 training hours at an Illinois barber school, meet the age requirements, pass two exams, and pay several fees.

Your first step is enrolling in an Illinois barber program. These programs typically last between nine months and two years and encompass theoretical classroom knowledge and extensive hands-on training. Classes cover cutting, styling, and straight razor or old-fashioned shaving.

After completing your Illinois barber program, you must pass the state barber exam. This written and practical test evaluates your skills to help make sure you're ready to practice. After passing the state's barber exam, you should be ready to apply for your barber license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). We spotlight some licensing requirements below:

1,500 hours at an Illinois barber school
Pass written and practical exams
At least 16 years old
Criminal background check
Pay the $30 licensing fee

Let's dig deeper into what you need to know to begin your barber career in Illinois.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Illinois

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a barbering license

An Illinois barber program comprises 1,500 hours of training at an Illinois barber school. Illinois barber programs challenge you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for state licensure. These programs traditionally utilize a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities covering topics spanning from barbering techniques to customer service. We break down what you can expect in your barber program below.

Classroom Instruction: Students at Illinois barber programs can anticipate topics including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, safety, sanitation, and the state's barbering laws and regulations. Additionally, as maintaining a network of clients is vital, students hone communication, consultation, and customer service skills.
Hands-On Training: Illinois barber programs offer extensive hands-on training to establish foundational barbering skills. Students can expect to learn techniques for hair cutting with scissors and trimmers, facial hair trimming, and styling. Additionally, future barbers will become comfortable with equipment like clippers, shears, and razors.
Practical Application: Illinois students can practice and develop skills under the watchful eye of licensed, experienced instructors. Students work with mannequins and actual clients.
Licensing: Because the goal of a barber program is Illinois state licensure, these programs are designed to prepare students for the written and practical portions of the exam. Graduates of these programs are typically ready to take their exams and begin their careers.

While the time it takes to complete a barber program in Illinois can vary, you can anticipate graduating in nine months to two years. Full-time students graduate more quickly, and it takes part-time learners longer to complete program requirements.

When searching for the best Illinois barber program for you, seek out programs approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). These barber schools offer a state-approved curriculum with experienced instructors, quality facilities, and ample supplies for hands-on training.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Illinois?

No, Illinois doesn't offer an apprenticeship pathway for you to become a licensed barber.

Illinois Barber Licensing Requirements

To get your Illinois barber license, you need to finish an Illinois barber program, pass two exams, and pay licensing and testing fees.

Exam Overview: After completing Illinois's required education and training, future barbers must pass a written and practical exam crafted by the IDFPR. These two exams test your knowledge and skills in areas like hair cutting, shaving, safety, and sanitation. The written exam is multiple choice, while the practical portion requires the test-taker to demonstrate skills with a licensed professional. You must take the test within 60 days after the approval of your application. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam and will be notified of your scores within two weeks.
Written Exam: The written exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. Anticipate topics like anatomy, safety and sanitation procedures, chemical hair treatments, haircutting techniques, and Illinois laws and regulations related to barbering.
Practical Exam: This hands-on exam allows licensing professionals to review your skills in performing various services. Tasks include hair cutting with scissors and clippers, shaving and beard trimming, styling and finishing, professionalism, and client communication and consultation.
License Application: You can apply for barber licensure after passing your exams. You must include proof of education and training, exam scores, identification, and a $30 fee when applying.

Illinois Barber License Reciprocity

Licensed barbers outside of Illinois can apply to have their licenses transferred to Illinois through reciprocity. In short, reciprocity agreements allow licensed barbers to practice their trade in Illinois without additional training or examinations.

States with Illinois barber reciprocity are:

Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin

If you're seeking reciprocity in Illinois, you need to meet the requirements below:

Hold an active barber license in a participating state.
Licensure must be at least three years old.
Have no investigations or disciplinary actions against your license.
Be current with any continuing education requirements in your home state.

If you're considering a move to Illinois, be sure to recognize that not all states have reciprocity agreements with Illinois. Additionally, be mindful that reciprocity requirements can vary dramatically between states. Some of the application requirements for those seeking reciprocity include:

An official application
Proof of licensure, hours, and tests from your current state
Barber school transcripts
Verification of employment showing at least three years of lawful practice
$45 fee

Barber Specialties in Illinois

Illinois offers dual licenses between barbering and barber teaching, cosmetology, esthetics, and management.

Barber Teacher: This licensed trade allows experienced barbers to share their knowledge and teach at certified barber schools in Illinois. You must complete a teacher training program and pass a written examination.
Barber Cosmetologist: This allows licensed barbers to expand their services. To secure licensure, barbers must complete an IDFPR-approved cosmetology program.
Barber Esthetician: A barber esthetician specialty lets barbers offer skincare services. To supplement a barber license with esthetician certification, you must complete an approved esthetician program and pass all required exams.
Barber Manager: This specialization allows barbers to manage an Illinois-based salon or barber shop. This position requires additional licensure, and you must complete an IDFPR-approved training program.

If you are interested in tackling a barber specialization, additional education, training, and certification are typically required. As a result, the license and renewal processes can vary.

Barber License Renewal in Illinois

2 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

In Illinois, barbers, barber instructors, and barber school licenses must be renewed biannually before July 31. You must submit your renewal application and the accompanying $25 within the month before its expiration every two years.

Barbers in Illinois are not required to complete continuing education hours to renew their licenses. But being a lifelong learner can keep you on top of your game.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Illinois

$44,490

Average yearly salary for barbering in Illinois

Illinois doesn't publish its average barber salarly. But the average annual cosmetologists in Illinois is $44,490 ($21.39 per hour).

Illinois does not publish its anticipated barber growth. But, nationwide, the anumber of barber positions is expected to grow by 8% between 2021 and 2031.

Contact the Illinois State Board of Barbering

Illinois Department of Professional Regulation

100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
Website: Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
Call: 1-888-473-4858

Resources for Barbers in Illinois

American Barber Association
One of the largest professional organizations for American barbers, this site contains useful, Illinois-specific information regarding licensure, reciprocity, and renewal processes.

Illinois Barber Association
Part of the American Barber Association, this Illinois group offers practical licensing information and Illinois-specific news.

Chicago Barbers Association
This online hub is a solid resource for those wanting to connect and network with Chicago-based barbers.

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