A barber’s job has evolved over the years. Now it is more complex and requires a lot more knowledge about topics other than cutting hair and shaving. Illinois schools have had to adapt with the changing requirements for licensing, as have prospective barbers. Find out school requirements and listings below. If you don’t want a license but just need some free lessons check out this page.
How Long Are Barbering Programs in Illinois?
Illinois’s state board has made it a requirement that those looking to become licensed barbers must first complete approximately 1500 hours of training at a board-approved school. Check schools near you using the app below:
There are many different stipulations that must be met in this particular training program such as barber history, hair cutting/styling, anatomy/physiology, hair coloring/lightening, barbershop management, state laws/rules/regulations, and much more.
Get Your Illinois Barber License
The school that you attend will provide you with a final practical exam, which will test how well you perform certain barbering services such as shaving, hair cutting, and sanitation control. When you register to take the state license exam, you will need to provide proof that you passed your initial exam with a score of 75% or better.
Exams
To apply for the written exam, you will need to do so through Continental Testing Services link, one of the local state testing vendors.
To do this, you will be required to download and read the exam instruction sheet and testing procedure guide, submit the necessary applications, attach transcripts with proof of your previous exam score, and pay a fee. When you application is approved, you will receive a letter and will have 60 days to schedule your exam.
The written exam is computer-based and takes around 90 minutes to complete. You will be tested on various subjects such as shaving, hair care, hair cutting/styling, infection control, facial hair design, and more. In order to receive a license from the state board, you must pass this test with a score of 75% or higher.
Once you pass this exam, you will receive an application that must be filled out and submitted within five years of completing your training and one year of passing your exam. When you receive your application and score report, both must be submitted along with any necessary fees.
Illinois Barber License Renewal
Your license/certificate will expire on July 31st every year, and you will receive a renewal notification when this happens.
Good luck in your new career and in starting your professional life as a barber! You’ll find jobs easy to find and salaries vary a lot depending on your business savvy.
All barbers need a variety of tools to perform their job. See what the essential are.
Some Illinois Barber Schools Compared
| Name | Address | Costs: Tuition + Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Larry's Barber College | 10456 S Halsted Street, Chicago 60628 | $14,200 tuition, books and fees |
| Criglar Barber College | 116 Belvidere Avenue, Forest Park 60130 | unknown |
| Ultimate Touch Barber College | 3732 Sauk Trail, Richton Pk., IL 60471 | $15,000 all included |
| His & Hers Barber School | 5355 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60644 | unknown |
| Networks Barber College | 508 Burnham Avenue Calumet City, IL 60409 | $15,900 |
| Champions Beauty Barber University | 2201 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403 | $6,500 |
Other Illinois schools for makeup artists, estheticians, cosmetologists and nail techs.
A Few School Websites:
cosmetologyandspaacademy.com
larrysbarbercollege.com
rayzbsc.com
bnbarbercollege.com
Did we miss any schools for barbering in Illinois? Please contact us to let us know.