If you’re thinking of becoming a barber in Iowa, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, you’ll need to complete an accredited barbering program. Upon completion of your program, you’ll then need to pass an exam administered by the Iowa Board of Barber Examiners. Once you’re licensed, you’ll be able to work in any number of settings, from high-end salons to busy barbershops. The first step, though, is finding a program. Check out our listings below to find a barber school near you in Iowa and take the first step toward a new and exciting career.
Barber Schools in Iowa
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Iowa
Becoming a barber in Iowa involves completing the following steps:
- Have a high school diploma or provide satisfactory evidence of a 10th grade education
- Complete a barber school program that provides a minimum of 2,100 hours of training.
- Pass the barber exam
- Renew license after two years
- Complete continuing education requirements
How Much Do Iowa Barber Programs Cost?
Iowa barber schools cost on average $12,000 – $22,000, however, most students qualify for financial aid including scholarships and grants. The total amount that students pay towards their programs is typically much lower than the total cost of tuition.
In addition to the cost of the program, there is a test registration fee of $55 as well as a license application fee of $60.
Required Skills and Classes
To become a barber in Iowa, you must attend a barber school that is accredited by the Iowa Board of Barbering. License by apprenticeship is not an option in Iowa. Barbers in Iowa are required to complete a program that provides a minimum of 2,100 hours of instruction that cannot be completed in under 10 months. Hours of instruction are determined by the Iowa Rule 645-23.8 – Course of study requirements for barber schools.
The 2,100 hours of instruction are split into two sections: Demonstrations & Lectures, and Practical Instruction
Demonstrations & Lectures
380 of the 2,100 hours must be spent in a classroom environment to provide instruction on a wide range of barbering topics.
Demonstrations and lectures will cover the following topics:
- Barbering laws in Iowa
- Haircutting
- Barbering equipment
- Sanitation and sterilization
- First aid
- Bacteriology
- Chemistry and pharmacology
- Anatomy
- Scalp care
- Common disorders of the skin, scalp, and hair
- Shaving
- Honing and stropping
- Chemistry and pharmacology
- Facials, massage and packs
- Hair structure
Practical Instruction
1,675 of the hours are spent towards practical instruction. This typically involves working in a barber shop or hair salon under the supervision of a licensed barber or program instructor. Students may observe barbering services from a teacher, demonstrate skills on a mannequin, or provide barbering services to volunteers.
Iowa practical instruction will cover the following topics:
- Haircutting
- Hair styling
- Hair coloring and hair body processing
- Hair structure
- Shaving
- Honing and stropping
- Facials, massage and packs
- Fitting of hairpieces
- Waxing
- Artificial nails
- Hair tonics
The remaining 45 hours are dedicated to lectures by professionals who are qualified in the following areas:
- Barbering
- Advertising
- Tax consulting
- Insurance
- Salesmanship
- Business management
State Licensing Exams
The content of the Iowa barber exam is written by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and administered by PSI. A score of 70% is required to pass the Iowa PSI barber theory and practical exams, which is administered at various testing sites using a computer. There is a non-refundable exam fee of $55.
Exam Site Locations
The barber exam can be taken at eight different locations across Iowa:
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Area
Erbs Business Center
4935 Bowling Street SW, #203
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Coralville Sylvan
1100 5th St. #105
Coralville, IA 52241
Council Bluffs
1705 McPherson, Suite 300
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Council Bluffs (Airport)
Advanced Air Inc.
101 McCandless Lane
Council Bluffs, IA, 51503
Dubuque
University of Dubuque Flight Center
2000 University Ave
Dubuque, IA 52003
Ottumwa
Indian Hills Community College
603 Indian Hills Dr-Trustee Hall Bldg 15
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Sioux City
Western Iowa Tech Community College
4647 Stone Ave Robert H Kiser Bldg-Room 258
Sioux City, IA 51106
West Des Moines
1001 Office Park Road, Suite 315
West Des Moines, IA 50265
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Iowa?
Barbers in Iowa make on average $32,850 per year or $15.79 per hour, according to the BLS.
Does Iowa Have Continuing Education Requirements for Barbers?
You do not need to complete continuing education requirements to renew your license for the first time. After the first license renewal, Iowa barbers are required to complete a minimum of 3 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
1 of the 3 continuing education hours needs to be spent on the subject of Iowa barbering laws and administrative rules and sanitation.
The Iowa barbering board outlines specific criteria that qualify as continuing education hours and are outlined on their website.
Out-of-state barbers: Barbers are able to obtain a barber license in Iowa as long as they:
- Have held an active barber license in another state for at least 12 of the past 24 months
- Are able to provide license verification documents
- Complete 1 (one) educational hour covering legal sanitation and law regulations for Iowa barbers
Contact Information for Licensing Board
Contact the Iowa Board of Barbering with the following:
Website: https://idph.iowa.gov/Licensure/Iowa-Board-of-Barbering
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (515) 281-0254
Address: 321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
