There are many barber schools located in the state of Washington that can help you get started on your career as a barber. These schools can provide you with the necessary training and education to become a successful barber.
Barbering is a great career choice for those who are interested in hair care and styling. As a barber, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and create unique styles that suit their individual needs. If you are passionate about hair care and styling, then a career as a barber may be the perfect choice for you.
If you are interested in becoming a barber, reaching out to a barber school in Washington state is a great first step.
Barber Schools in Washington
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Washington
To work as a barber in Virginia, you must go through four stages. The following are the actions you must take:
- Enroll in a barber school or an apprenticeship program
- Complete 1,000 hours of barber school education or 1,200 hours of apprenticeship training
- Pass the Washington Practical and Written Barber Exams
- Renew your license every two years
How Much Do Washington Barber Programs Cost?
The average cost of tuition for barber schools in Washington is $17,000.
Students who attend barber schools must budget for the following: basic barbering equipment, a functional barber kit, and training manuals in addition to tuition. Taking the barber exam, obtaining licenses, and paying barber school fees are all one-time expenses that students should be ready to cover.
FAFSA, Pell Grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans are only a few examples of how you can finance your barbering program. To learn about more types of financing that you may qualify for, contact the financial aid department at your barber school.
Required Skills and Classes
Barbers in Washington must be at least 17 years old, complete either a barber school program or an apprenticeship, and pass the Washington Barber exam.
Barber School
Barber school programs must provide a minimum of 1,000 hours of education and the content of their program curriculum must be approved by the Washington Board of Cosmetology. Barber schools must provide education on the following topics:
- Theory of the Practice of Barbering Services
- Barbershop Business Practices
- Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Shampooing: Draping, Brushing, Scalp Manipulations, Conditioning, and Rinsing
- Scalp and Hair Analysis
- Hair Cutting and Trimming
- Hair Styling
- Cutting and Trimming of Facial Hair
- Artificial Hair
- Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Scalp and Hair
- Implement and Electrical Appliance Safety
- First Aid Relating to Barbering
Not all training can be completed on mannequins – education must also be completed on live models, patrons, or volunteers.
Apprenticeship Program
Alternatively, barbers can achieve licensure by completing 1,200 hours of an approved apprenticeship. The apprentice must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Washington barber in a Washington barbershop. Hours must be documented on a timesheet and approved by signature from the licensed barber.
State Licensing Exams
The Washington Barber Exam is administered by DL Roope, a Prometric company. The exam is made up of Practical and Written Exams, both of which need to be passed before applying for a barber license in the state of Washington.
Written Exam
While scheduling the written exam, you will be required to pay a $180 non-refundable fee. The written exam can be taken at testing facilities located in the following Washington cities:
- Fife
- Spokane
- Yakima
- Olympia
- Camas
- Pasco
- Everett
The written exam must be completed in 90 minutes and it consists of 10 non-scored questions that do not influence your final score and 50 multiple choice questions on the following subjects:
- Scientific Concepts – 20 questions
- Implements and Equipment – 5 questions
- Hair Care Services – 15 questions
- Facial Hair Services – 10 questions
Practical Exam
While scheduling the practical exam, you will be required to pay a $114 non-refundable fee. The practical exam can only be taken at testing locations in the following Washington cities:
- Fife
- Spokane
- Yakima
During the practical exam, you will demonstrate barber skills on a mannequin while being judged by a test administrator. You will have approximately two hours to complete 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 Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client 15 minutes)
- Shaving with Straight Razor (Variable Timing)
- Blood Exposure Procedure (10 minutes)
How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Washington?
Washington barbers make an average of $53,020 per year or $25.60 per hour according to the BLS.
Continuing Education Requirements
In Washington, barbers do not need to take any continuing education courses to renew their barber licenses.
How Do I Renew My Washington Barber License?
Washington barber licenses can be renewed on the Washington State Department of Licensing’s barber page or by mail. Online renewals will require creating or logging into a SecureAccess Washington account. Barber licenses expire every two years and can be renewed as early as 120 days before the expiration date. Refer to your license to find its expiration date.
Out-of-state barbers
Transferring your barber license through reciprocity is possible as long as you are 17 years old and have an active barber license in good standing through another state and have passed that state’s barber exam. Barbers must complete a reciprocity application and pay a $50 application fee. Applications can be completed online or they can be mailed to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle WA 98124-3856
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The Washington Board of Cosmetology can be reached using the following information:
Website: https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/cosmetology/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (360) 664-6626
Address: 1125 Washington Street, SE, Olympia, WA 98504
