Becoming a barber in the state of Utah requires completing a barber program at an accredited barber school and passing the state licensing exam. There are several great options for barber schools in Utah, and each has its own unique benefits.
Choosing the right barber school is an important decision, and reviewing all available options is the best way to ensure you find the perfect fit. Some things to consider when looking at schools include the curriculum, tuition cost, and location.
Barber Schools in Utah
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Utah
To work as a barber in Utah, you must fulfill the following four requirements. The following are the steps to take:
- Attend a barber school or start an apprenticeship
- Complete 1,000 hours at a barber school or 1,250 hours in an apprenticeship
- Pass the Theory and Practical Barber Exams
- Renew license every two years
How Much Do Utah Barber Programs Cost?
The average cost of barber school tuition in Utah is $12,900.
In addition to tuition, barber students are often responsible for the cost of consumables like barbering kits and books. Students should also keep track of one-time expenses such as taking examinations, receiving licenses, and paying any fees associated with the barber school program.
Contact the financial aid office of your barber school to find out about all forms of financing for which you may be eligible. FAFSA, Pell Grants, scholarships, and subsidized loans are a few ways to reduce the cost of a barbering program.
Required Skills and Classes
Unlicensed barbers in Utah can become barbers through two paths – attending a barber school or completing an apprentice program.
Barber School
To become a licensed barber in Utah, candidates must first complete an accredited barber school program in Utah.
Barber schools require potential students to complete high school or have a GED, and many schools run background checks on potential students. Once enrolled, students are required to spend a minimum of 1,000 education hours in barber school on the following subjects:
| Barber Class Curriculum | Hours |
| History of barbering | 5 |
| Overview of barber curriculum | 5 |
| Business and shop management | 60 |
| Personal, client and shop safety | 20 |
| Health risks to barber | 5 |
| Human immune system | 5 |
| Bacteriology, sanitation, and sterilization | 20 |
| First aid and CPR | 10 |
| Anatomy and physiology | 10 |
| Science of barbering | 20 |
| Analysis of the skin, hair and scalp | 20 |
| Chemistry of barbering | 20 |
| Properties of the hair and scalp | 10 |
| Implements, tools, and equipment | 10 |
| Hairstyling | 80 |
| Basic haircutting and styling | 280 |
| Clipper variations | 5 |
| Scissor cutting | 10 |
| Draping, shampooing, rinsing and conditioning | 20 |
| Shaving and razor cutting | 180 |
| Mustache and beard design | 100 |
| Elective topics | 80 |
| Legal issues | 10 |
| Utah Barbering Exam review | 15 |
| Total | 1,000 |
Apprentice Program
Barber licensure by apprenticeship can be completed by spending a minimum of 1,250 hours of training under the supervision of a licensed barber acting as an instructor.
The licensed barber must provide one-on-one direct supervision of the apprentice throughout the program. Apprentices must keep a daily record of hours worked for both theory and practical, and the hours must be signed off by the licensed barber.
State Licensing Exams
All barbers must first take and pass the Utah Barber Exam before applying for licensure. The exam is made up of a Theory Exam and a Practical Exam. You must pass both exams, which are taken on different days.
Theory Exam
The Utah Theory Barber Exam uses content covered by the NIC National Barber 1 and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. There are 10 additional questions, which do not influence your final score. The exam is closed book and must be taken at a testing location on a computer. The Utah Barber Theory exam consists of the following sections:
- Scientific Concepts – 20 questions
- Implements and Equipment – 5 questions
- Hair Care Services – 15 questions
- Facial Hair and Skin Care Services – 10 questions
Learn more about the Theory exam by referring to the Utah Barber 1 Theory Exam Candidate Information Bulletin.
Practical Exam
The Practical Exam requires you to perform a series of barbering services on mannequins. You are assessed on your attention to detail and scored on a points basis. Live models are not permitted. You have 70 minutes to complete the Practical Exam, which consists of the following sections:
- Set Up and Client Protection – 10 minutes
- Haircutting – 40 minutes
- Work Area and New Client Setup – 15 minutes
- Shaving with a Straight Razor – Timing is variable
- Blood Exposure Procedure – 10 minutes
For more information, refer to the Utah Barber 1 Practical Exam Candidate Information Bulletin.
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Utah?
The average salary for barbers in Utah is $23,780 per year or $11.43 per hour according to the BLS.
Continuing Education Requirements
There are not any continuing education requirements needed for licensed barbers in Utah in order to renew their license.
How Do I Renew My Utah Barber License?
Utah barber licenses must be renewed once every two years on odd-numbered years by September 30. Licenses can be renewed on the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing website or by mail with a paper form. There is a $52 renewal fee for all barber licenses.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
You can reach the Utah State Board of Barbers with the following details:
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/cosmo/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (801) 530-6628 or (866) 275-3675 for toll-free in Utah
Address: 160 E. 300 South, P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
