From the bustling city of Baltimore to the small towns dotting the Eastern Shore, Maryland is a state with a diverse population and a wide range of styles. As a result, barbers in Maryland must be able to meet the needs of a variety of clients. Whether you’re cutting the latest trendy style or maintaining a classic look, being a barber in Maryland means being able to adapt to the changing demands of your clients. In addition, Maryland barbers must be licensed by the state in order to practice. Read on to learn more about the process of becoming a barber in Maryland and also check out our listings for barber schools near you.
Barber Schools in Maryland
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Maryland
The following are the necessary steps for becoming a barber in Maryland:
- Enroll in a Maryland accredited barber school program
- Complete the required training hours at a barber school or an apprenticeship program
- Pass the Maryland barber school exam
- Renew license every two years
How Much Do Maryland Barber Programs Cost?
Maryland barber school tuition can range from $5,000 – $15,000 depending on the level of training provided, and supplies provided by the program.
Most students apply for federal grants, like a Pell Grant, as well as Federal Aid Programs through FAFSA. Students may also be eligible for special loan programs, scholarships, and other financial aid options that can significantly reduce the amount paid out of pocket towards tuition.
In addition to tuition, students are usually expected to cover the cost of supplies like barbering kits and books. Students should also expect to pay one time fees for exam applications, license applications, and any fees requested from the barber school program.
Required Skills and Classes
Barber school programs in Maryland can be completed in 7-8 months and require completing 1,200 hours of training.
Classes involve a wide range of barbering topics including:
- History of Barbering Styling
- Your professional image
- Bacteriology
- Infection Control and Safe Work Practices
- Implements, Tools, and Equipment
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry
- Electricity and Light Therapy
- Skin Imperfections and Disorders
- Hair and Scalp Disorders and Properties
- Men’s Facial Massage and Treatment
- Shaving
- Facial Hair Design
- Men’s & Women’s Haircutting and Styling
- Chemical Texture Services
- Hair Coloring and Lighting
- Barbershop Management
- Maryland Barbering Rules and Regulations
Alternatively, barbers can achieve as a Barber-Stylists, which allows them to perform basic cuts and shaves. Instead of 1,200 hours, only 900 hours are required at a barber school. Alternatively, licensure can be achieved by completing a 1,650 hour apprentice program in a licensed barbershop and passing the barber exam.
Barber-Stylists cannot perform chemical services that other licensed barbers in Maryland can perform. Barber-Stylists can become Barbers by completing the necessary training requirements related to chemical services and passing the Maryland Barber Bridge Theory Examination.
Barbers can also become licensed as a Master Barber, which requires
- At least 15 months of experience as a licensed barber
- Completing the Eligibility/Examination Registration Form
- Passing the master barber exam – a written theory exam
- Paying a $49 fee
Apprenticeships
Licensure by apprenticeship as either a Barber or a Limited Barberstylist. Apprentice barbers must complete 2,250 hours of training to be eligible for Barber licensure while Limited Barber stylists must complete 1,650 hours of training to become a Barber-Stylist. Both apprenticeship programs require supervision and sponsorship by a Master Barber.
State Licensing Exams
The Maryland Board of Barbers contracts PSI Exams for administering the Barber Exam in Maryland. The exam consists of two components; the Theory Exam and the Practical Exam.
Each exam is taken on separate days. The Theory Exam can be taken at six different locations across Maryland and the Practical Exam can be taken at two locations.
Theory Exam Locations
Baltimore
2622 Lord Baltimore Dr, Suite C-D
Baltimore, MD 21244
Crofton Center
Morauer III Building
2137 Espey Court, Suite 3
Crofton, MD 21114
College Park Center:
The Sterling Building
4920 Niagara Road, Suite 400
College Park, MD 20740
Hagerstown Center:
140 West Franklin St Suite A
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Mid-Atlantic Testing Company
13992 Baltimore Ave, Suite 205
Laurel, MD 20707
Brainseed Testing Services
1322 Belmont Ave, Bldg 2, Suite 203
Salisbury, MD 21801
Practical Exam Locations
Baltimore Site:
7801 York Road, Suite 309
Towson, MD 21204
LANHAM PRACTICAL (FORBES BLVD)
4200 Forbes Blvd, Suite 214
Lanham, MD 20706
The Barber Theory Exam is administered via a computer and involves 100 multiple choice questions as well as 10 non-scored items. A grade of 70% is required to pass. You have 120 minutes to complete the following sections.
- Safety, Sanitation, and Disinfection – 25%
- Client Consultation and Professional Conduct – 3%
- Hair, Scalp and Skin Anatomy – 10%
- Shampooing, Conditioning, and Scalp Care – 7%
- Hairstyling – 5%
- Haircutting – 15%
- Chemical Services – 15%
- Shaving – 10%
- Maryland Barbering Laws and Regulations – 10%
The Barber Stylist Theory Exam is an abbreviated version of the Barber Theory Exam and does not contain certain sections related to chemical services. There are 50 multiple choice questions on the exam as well as 5 non-scored items. A score of 70% is necessary to pass. You have 60 minutes to complete the following sections:
- Safety, Sanitation, and Disinfection – 30%
- Client Consultation and Professional Conduct – 4%
- Hair, Scalp and Skin Anatomy – 12%
- Shampooing, Conditioning, and Scalp Care – 9%
- Hairstyling – 7%
- Haircutting – 16%
- Shaving – 12%
- Maryland Barbering Laws and Regulations – 10%
Barber Practical Examination
The Barber Practical Exam requires that you demonstrate your barbering skills on models and mannequin heads in front of test administrators. The exam lasts 1 hour 40 minutes, has a 72 point system, and a grade of 70% or higher is required to pass the exam.
The Practical Exam consists of the following sections:
- Pre-Exam Set Up and Disinfection – 10 minutes
- Hair Cutting Service – 30 minutes
- Shaving Service – 30 minutes
- Permanent Waving Service – 20 minutes
- End of Exam Disinfection – 10 minutes
Barber Stylist Practical Examination
The Maryland Barber Stylist Practical Examination requires you to demonstrate your ability to perform barbering skills and services on models and mannequin heads for test administrators. The 1 hour 10-minute exam has a 72 point system and a 70% grade is needed to pass the exam.
The Barber Stylist Practical Exam is made up of the following sections:
- Pre-Exam Set Up and Disinfection – 10 minutes
- Hair Cutting Service – 30 minutes
- Shaving Service – 30 minutes
- End of Exam Disinfection – 10 minutes
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Maryland?
According to the BLS, barbers in Maryland make on average $31,220 per year or $15.01 an hour on average.
Does Maryland Have Continuing Education Requirements for Barbers?
There are no continuing education requirements needed for license renewals for barbers in Maryland.
How Do I Renew My Maryland Barber License?
Every two years, barbers must renew their licenses in Maryland. The Board sends licensees renewal information and online instructions approximately 60 days prior to their current license’s expiration date. In Maryland, a standard barber license renewal is $50.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
Contact the Maryland Board of Barbers with the following:
Website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/barbers/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (410) 230-6190
Address: 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 121
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
