Do You Need Barber Certification & Licensing in BC, Canada?

Barbering is an ancient profession that involves not just cutting and caring for men’s hair, but also caring for facial hair and skin with a variety of tools and products.

Though in the past apprenticeship was the way to go to get into the field now schools are more common and a great way to get started in British Columbia.

Barbers are a profession that has always been needed and shows all signs of being necessary in the future, too. As long as hair grows it’ll need to be tended to.

Finding the right training as a barber is vital if you want to become a professional. In British Columbia, barbering is not regulated, but there are certification exams you can take through The British Columbia Barber’s Association, or the BCBA, that prove you know what you’re talking about.

Whether you attend cosmetology school or opt for an apprenticeship, you must be able to provide some paperwork to prove your hours of training. You’ll need 400 hours of school training, 1000 apprenticeship hours, or a combination of the two in order to be able to apply for the exam with The British Columbia Barber’s Association.

Taking the certification test through the BCBA is not required in order to become a barber, but it shows that you have taken your training as a barber seriously and that you have mastered what it takes to become a barber. In some municipalities, a barber certification from The British Columbia Barber’s Association is required in order to obtain business licensing or to work within that area.

You do not have to be a member of The British Columbia Barber’s Association in order to take the test, but you’ll pay more for the exam if you aren’t a member. Your annual membership in the BCBA is voluntary, but it lists you as a member of the registry, which can be helpful when starting your new business as a barber. You’ll also have access to safety and health information as well as other educational opportunities.

BarberSafe certification is a separate test that is valid for three years once you pass the exam. This test is separate from other certification with the BCBA and ensures that you understand health risks and safety precautions as a barber. You’ll need to renew your certification in BarberSafe because health knowledge is ever-changing and having this updated certification shows your continued commitment to your craft.

Barber Schools in British Columbia with Costs

Name	Address	Cost	Other Programs
Gibson’s Barbershop & School	105-2355 Millstream Road, Victoria, V9B 3R5	Tuition: $7,000 Barber Kit: $1,200 Application Fee: $250	None
London School	114 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, V6B 1G8	Course fees: $8600	Hair Styling, Nail Artistry
JD's Barbershop	235 Abbott Street, Vancouver, V6B 2K7	Clippers/Fade Workshop: $350 Scissors Workshop: $350 Facial Hair Workshop: $350	None
Barber & Co	2808 Main Street, Vancouver, V5T 2G9	Tuition: $6,000 Books, kits and other fees: $500	None
Mr. Barber School	101, 10526 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton AB, T5J 1Z7	Straight Razor Shave: $350 Fade Fundamentals: $250 Shaves & Fades: $500 Barber Bootcamp: $895 The Barber Program: $3,250	None
John Casablancas Institute	220 Cambie Suite Number 150, Vancouver, V6B 2M9	Tuition: $9,500 Kit and Texbook Fees: $1,827	Fashion Business, Fashion Design, Makeup Artistry, Fashion + Beauty Makeup, Body Spa Esthetics, Hair Art Design

Other British Columbia schools for nail technicians, massage, estheticians, cosmetologists and makeup artists.

Barbering in the US – Schools by State

 

academyofexcellencevictoria.com

delrioacademy.com

londonschool.ca

zincacademy.com

Did we miss any British Columbia barber schools? Please contact us to let us know.