Barber Schools in West Virginia

If you're looking for a steady, social, and creative career, barbering might be the right profession for you. Browse our directory of barbering schools in West Virginia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Barber in West Virginia

To become a barber in West Virginia, you must complete 1,200 hours of barber training at a West Virginia barber school and pass barber licensure exams. The following requirements must also be fulfilled:

• Have a physician complete your Certificate of Health form
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed 12th grade or equivalent
• Apply for licensure and pay all relevant fees

What to Expect From a Barber Program in West Virginia

Barber programs in West Virginia take 1,200 hours to complete and cover foundational barbering knowledge, such as haircutting, styling, shaving, sanitation, infection control, and business management. You must complete your education at a board-approved barber school.

A West Virginia barber program must include classes on:

• General professional information: 100 theory hours
• Introduction to barbering: 3 theory hours
• Science of barbering: 200 theory hours, 150 practical hours
• Professional barbering: 150 theory hours, 597 practical hours

West Virginia Barber Licensing Requirements

After completing barber training, you can then move on to taking your barber licensure exams. To become a barber in West Virginia, you must pass a practical, written, and state law exam with a score of 70%.

To sign up, you must first apply to testing administrator, D.L. Roope. You can schedule your exams online when your application is approved, and you've paid the $99 exam fee. Both the practical and state law exams are only offered in English. Still, you can choose your language preference for the written exam.

The state law exam lasts 30 minutes, while the written exam lasts 90 minutes and covers:

• Scientific concepts: 40%
• Implements and equipment: 10%
• Hair care services: 30%
• Facial hair and skincare services: 20%

The practical exam lasts two hours and covers the following:

• Work area and client preparation and set up of supplies (first client): 10 minutes
• Haircutting: 40 minutes
• Work area and new client prep and set up of supplies (second client): 15 minutes
• Shaving with a straight razor: Variable timing
• Blood exposure procedure: 10 minutes

Exam results will be available within 7-10 days after testing.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in West Virginia?

Yes, you can apprentice as a barber in West Virginia.

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have a physician complete your Certificate of Health form

Barber apprenticeships in West Virginia require 2,400 hours of training, covering the same topics as barber schools.

West Virginia Barber License Reciprocity

Barbers licensed in other states can earn their West Virginia barber license through reciprocity.

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a current, valid barber license
• Have a physician complete your Certificate of Health form
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Pay the $100 reciprocity fee

Barber License Renewal in West Virginia

Baber licenses in West Virginia expire annually and must be renewed on or before January 1st. To renew, a licensee must pay the $35 renewal fee.

Contact the West Virginia State Board of Barbering

Resources for Barbers in West Virginia

West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
The agency responsible for regulating the beauty industry in West Virginia.

FAQ about Barbering
This page covers what you need to know about barber programs and careers.

West Virginia Barber Association
The American Barber Association's West Virginia chapter covers barber entrepreneurship, networking, and licensing recognition.