There are many reasons why becoming a barber may be the right career choice for you. Perhaps you have always enjoyed cutting hair and styling it in different ways, or maybe you are interested in working with people and helping them to look their best. Whatever your reasons for wanting to become a barber, attending an accredited barber school is the best way to get started in this exciting and rewarding career.
Barber Schools in Vermont
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Vermont
To work as a barber in Vermont, you must complete the following four steps. The following are the actions to take:
- Attend a barber school accredited by the Vermont Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
- Complete 750 hours of education or 1,125 hours of apprenticeship
- Pass the Vermont Barber Exam
- Renew your license every two years
How Much Do Vermont Barber Programs Cost?
Tuition for a barber school program in Vermont costs on average $11,250.
In addition to tuition, barber students are typically responsible for the cost of basic necessities for barber school such as basic barbering supplies, a functioning barber kit, and training books. Students should also expect to pay one-time costs such as taking the barber exam, obtaining licenses, and paying any barber school fees. These additional costs can add up to about $3,500.
Contact the financial aid office of your barber school to learn about any and all sorts of financing for which you may be qualified. FAFSA, Pell Grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans are just a few options for reducing the cost of a barbering program.
Required Skills and Classes
Becoming a barber in Vermont involves taking one of two paths – barber school or an apprenticeship.
Barber School
Barbers in Vermont must first complete 750 hours of education at an accredited barber school located in the state of Vermont. During your time at barber school, you will learn about a wide range of topics related to the barbering profession. Topics learned during barber school include but are not limited to the following:
- Men’s and Women’s haircutting
- Infection Control and Bacteriology
- Hairpieces
- Straight Razor Shaving
- Facial Hair cutting and Styling
- Electricity and Light Therapy
- Chemical Texture Services
- Barber Tools and Implements
- Hair, Skin and Scalp Disorders
- Professional Image
- History of Barbering
- Barber Shop Management
- Vermont Barbering Rules and Regulations
Apprenticeship
Alternatively, barber licensure in Vermont can be achieved through apprenticeship in which the apprentice works directly under the supervision of a licensed barber. Apprentices must complete 1,125 hours of training in order to be eligible for licensure. Hours must be approved and signed by the supervisor on a weekly basis. Once hour requirements are fulfilled, the apprentice can apply to take the barber exam.
State Licensing Exams
Upon completing the requirements from a Vermont barber school, candidates must take and pass both the theory and practical barber exams. Both exams are administered by Prometric and the content of the exam is assembled by NIC.
Theory
Vermont barbers must pass the National Barber Styling Theory Exam before taking the Practical exam. The exam has a 90 minute time limit and is made up of 100 multiple choice questions. There are 10 additional questions that do not count towards your final score. The exam is made up of the following sections:
- Scientific Concepts – 35 questions
- Implements and Equipment – 10 questions
- Hair Care Services – 40 questions
- Facial Hair and Skin Care Services – 15 questions
Practical
The practical exam requires applicants to perform specific barbering services on mannequins in front of judges. You will receive points based on services provided as well as attention to specific details while performing the services.
During the practical exam, you will be required to perform the following services on a mannequin:
- Work Area Set Up and Client Protection – 10 minutes
- Shaving with a Straight Razor – Variable Timing
- Work Area Set Up and New Client Preparation – 15 minutes
- Haircutting – 40 minutes
- Blood Exposure Procedure – 10 minutes
- Chemical Waving – 20 minutes
- Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Product – 10 minutes
- Chemical Relaxer: Virgin Application – 15 minutes
- Hair Lightening/Coloring: Retouch Application – 15 minutes
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Vermont?
The average salary statistics for barbers in Vermont is $28,270 per year or $13.59 an hour according to the BLS.
Continuing Education Requirements
There are no continuing education requirements for barbers in Vermont to renew their barber licenses.
How Do I Renew My Vermont Barber License?
Vermont barbers must renew their licenses once every two years on even-numbered years before September 30. There is a $130 renewal fee and renewals can be completed online using the Vermont Secretary of State’s OPR Online Services Platform.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The Vermont State Board of Cosmetology can be contacted using the following details:
Website: https://sos.vermont.gov/barbers-cosmetologists/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (802) 828-1134
Address: 9 Main St 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620
