Skip to content
Home » Barber Schools Near You » Barber Schools in Illinois

Barber Schools in Illinois

Many people choose to become barbers because they enjoy working with people and helping them look their best. For some, being a barber is a family tradition. Others are attracted to the creative aspects of the profession, such as cutting and styling hair. There are many jobs available for barbers in Illinois, so if you’ve ever considered it as a career, now’s the time! Check out our information about the requirements for becoming a barber in Illinois and also check out our listings for the top barber schools near you.

Barber Schools in Illinois

State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Illinois

The following are the basic requirements for becoming a barber in Illinois and maintaining a barber license in the state:

  • Attend a barber school
  • Pass the barber exam
  • Complete continuing education requirements
  • Renew license every two years

How Much Do Illinois Barber Programs Cost?

Illinois barber schools cost anywhere from $10,000 – $20,000 and the program lasts approximately one year. Costs often vary based on factors like equipment provided to students, and whether they offer an internship program. Financial aid is available for many barber schools including scholarships and grants.

Required Skills and Classes

You must attend a barber school accredited by the Illinois board for barbers and complete a minimum of 1,500 education hours. 150 of these hours is dedicated to barber theory, or classroom style learning, and the remaining 1,350 hours are for practical learning or hands-on learning. The barber theory hours can be learned in an online setting.

During practical learning, you will cover the following six general topics with your barber program:

  • Basic Training
  • Shaving and facial hair design
  • Haircutting and styling
  • Chemical texture services
  • Barbershop management
  • Workers’ Compensation Act

Many Illinois barber schools encourage their students to attend an internship program, where future barbers are paired with a licensed barber and learn in a new and unique setting. These internship programs typically last approximately 150 hours, or about a month, and the hours spent in the program can be used as a credit towards the total 1,500 required hours. Students may participate in an internship program once completing 750 hours of training with grades above 80%.

State Licensing Exam

Illinois uses the National Barber examination, developed and administered by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), for their state barber exam. There are a total of 50 questions on the exam that must be completed within 90 minutes. The following are the types of questions found on the Illinois barber exam:

  • Scientific Concepts – 20 questions
  • Facial and Shaving Services – 8 questions
  • Hair Care Services – 10 questions
  • Chemical Services – 12 questions

How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Illinois?

Barbers in Illinois make on average $32,210 per year or around $15.49 an hour.

Does Illinois Have Continuing Education Requirements for Barbers?

Barbers in Illinois are not required to have continuing education requirements, however other licenses in Illinois, like cosmetologists, must have a minimum of 14 continuing education hours every two years.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

The Department of Financial & Professional Regulation for Barber Professionals can be reached at the following:

Website: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/barber.asp
Email: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/Email/prfGrp01.asp
Phone: (888) 473-4858
Address:

Chicago Office
555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661

Springfield Office
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786