There are many reasons why someone would want to become a barber in Idaho, including the opportunity to work with a variety of people, the chance to learn new styles and techniques, and the ability to be your own boss. Barbering is a skilled trade that requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are well worth it. Check out our barber school listings below to find a program near you in Idaho and begin your new career journey!
Barber Schools in Idaho
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Idaho
The following is an overview of the steps for becoming a licensed barber in Idaho:
- Complete a state-approved barber school
- Take and pass the Practical and Theory Barber Licensing Exams
- Apply for a Barbering License
- Renew your license annually
How Much Do Idaho Barber Programs Cost?
Barber schools in Idaho may cost anywhere from $5,000 – $20,000, which largely depend on the type of barber licensure offered (Barber or Barber-Stylist). There is also a $25 application fee for new barber licenses as well as a $25 renewal fee.
Required Skills and Classes
Idaho provides licensure for both Barber Licenses and Barber-Stylist Licenses. Both licenses require completion of a program through a licensed barber school and completing classes in relevant categories.
Traditional barbers must complete 900 total learning hours, and at least 800 of those hours must be completed through the barber school. Barber license program standards in Idaho include classes on the following subjects:
- Haircut
- Blow dry
- Shampoo
- Shave and beard trim
- Facial
- Hair and scalp treatment
- Curling iron
- Hygiene and disinfection
Barber-stylists must complete a total of 1,500 hours and 1,400 of those hours must be completed through a barber-stylists course at a state of Idaho accredited barber school. In addition to all of the classroom subjects outlined above for barbers, barber-stylists must complete classwork in the following categories:
- Style/blow dry
- Permanent wave
- Color/Bleach/Rinse
Idaho does not currently allow barbers to obtain licensure through an apprenticeship program.
State Licensing Exams
Idaho uses DL Roope, a Prometric Company, for administrating their barber licensing exams.
The exam consists of two sections; a written examination and a practical examination. A passing score of 75.00 must be achieved on both written and practical exams, for both the Barber and Barber-Stylist exams. Both sections test on separate subjects based on whether the individual is pursuing a Barber license or a Barber-Stylist license:
Written Exam: Barber License
The written exam for barber licenses lasts 1.5 hours and tests your knowledge in four main categories that make up your total combined score: Scientific Concepts (40%), Implements and Equipment (10%), Hair Care Services (30%) and Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (20%). The following are areas tested for each main category:
Scientific Concepts
- Infection control and safety practices
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Skin conditions, disorders, and diseases
- Hair conditions, disorders, and diseases
- Basic chemistry of products used in barbering
Implements and Equipment
- Identify hair service tools
- Sanitation practices for hair service tools
Hair Care Services
- Client consultation
- Hair care
- Hair design
- Head shaving
Facial Hair and Skin Care Services
- Client consultation
- Draping for facial hair
- Principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services
- Electrotherapy and light therapy
Practical Exam: Barber License
This exam lasts approximately two hours and tests your ability to demonstrate the following barbering skills on mannequins:
- Work area set up & client preparation
- Haircutting
- Straight razor shaving
- Blood exposure procedure
- Candidate summary & final cleanup
Written Exam: Barber-Stylist License
Also known as the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Examination, the Idaho exam for Barber-Stylists comprises of four main categories that calculate your total exam score: Scientific Concepts (35%) Implements and Equipment (10%) Hair Care Services (40%) and Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15%). Topics from each of the categories include:
Scientific Concepts
- Infection Control and Safety Practices
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Conditions, disorders and diseases related to skin and hair
- Basic chemistry of products used in barbering
Implements and Equipment
- Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services
- Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
Hair Care Services
- Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services
- Hair Care
- Hair Design
- Head shaving
- Chemical services
Facial Hair and Skin Care Services
- Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for skin care services
- Draping for facial hair and skin care services
- Facial hair and skin care services
- Electrotherapy and light therapy
Practical Exam: Barber-Stylist License
The Barber-Stylist practical exam lasts approximately three hours and skills are demonstrated on mannequins. The exam consists of the following sections:
- Work area setup and client preparation
- Haircutting
- Shaving with a straight razor
- Blood exposure procedure
- Chemical waving
- Predisposition test and strand test with simulated product
- Chemical relaxer / Virgin application
- Hair color / Retouch application
The written and practical exams for both Barbers and Barber-Stylists may be taken at the following locations:
- Boise Testing Center LLC
- Idaho State University
- IQT/DL Roope Administrations – Washington – Spokane Test Facility
- Shoshone Bannock Hotel
Candidates may schedule the practical and written examinations at their test locations on the same day. If that is the case, schedule the practical examination first before scheduling the written exam.
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Idaho?
Barbers in Idaho make an average of $29,500 per year or approximately $14.18 an hour.
Does Idaho Have Continuing Education Requirements for Barbers?
The state of Idaho does not have continuing education requirements for barbers or barber-stylists.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The licensing board for barbers in Idaho can be reached with the following information:
Website: https://dopl.idaho.gov/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (208) 334-3233
Address: PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0063
