If a growing career that allows you to work with your hands in a social environment sounds good, becoming a barber in Vermont might be for you. Continue reading as we dive into everything you need to know about barber schools in Vermont and how you can jumpstart your barbering career.
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.
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750 education hours or 1,125 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
You must renew your license every 2 years.
24 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
The average salary for barbers in Vermont is $32,451.
There is a predicted 8% job increase for barbers between 2021-2031 nationally.
If pursuing a barbering career in Vermont sounds like a solid fit for you, there's a clear pathway from barber education to state licensure. Still, there are some things you need to know as you prepare to pursue a barbering career.
Here's a handful of requirements that you need to meet:
You need a high school diploma or GED.
You must complete at least 750 education hours at an accredited Vermont barbering school.
Pass the written and practical sections of Vermont's licensing exam.
Pay all relevant fees.
Complete continuing education and renew your license annually.
If you have a high school diploma or a GED and are a Vermont resident, you meet the criteria to enroll in a Vermont-based barbering school. Not all programs are created equally—the best programs not only help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality barbering services but challenge you to learn foundational business skills that help you run your own shop.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Vermont
750 Education Hours
Required to earn a barbering license
Vermont requires at least 750 hours of barbering instruction. Throughout your Vermont-based barbering education, you should learn theoretical topics, gain extensive hands-on training, and hone the soft skills vital to managing a shop. Vermont barbering students encounter a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from the history of barbering to chemical texture services.
Below are some topics Vermont barber schools cover:
Anatomy and Physiology
Barbering History
Barbershop Management
Chemical Texture Services
Equipment
Facial Hair Design and Shaving
Infection Control and Bacteriology
Job Hunting
Nail Skills
Professionalism
Shop Operations
Skin and Scalp Disorders
State Rules and Regulations
Study Skills
Test Preparation
Barber schools in Vermont must be accredited by the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.
Vermont Barber Licensing Requirements
Upon completing a 750-hour Vermont barbering program, you can take the state's barber licensing exam. The barber licensing exam includes written and practical sections. You have 90 minutes to complete the test. The written section is multiple-choice, while the practical exam simulates a real-world barber experience. We spotlight these test sections below.
Theory Examination
The theory section of Vermont's barbering exam covers four areas:
Scientific concepts
Chemical services
Hair care services
Facial and shaving services
State Law Exam
In addition to the written theory exam, you're tested on your knowledge of Vermont's rules and laws that govern barbers in the state. This section is also multiple-choice.
Practical Examination
The hands-on portion of the exam must be scheduled in advance at an approved site. You must provide your own supplies, including a mannequin. We highlight the test components below.
Work area setup and client consultation
Haircutting
Straight razor shaving
Chemical waving
Hair lightening
Hair color touchup
Hair relaxing
Upon completing Vermont's barber exam, you'll be notified of the results within ten business days. Prospective barbers must earn a minimum score of 75% on each section. Those failing to pass the exam receive their results with a report outlining the strengths and weaknesses of their test performance. After earning a passing score, the state board automatically issues your license.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Vermont?
1,125 Apprenticeship Hours
Required to earn a barbering license
Yes, Vermont permits barber apprenticeships for those not wanting to tackle an accredited barber program. Accepted barber apprenticeships require the following:
An online apprenticeship application
Detailed apprenticeship plan, including supervision and structure of training
1,125 hours of supervised training
Log of apprenticeship progress and hours
Approved hours
Passing scores on written and practical barbering exams
Vermont Barber License Reciprocity
Vermont allows barber license reciprocity, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Those applying for an endorsement from out-of-state must hold an active license in another jurisdiction. Additionally, applicants must have completed a barber education program or apprenticeship with equivalent requirements. Those not meeting education requirements must have at least 1,500 hours of professional experience completed over more than one year.
Barber License Renewal in Vermont
2 Years
License renewal period
24 Hours
Continuing education required
After completing your barber education, passing the state's exam, and beginning your Vermont barbering career, you must renew your license every two years.
Vermont barbers receive a renewal notice six weeks before the expiration. You can renew online and must attest to completing the required 24 hours of continuing education. In addition to providing continuing education information and answering various administrative questions, barbers must pay the biannual renewal fee of $130.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Vermont
$32,451
Average yearly salary for barbering in Vermont
While national barber salary data isn't available for Vermont, salary.com shows an average salary of $32,451 for these professionals in Vermont. Additionally, Vermont's top 10% of barbers can earn more than $45,116 annually. Vermont's average barber salary is slightly less than the national average salary of $34,990.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US barbering workforce is projected to grow by 8% between 2021-2031.
Vermont Barber Association The Vermont chapter of the American Barber Association is the leading professional organization and includes information regarding licensing, reciprocity, and industry news.
