If you’re interested in becoming a barber, there are plenty of schools to choose from in the state of New Jersey. Barbering can be a rewarding career, and with the right training, you can be successful in this growing field.
To become a licensed barber in New Jersey, you must complete an accredited barbering program and pass the state licensure exam. There are several schools throughout the state that offer barbering programs, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Barber Schools in New Jersey
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are four phases to becoming a barber. The following are the things you must accomplish:
- Enroll in a barber school
- Complete 900 hours of instruction
- Pass the written and practical barber exams
- Renew your license once every two years
Required Skills and Classes
Attending a barber school in New Jersey and completing 900 hours of training is required to be eligible to take the barber exams in New Jersey. Training hours will be made up of the following subjects:
- Men’s haircutting and styling – 225 hours
- Chemical services – 210 hours
- Shaving – 125 hours
- Hair coloring and lightening – 110 hours
- Women’s hair styling and cutting – 70 hours
- Men’s hairpiece services – 55 hours
- Scalp care and shampooing – 20 hours
- Infection control and sanitation – 20 hours
- Beard and mustache trimming – 15 hours
- Facials and facial massaging – 15 hours
- New Jersey barbering rules and regulations – 10 hours
- Skin, scalp, and hair disorders – 5 hours
- Anatomy related to barbering – 5 hours
- Honing and stropping – 4 hours
- History of barbering – 4 hours
- Professional development – 2 hours
Hours are tracked in a timesheet by yourself and your supervisor at your barber school. Hours will be made up of classroom learning as well as on-the-job training. Students will need to complete a Certification of Cosmetology and Hairstyling School form once fulfilling the license requirements for training at a barber school.
State Licensing Exams
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling use Prometric/Iso-Quality Testing to administer the New Jersey barber exams, which consist of Theory and Practical sections. The content of the exams is organized by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). A score of 75 or higher is needed to pass both the Theory and Practical exams.
Theory
The New Jersey written barber theory exam consists of 105 total questions that calculate your final score. There are also 10 pre-test questions that do not influence your final score. The following are the sections for the NJ barber theory exam:
- Scientific Concepts – 35 questions
- Implements and Equipment – 10 questions
- Hair care services – 40 questions
- Facial Hair and Skin Care Services – 15 questions
- New Jersey State Law – 5 questions
Practical
Passing the New Jersey theory barber is required to be eligible for the practical exam. Applying for the exam can be done on the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling website. The practical exam will test your ability perform a variety of barbering services such as:
- Initial client setup, client protection, and infection control
- Haircutting and hairstyling
- Shampooing
- Straight razor shaving service
- Cosmetic services
- Massage services
- Hairpiece fitting and styling
Once you have passed both the written and practical exams, you are eligible to apply for a barber license through the Board. Once approved, a physical copy of your license will be mailed to you. You can also lookup your license using the Board’s website.
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in New Jersey?
Barbers in New Jersey make on average $41,270 per year or $19.84 an hour according to the BLS.
Continuing Education Requirements
There are no continuing education requirements for barbers in New Jersey.
How Do I Renew My New Jersey Barber License?
Barbers are required to renew their licenses once every two years. Renewals can be completed by mail or online.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
You can reach out to the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling by using the following information:
Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (973) 504-6400
Address: P.O. Box 45003, Newark, New Jersey 07101
