As a barber in Virginia, you will get to join the licensed professionals dedicated to expertise in men’s style and sophistication. Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Arlington are all home to contemporary-classic traditional barbershops. Parkside Barbershop and Grooming Lounge, voted Richmond’s best barbershop, has been in operation for over 20 years, offering services dedicated to creating the traditional, masculine grooming experience. Services include shoe shining, straight razor shaves, manicure and pedicures, massages, and even a complimentary beer or wine, just to name a few.
Before you can start your career as a barber in Virginia, you will first need to obtain a license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOF) after meeting requirements sets by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. The Board regulates the unique education and exam licensing standards for cosmetologists, nail technicians, tattoo artists, estheticians, and, of course barbers. As a barber, you will become an expert in the cutting, styling, and designing of men’s hair and facial hair.
For guidance on how to become a licensed barber in Virginia, simply follow these steps:
| Complete a 1500-Hour Virginia Barber Training Program |
| Submit an Online Application for Examination and Licensure |
| Pass the Written and Practical Virginia Licensing Exams |
| Print and Mail Licensure Fee Notice to the Virginia Board |
| Begin your Career as a Barber in Virginia |
| Renew your Virginia Barber License |
Your first step toward attaining a Virginia barber license is graduating from a Virginia licensed barber school. Your barber college must provide you with at least 1500 hours of barber training. This barber training must include both theoretical and practical subjects, including, but not limited to, the following:
Included in those 1500 hours, the Virginia Board requires the following minimum course-hour and training requirements:
Once you have completed your barber training program, your barber school will provide proof of your completed training hours and refer you online to Ergometrics to apply for and take the Virginia licensing exams.
You may submit your application for the licensing and examinations as long as you are within 80 hours of completing your barber training program. You must make sure that you have completed the training program by the day you are scheduled to take the exam. Once your school refers you online, you will get a username and password that you may use to submit the online examination form. To complete the examination and the license application, follow these steps:
Once you have completed this application, you will be able to take the Virginia licensing exams.
Before you take the licensing exams, you will need to download and read the Virginia Barber Examination Candidate Information Bulletin. This bulletin will give you information on the two Virginia licensing exams: the written exam and the practical exam.
Once your application is approved, you will be able to schedule the exams. You may schedule both of these exams at any of the following Virginia locations:
When you arrive for your exams, make sure you arrive 30 minutes early with two forms of government-issued identification.
Written Examination
The written exam will test your theoretical knowledge on barber subject areas and barber laws in Virginia. You will have 2 hours to complete this 110-question, multiple-choice exam, and it will be administered on a computer. The written exam will cover the following barber subject areas:
Practical Examination
The practical exam will test your ability to perform barber services. You will need to bring your own kit with supplies and head mannequin on which to perform the barber services. You will perform the following barber services in the following time limits:
Once you pass both exams, you will need to print and mail in a licensure fee notice to the Virginia board. So, immediately upon passing your exams, complete the following steps:
As soon as you complete these steps, the Virginia Board will issue your first Virginia barber license.
Once you have received your Virginia barber license, you may start looking to rent a chair in any of the state’s many barbershops, or you may even open your own shop. Richmond, Lynchburg, Alexandria, and Virginia Beach are just a few of the locations in the state with a thriving barbershop culture. If you want to open your own barbershop, you will need to obtain a barbershops license from the Virginia Board. To do this, you will need to submit the Salon/Shop/Spa/Parlor License Application form.
If you’re looking for a commissioned position or to rent a chair from one of the already established barbershops in Virginia, consider the following options:
When it comes time to renew your license, the Virginia Board will mail you a renewal card. You will need to make sure that you have your correct mailing address on file with the Board to receive this card. When you receive it, you will be able to mail back the renewal card and the $105 renewal fee. Make your check payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
Mail your form and fee to the Board at the following mailing address:
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
If you want to complete the renewal process online, you may submit your renewal form and fee online with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Make sure to renew your license promptly. If you are late, you will need to pay late fees and possibly even need to reinstate your license. To reinstate, you will need to pay a $210 reinstatement fee.
Barbers in Virginia are licensed by the State Board of Barbers and Cosmetology which requires candidates to complete 1,500 hours of study and training at a licensed barber school after which they must pass the Board examination. There are licensed barber schools conveniently located in 33 different Virginia cities; there are 15 schools in Norfolk alone!
Salaries of Barbers in Virginia
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have salary wage tables for barbers in Virginia; however, the following is their Virginia annual salary and hourly wage listings for “Personal Care and Service – all Others.”
