Basic Barber Course Information

basic Barber Course Descriptions

Basic Barber: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5011.00
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP ) Code 12.0402

The Basic Barber course is 750 clock hours and meets the requirements of the Virginia State Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. This program provides students with the knowledge and technical skills required to become licensed barbers in Virginia. Instruction blends theory with hands-on practice and prepares students to perform services in haircutting, shaving, beard design, hair coloring, basic facial treatments, scalp care, and related barbering procedures. Students will develop proficiency in cutting and tapering the hair with clippers, shears, and razors; shaping and trimming the beard; performing facial massage and basic skincare; applying hair color; and providing shaving and grooming services in accordance with Virginia’s scope of practice for barbering.

*Students are prepared to be an entry level barber.

This course is taught in English. Textbooks and course materials are only offered in the English Language.
The basic barber program is an approved program through DPOR, NACCAS, SCHEV, VA and USDE. 

basic Barber Course Overview

The objective of this program is to prepare students to manage a successful cosmetology career and/or business, while preparing them to successfully pass the Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetology exam.

Program Hours: 750 clock hours

The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinic classroom learning experiences.

1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction:  The first hours of education are devoted to pre-clinical classroom instruction where Future Professionals develop foundational knowledge and practical skills through classroom workshops, demonstrations, theory instruction, and guided practice. Instruction emphasizes design principles, technical procedures, safety and sanitation, professional conduct, and readiness for supervised services. 
2. Clinic Learning Experience:  Future Professionals apply classroom learning through supervised practical instruction and guest services. With coaching and guidance from Learning Leaders, they refine technical skills, consultation and communication, guest experience, product recommendations, and professional work habits. Learning continues through mini-classes, feedback, and structured practice.

basic Barber Course Outline

1. Core Curriculum: The Core Curriculum introduces the foundational principles and skills of the program through theory instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Future Professionals build essential technical knowledge, safety and sanitation practices, client care, and professional habits. Learning Leaders monitor progress, and learning is evaluated through written, oral, and practical methods, as applicable. Completing Core successfully prepares students for the next phase of their education, including supervised clinic classroom experiences.
2. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience:  In the clinic classroom, Future Professionals provide services to guests under Learning Leader supervision. They keep learning and reinforce classroom instruction through coaching, mini-classes, practical worksheets, and progress evaluations. They practice consultations, service planning, technical proficiency, guest communication, sanitation and safety, and professional service habits.
3. Classroom Learning Experience:  Classroom education throughout the program includes cutting, coloring, texture, skin, and nails. Instruction combines theory, demonstrations, and practical application. Additional learning opportunities may address retailing and product knowledge, communication, professional development, motivation, and career readiness, facilitated by appropriate school team members or guest artists.
4. Adaptive Phase:  During the Adaptive phase, Future Professionals expand their knowledge through specialty classroom instruction and progressively challenging practical work. They continue developing technical consistency, problem-solving, guest service, confidence, and professionalism, with feedback and assessments supporting their progress.
5. Creative Phase:  The Creative phase focuses on refining technical and professional abilities as Future Professionals prepare to enter the industry. They apply artistic judgment, strengthen independence and accountability, and practice the standards of guest experience, teamwork, and professional conduct expected in a salon environment, with continued Learning Leader guidance.

basic BARBER Course REQUIREMENTS

Basic Barber students must complete the minimum number of practical performances required by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. All services are performed under the supervision of a licensed instructor in the clinic classroom.

The Basic Barber curriculum requires the completion of:

The institution offers employment assistance to help graduates’ efforts to secure education-related employment that includes, but is not limited to training in professionalism, resume’ development, job interview preparation and job search skills.

 basic BARBER Program Testing And Grading Procedure

The following tests and grading procedures are used to assess student learning and mastery of course content in the 750-hour course:

1. Academic theory exams: Students must receive a 75% or higher on each assigned theory exam.
2. Core written and practical skills evaluation: Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on each written exam and each practical skill exam in order to complete the Core program. The exams are an overview of instruction taught during the Core schedule. All Core written and practical skill exams must be passed with a 75% in order to transition to the Adaptive curriculum. If students are unable to pass each exam after two attempts, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program.
3. Mock State Board evaluation test: This practical evaluation covers all technical areas of the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation State Board exam. Students must receive a 75% or higher on this exam.
4. Final written exam: This written test covers an overview of all theory instruction, and other items covered on the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation State Board exam. Students must receive a 75% or higher on this exam.
5. Clinic Practical Skill Assessments: Progress in practical skill assessments and instructional hours will be digitally monitored using the MyPortico app. All assigned practical skill assessments must be completed in order to complete the program.

Students are assigned theory study and an essential number of practical experiences. Theory is evaluated after each unit of study. Practical assignments are evaluated as completed and counted toward course completion only when rated as satisfactory or better. Students must maintain a theory grade average of 75% and pass a final written and practical exam prior to graduation. Students must make up missed tests and incomplete assignments.

A = 90 – 100% (Excellent)      B = 80 – 89% (Average)      C = 75 – 79% (Below Average)      Below 75% (Failing)

basic barber INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

The basic barber 750 clock hour course is provided through a sequential set of learning steps which address specific tasks necessary for State Board preparation, graduation and job entry level skills. Clinic equipment, implements and products are comparable to those used in the industry. Each student will receive instruction that relates to the performance of useful, creative and productive career-oriented activities. The course is presented through well-developed lesson plans that reflect the latest educational methods. Subjects are presented by means of lecture, demonstration, and student participation. Audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips, and other related learning methods are used in the course.