How do I start a barber school in California?
William Brown
Updated on March 07, 2026
The first step in opening a new school of barbering is to contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) *. Once you have completed the BPPE's application and obtained an “intent to approve” letter, you must complete the requirements for the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (Board).
.
Similarly one may ask, how much does it cost to start a barber school?
Typical costs: Community colleges and private technical schools offer barbering programs. Program costs vary significantly by school, from around $2,000 to more than $11,000. All reputable programs are geared towards preparing students to pass state licensing exams.
Furthermore, how long does it take to become a barber in California? To become a barber in California, you need to follow the licensing process set by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. You need 1,500 hours of specialized education and technical instruction. This includes 1,000 hours of training in haircutting and 200 hours of training in shaving.
People also ask, how do I become a barber in California?
Here is what you will need to do to get a barber license in California.
- Find a Barber Program.
- Finish the Class Hours for Your Licensure Exam.
- Sign Up for Your Barber Licensure Exam.
- Prepare with a Mock Licensure Exam.
- Take and Pass the California Barber Licensure Exam.
How much does it cost to become a barber in California?
Apply for a California Barber License Once you have successfully completed an approved barber school program or apprenticeship, you must complete, sign, and submit the Barber Application for Examination, along with an initial license fee of $125. You can also complete an online application.
Related Question Answers
Is becoming a barber worth it?
Many barbers make good friends and contacts from their clients; your confidence and popularity will grow. Barbering is a skill you can take anywhere. It's never too late to train as a barber or develop your barbering skills. With courses on offer that take just two months you can quickly be on your dream career path!Can you get a barber license without going to school?
You can get a job without attending a formal program, though formal programs often better prepare students for state-mandated license exams. Barber education is very similar to cosmetologist education. Most states require barbers to pass a state-approved licensure exam before they can work on their own as a barber.How much does a barber make a week?
Entry-level Barbers who starts out at $20350 can expect to make $25760 after 3-5 years of experience in the field. The bottom 10% makes less than $8.760 per hour while the top 10% makes over $22.790 per hour. While the median wage is $25760 per annum or $12.380 per hour.Can you become a barber online?
Most barber training programs are offered through technical colleges or cosmetology schools, although there are also a few independent barber schools. You may even be able to do some of your classwork for a barber license online, although most of it will have to be hands-on.Can I get financial aid for barber school?
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Students applying for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application at www.fafsa.gov, include all verification documents and appropriate school forms to be considered. The school code for Michigan Barber School is 016790.How can I get into barber school for free?
Complete the FAFSAFederal financial aid can be awarded to attend barber schools. To be considered for financial aid like the federal Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.Is a barbershop profitable?
According to Indeed.com, the average barber shop owner made an average of $30,000 per year in 2013. So, are barber shops profitable? Some ways barber shop owners can earn more money include: Renting out space in your shop to other barbers.How much is a barber chair?
Cheap or Used Barber ChairsThese will generally cost you between $200 to $400. With that being said, you should know that the cheaper chairs will need to be replaced or repaired more often and they may break easier than the newer barber chairs, as well.How long does a barber license last?
How long does a barber course take at college? A further education college offers a wide array of courses, one of which may be a barbering course. These courses last 1 to 2 years.How much is a barber license in California?
The approval must come from the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, or CSBBC (see Resources below) . You must also pass the barber licensing exam which consists of two parts: a practical portion and a written portion. The exam and license cost varies, but is around $50.How long does it take to complete barber school?
1,500 hours
What age can you get your barber license?
at least 16 years old
