Barber Schools in North Carolina

If you want to become a barber in North Carolina, we're here to help! Browse our directory of barber schools in North Carolina, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber licensing requirements and job outlook.

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Alamance Barber Institute

2260 South Church Street Suite 503
Burlington, NC 27215

Beyond Measure Barbering Institute – Accredited

2703 West Gate City Boulevard
Greensboro, NC 27403

Beyond Measure Barbering Institute - Mebane – Accredited

524 West Center Street
Mebane, NC 27302

Bull City Durham Beauty and Barber College – Accredited

931 East Main Street
Durham, NC 27701

Catawba Valley Community College – Accredited

1995 Startown Road Suite 109
Hickory, NC 28602

Central Carolina Community College - Lillington – Accredited

995 East Cornelius Harnett Boulevard
Lillington, NC 27546

Central Carolina Community College - Pittsboro

764 West Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Central Carolina Community College - Sanford – Accredited

1105 Kelly Drive
Sanford, NC 27330

Cleveland Community College – Accredited

137 South Post Road
Shelby, NC 28152

Craven Community College – Accredited

800 College Court
New Bern, NC 28562

Edgecombe Community College - Rocky Mount

225 Tarboro Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27801

Edgecombe Community College - Tarboro – Accredited

2009 West Wilson Street
Tarboro, NC 27866

Grace College of Barbering

4266 Lee Street
Ayden, NC 28513

Harris Barber College

803 South Blount Street
Raleigh, NC 27616

Holton Career and Resource Center – Accredited

401 North Driver Street
Durham, NC 27713

Isothermal Community College – Accredited

286 ICC Loop Road
Spindale, NC 28160

Just for You Barber/Styling Academy

5108-5 Reagan Drive
Charlotte, NC 28206

K & B Barber College

3281 Avent Ferry Road Suite 105
Raleigh, NC 27606

London International Barber and Beauty Academy – Accredited

3211 Yanceyville Street
Greensboro, NC 27405

Next Level Barber Academy

215 East Garrison Boulevard
Gastonia, NC 28054

No Grease Barber School – Accredited

3731 North Sharon Amity Road
Charlotte, NC 28205

One Stop Academy – Accredited

2653 Hope Mills Road Suite 14 and 15
Fayetteville, NC 28306

PITT Community College

1986 Pitt Tech Road
Winterville, NC 28590

Premier Grooming Academy

5800 North Sharon Amity Road Suite J
Charlotte, NC 28213

Prestige Barber College - Greensboro

2006 Phillips Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27405

Sherrill's University of Barber & Cosmetology – Accredited

3601 Bastion Lane
Raleigh, NC 27616

Touch of Precision School of Barbering

6323 Albermarle Road
Charlotte, NC 28212

Wake Technical Community College – Accredited

9101 Fayetteville Road
Raleigh, NC 27603

Winston Salem Barber School - Greensboro

1700 Stanley Road Suite E
Greensboro, NC 27407

Winston Salem Barber School - Winston-Salem – Accredited

1531 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Accredited School

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.

Barber Schools Near Me

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

How to Become a Barber in North Carolina

North Carolina Barber Careers At a Glance
  • 1,528 education hours or one-year apprenticeship are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every year.
  • 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for barbers in North Carolina is $43,450.
  • There is a predicted 9% job increase between 2020–2030 for barbers.

Before you can work as a barber in the Tar Heel State, you must follow specific steps to obtain the necessary experience, qualifications, and certifications. From education and training to state examinations and licensing, these steps provide the building blocks of a rewarding barbering career. Continue reading as we lay out some of the most crucial elements of a North Carolina barber certification.

  • Education: First, you must enroll in and complete a state-approved barber program. North Carolina requires all future barbers complete at least 1,528 hours of training, including classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
  • Training: You must complete a one-year apprenticeship program at an approved location.
  • State Exams: After meeting all the requirements of an approved barbering program, students must pass the licensure exam overseen by the North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners.
  • Licensing: Once you pass the state barber exam, you can apply for a license. You must include proof that you completed an approved program and your passing scores on the exam.

Next, it's time to utilize your skills by beginning your barbering career. Alongside barber training, some students complete a crossover program introducing cosmetology skills. This provides a solid way to expand your professional toolbox and marketability.

North Carolina's barbering rules can impact whether you secure and maintain licensure, so aspiring barbers should consult the state Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners with any questions or concerns.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in North Carolina

1,528 Education Hours

Required to earn a barber license

A North Carolina barber curriculum typically covers a wide range of theoretical and technical skills. These classes traditionally touch on essential topics like hair cutting techniques, hair styling, beard trimming, and hair coloring. Standout programs also touch on client safety, business management, and customer service topics.

In addition to theoretical training, prepare to gain extensive practical training. Students hone their skills on mannequins and eventually move to real clients under the watchful eye of experienced instructors.

As well as meeting the state's requirements for licensure, barber programs also prepare you for the state's licensure exams, providing comprehensive review materials, practice exams, and guidance to succeed in both the written and practical portions of the exam.

Here are some of the topics that are covered during a North Carolina barber program:

  • Hair Cutting Techniques: Students learn techniques including clipper cuts, scissor cuts, layering, fading, and blending.
  • Shaving and Beard Grooming: Students learn the art of traditional shaving techniques, including straight razors, beard shaping, and beard trimming.
  • Sanitation and Safety: These essential topics emphasize maintaining a clean and safe workplace, disinfection and sterilization techniques, and North Carolina health and safety regulations.
  • Barber Tools and Equipment: Students familiarize themselves with tools of the trade and how to use them safely and effectively.
  • Business Management: Running a successful barbering business requires more than cutting hair. Client management, scheduling, retail sales, and marketing are vital to barbershop life.
  • Customer Service: Learn how to provide excellent customer service by focusing on essential topics like effective communication, client consultation, and building a dedicated customer base.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in North Carolina?

1 Year Apprenticeship

Required to earn a barber license

Unlike other states that allow for a barber or cosmetology apprenticeship pathway toward licensure, North Carolina requires all students to complete a one-year apprenticeship before earning full licensure. You can apply for an apprentice license after completing a training program and passing exams. This license remains active for 12 months.

After working as an apprentice for one year, you can apply for the state's registered barber exam.

North Carolina Barber Licensing Requirements

To become a barber in North Carolina, you must fulfill the state's Board of Barber Examiners requirements. These requirements ensure future barbers meet the necessary standards of competency and professionalism. Check out the list of conditions below.

  • Complete a state-sanctioned barber program with a minimum of 1,528 education hours.
  • Submit to an FBI background check.
  • Apply for the state's apprentice exam and pay all relevant fees.
  • Pass the state's apprenticeship exam with a minimum score of 70%.

North Carolina's apprentice barber licensing exam includes both written and practical sections. The 90-minute written portion tests your knowledge of barbering theory, while the one-hour practical test examines your technical proficiency. We break down the test content below.

Written

  • Safety and infection prevention
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Beard trimming and facial services
  • Beard and mustache styling
  • Hair cutting and services

Practical

  • Setup
  • Straight razor shaving
  • Hair cutting
  • Styling
  • Sanitation procedures
  • Cleanup

Apprenticeship

After completing an approved program and passing the apprenticeship exam, you can start working with a certified barber as an apprentice. Throughout this first year of real-world training, you can put your knowledge to the test and gain valuable experience. The next steps are:

  • A minimum one-year apprenticeship at an approved site
  • Apply and complete the state's registered barber exam
  • Pay all relevant fees and complete the apprenticeship experience affidavit

North Carolina's registered barber exam contains only a practical portion. This test covers standard barbering services, including setup, straight razor shaving, hair cutting, hair styling, and sanitation procedures. Upon successful completion, the Board issues your full barber license.

North Carolina Barber License Reciprocity

For out-of-state applicants, North Carolina offers license reciprocity. That said, requirements can vary based on the applicant's current residence state. For instance, some may still need to pass North Carolina's barber exam. Details the Board of Barber Examiners considers include:

  • Whether you hold an active barber license in another state.
  • If you have practiced as a licensed barber for at least three years.
  • If you completed a 1,500-hour barber program.
  • If any active disciplinary measures are levied against your barber license.

You must include a verification letter from your home state's licensing agency when applying. If you have completed at least 1,500 training hours in a barber education program, you should be exempt from taking North Carolina's barber exam. If you haven't completed an equivalent barbering program, you may be eligible for a temporary license until you pass the state exams.

Barber License Renewal in North Carolina

1 Year

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

Like most other states, you must renew your North Carolina barber license annually. Unless you receive a waiver, you must renew your license online. Renewal applications cost $50, and fees must be submitted by May 31st each year. Late applications result in a $35 penalty.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in North Carolina

$42,830

Average yearly salary for barbers in North Carolina

North Carolina barbers earn annual salaries of $42,830. Jobs for NC barbers are projected to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030. This translates to about 300 yearly barber job openings in the state.

Contact the North Carolina State Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners

North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners

Resources for Barbers in North Carolina

North Carolina Board of Barber Examiners-Facebook
The state licensing board's Facebook page allows you to connect with other professionals and keep up with important news.

The North Carolina Barbers Association
This professional non-profit organization advocates for barbers in the state.

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How to Become a Barber in Your State

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