As a booming industry, there are many reasons why someone would want to become a barber in Delaware. For one, the industry is ever-growing with new technologies and trends. This offers many opportunities for those who want to stay ahead of the curve and be on the cutting edge of the latest styles. In addition, barbers in Delaware enjoy a high level of job security and solid pay. If you’ve ever considered becoming a barber, continue reading to learn how to become a barber in Delaware and find barber classes near you.
Barber Schools in Delaware
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Delaware
Barber school applicants in Delaware must be 16 years of age or older. Programs in Delaware require the completion of at least the 10th grade in high school and some programs run a criminal background checks on applicants.
How to become a barber in Delaware
There are two paths to becoming a barber in Delaware: attend a state-accredited barber school program, or as an apprentice.
There are also two levels of barber licenses in Delaware: Barbers and Master Barbers. Master Barbers are allowed to perform chemical processing services while Barbers are not allowed to perform these services.
Required Skills and Classes:
Barber schools in Delaware provide the education requirements for Barber licensure. Programs are required to provide a minimum of 1,500 classroom hours for attendees before they are eligible to take the barber exam.
Apprenticeship program requirements
The apprenticeship requirements for Barbers and Master Barbers in Delaware are similar:
- Have completed at least the 10th grade of high school
- Attend an apprenticeship program
- Complete a minimum of 3,000 hours within a 18-36 month period
To use an apprenticeship program for achieving your barber license, you must find a sponsor to be your supervisor during the apprenticeship. There are a few requirements for sponsors:
- They must currently have a license in Delaware as a Barber or Master Barber
- They can only supervise a maximum of two apprentices at a given time
- The shop or facility where you complete your apprenticeship must have a barbering establishment license
Visit the Delaware Apprenticeship page for more information about barber apprenticeship requirements.
Becoming a Master Barber
Becoming a Master Barber is a great way to expand upon your current barbering skill sets, make more money, and advance your career.
In Delaware, barbers with a Master license can do everything that licensed barbers are allowed to perform with the addition of the following skills:
- Coloring or bleaching hair with chemicals
- Straightening hair with chemicals
- Braiding, singeing, and pressing hair
- Permanently waving hair
You must first be a licensed barber in Delaware before being eligible to become a mater barber. You must complete an apprenticeship with another master barber and complete a minimum of 600 hours of supervision. Your hours must be logged and approved by your supervisor before they can be submitted to the Board.
State Licensing Exams
Professional Credential Services (PCS) administers the barber exam in the state of Delaware.
Before taking the exam, applicants must complete an online application and upload a 2”x2” passport photo and submit the required documents to PCS by mail.
The Delaware barber exam consists of two components: The NIC theory exam and the practical exam.
The examination fees total $225: $160 for the theory exam and $145 for the practical exam. Re-exam fees total $145.
The Delaware PCS barber exam consists of four sections:
- Scientific Concepts
- Implements and Equipment
- Hair Care Services
- Facial Hair and Skin Care Services
Master Barbers are tested on all sections that the exam for Barbers covers in addition to subjects related to chemical services.
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Delaware?
Barbers in Delaware make $36,650 per year on average or about $17.62 an hour.
Does Delaware Have Continuing Education Requirements for Barbers?
There are no continuing education requirements for barbers in Delaware.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
Contact the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering with the following:
Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (302) 744-4500
Address: 861 Silver Lake Blvd. Suite 203
Dover, DE 19904
