Training

• Anyone who wishes to enter the barbering profession must train at a barber college approved by the state to learn to shave, cut, trim and chemically treat human hair. Some states allow apprenticeships (training by a licensed professional) to substitute for post-high-school education for the person qualifying to take the state exam.
  
  

Physician's Certification

• In most states, a physician must certify that each barber applying for a license or renewal of a license is free from infectious or communicable diseases.
  
  

State License

• Graduates of a barber college earn a certificate from the college, allowing them to either work as an apprentice or to apply to take the state exam. Passing the state exam will allow a barber college graduate to operate as a certified barbering professional.
  
  

Shop License

• Owners and operators of barbershops must apply to the state before opening the shop to obtain a barber operator license. The owners must maintain the records of each barber's certifications and display the license prominently in the shop.