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Barber Schools in Missouri

There are many reasons to consider a career as a barber. Barbers are in high demand in Missouri, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of barber jobs in Missouri will grow by about 9%, and barbers enjoy a good work-life balance. Finding an accredited barber school located in Missouri is the first step towards starting an exciting and rewarding career in this field.

Barber Schools in Missouri

State Requirements for Barber Licensing­ in Missouri

To work as a barber in Missouri, follow these steps to gain licensure:

  • Enroll in a barber school program or an apprenticeship program
  • Complete 1,000 instruction hours at a barber school or 2,000 hours at an apprenticeship program
  • Successfully pass the practical and written barber exams
  • Renew your license regularly and on time

How Much Do Missouri Barber Programs Cost?

Barber schools in Missouri cost anywhere from $5,000 – $15,000 for tuition.

Most barber schools require that students supply their own barbering tools and essentials for the program, such as barber kits, training manuals, and clinic consumables. Depending on the type of gear you want, these might cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. In addition to this, you’ll have to pay for licensing fees, barber school administration costs, and barter exam expenses totaling between $500 and $600 in extra charges.

Required Skills and Classes

Before attending a barber school, potential students must provide documents indicating that they have earned a high school diploma or a general education development (GED) certificate.

Barber school students must complete 1,000 hours of training in a period of 6 months or longer. Alternatively, students can attend an apprenticeship program through a licensed barber in Missouri. Barber schools and apprenticeships are required to meet minimum hourly requirements for different subject matters related to barbering.

Below are the minimum requirements for each section for both barber schools and apprenticeship programs:

Subject Barber School (hours) Apprentice (hours)
History 5 10
Professional Image 5 10
Bacteriology, Sanitation, and Safe Work Practices 20 40
Implements, Tools, and Equipment 15 30
Properties and Disorders of the Skin, Scalp, and Hair 15 30
Treatment of Hair and Scalp 20 40
Facial Massage and Treatments 5 10
Shaving 35 70
Haircutting 425 850
Hairstyling 325 650
Mustache and Beard Design 5 10
Permanent Waving 30 60
Chemical Hair Relaxing and Soft Curl Permanents 30 60
Hair Coloring 30 60
Hairpieces 5 10
Chemistry 5 10
Anatomy and Physiology 5 10
Salesmanship and Establishment Management 5 10
State Law 10 20

State Licensing Exams

The Missouri barber exam is administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS) and the content of the exam is organized by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). The exam is made up of a Theory section and a Practical section. There is a $85 exam fee for the Theory section and a $50 fee for the Practical section, both paid to PCS.

Theory

The theory exam consists of multiple choice questions administered on a computer and must be completed within 90 minutes. A score of 75% is required to pass the exam. The exam must be taken at specific computer exam center locations across Missouri. The following are the current available Barber Theory testing locations in Missouri:

Aurora

Aurora Aviation LLC
1526 East Highland
Aurora, MO 65605

Cape Girardeau

Cape Aviation
PO BOX 617
Cape Girardeau, MO 63702

Fulton

Fulton Flying Service Inc.
4420 County Rd -304
Fulton, MO 65251

Kirksville

Kirksville Area Technical Center
1103 S Cottage Grove
Kirksville, MO 63501

Lees Summit

Lees Summit Municipal
Air Charter
2525 NE Douglas
Lees Summit, MO 64064

Olathe

Kansas City Aviation Center
Johnson Co. Executive Airport
151 St and Pflumm Rd
Olathe, KS 66063

Overland Park

New Horizons
9611-E Metcalf Ave
Overland Park, KS 66212

St. Louis

St. Louis – Brunetti-Pecs-Co. Inc
4874 Baumgartner Rd
St. Louis, Missouri 63129

Warrensburg

University of Central Missouri, Dept of Aviation
1 R. Gaines Bldg. Room 210
Warrensburg, MO 64093

Practical

During the practical examination, you are required to demonstrate your ability to perform barbering services on a mannequin as well as a live model. The model is only used during the shaving and taper haircut portion of the exam. Models must be at least 15 years old and supplied by the test taker.

The Barber Styling exam consists of the following sections:

  • Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (First client) – 10 minutes
  • Haircutting – 40 minutes
  • Work Area and New Client Setup (Second client) – 15 minutes
  • Shaving with a Straight Razor – Variable timing
  • 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 Color: Retouch Application – 15 minutes

How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Missouri?

Barbers in Missouri make on average $37,430 per year or approximately $17.99 an hour.

Continuing Education Requirements

There are no current education requirements for barbers located in Missouri.

How Do I Renew My Missouri Barber License?

Barber licenses in Missouri expire every odd year on September 30. You will need to renew your license before that date. Missouri prefers you to renew your license online through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration website, but you can also renew by mail. The renewal cost is $30 for barber licenses.

Reciprocity

If you hold a barber license in another state, you are likely eligible to transfer your license to Missouri. The board approves licenses by reciprocity on a case by case basis and they ask you to call them at (573) 751-1052.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners can be reached at the following contact information:

Website: https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (573) 751-1052 or (866) 762-9432
Address: 3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 1062
Jefferson City, MO  65102-1062