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 barber programs is an approved program through DPOR, COE, SCHEV, and USDE.

basic Barber Course Overview

The objective of this program is to prepare students for a successful career in barbering and to meet the requirements needed to pass the state licensing exam.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Learn Barber techniques, including cutting, tapering, shaving, and styling using clippers, razors, and shears.
  • Develop skills in client consultation, haircut design, and grooming services for hair and facial hair.
  • Apply standards of sanitation, disinfection, and safety in compliance with state regulations and industry best practices.
  • Learn the principles of anatomy, physiology, and skin and scalp analysis
  • Understand the fundamentals of hair coloring, scalp treatments, and facial care services.
  • Demonstrate professionalism through knowledge of shop management and ethical practices.
  • Prepare for and successfully pass the state licensing exam

Program Hours: 750 clock hours

The program is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinical service learning experiences.

  1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: Students receive instruction through classroom lessons and workshops covering fundamental theory, safety, and professional practices.
  2. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience:  Students develop practical skills through supervised hands-on training performed in the clinic classroom setting on clients, models, and mannequins.
  3. Distance Education Learning Experience: (if applicable): Students approved for the hybrid option may complete a portion of their theory instruction online through Pivot Point LAB. Only theory hours may be completed through distance education; all practical and lab instruction is delivered in person on campus.

basic Barber Course Outline

Instruction in the Basic Barber program at Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke is delivered through structured phases designed to support student progression from foundational learning to advanced practical skills.

  1. Core Curriculum: A pre-clinical phase focused on foundational theory, safety, sanitation, and basic technical skills using barbering tools. Students are evaluated through written, oral, and practical assessments.
  2. Protégé Learning Experience: This phase bridges the transition from Core to the clinic floor. Students begin applying basic skills while preparing for guest services.
  3. Adaptive Curriculum: Students participate in specialty workshops and hands-on training that strengthens technical ability, timing, and service confidence.
  4. Creative Curriculum: Students refine their barbering skills through advanced practical work, leadership habits, communication, and the behaviors required of an entry-level professional
  5. Classroom Learning Experience:  Instruction covers the primary areas of barbering: haircutting, shaving, facial massage and skincare, hair coloring, scalp treatments, shop safety, sanitation, business skills, and theory. Classes are led by licensed instructors and may include topics such as retailing, communication, motivation, and professional development.
  6. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: Students receive supervised practical training through individual and group learning experiences. Workshops, skills tracking, and periodic evaluations monitor progress. Students perform services on clients in the clinic classroom under instructor supervision.

basic BARBER Course REQUIREMENTS

Curriculum Requirements

Minimum Hours of Instruction

Orientation and Business Topics

  1. School Policies
  2. Business and Shop Management
  3. Professional Ethics and Personal Hygiene 

25

State Laws and Regulations

10

Shampooing, cutting, thinning, tapering the hair with razor, clippers, and shears

  1. Client consultation
  2. Styling hair with a hand hair dryer

270

Shaving and trimming a moustache or beard to include client consultation

100

Applying hair color to include client consultation

50

Applied sciences

  1. Anatomy and physiology
  2. Skin structure and function
  3. Skin types
  4. Skin conditions
  5. Diseases and disorders of the skin
  6. Analyzing skin or scalp conditions
  7. Giving scalp treatments

100

General sciences

  1. Bacteriology
  2. Microorganisms
  3. Infection control, sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization
  4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements
  5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
  6. General procedures and safety measures
  7. Cosmetic chemistry
  8. Products and ingredients

80

Facial hair and skin care services

  1. Client skin analysis and consultation
  2. Effleurage and related movements and manipulations of the face
  3. Cleansing procedures
  4. Masks
  5. Extraction techniques
  6. Machines, equipment, and electricity
  7. Manual facials and treatments
  8. General procedures and safety measures

100

Understanding and maintaining implements and equipment (e.g. tools)

15

TOTAL MINIMUM HOURS OF INSTRUCTION

750

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:

Practical Performance Requirements

Minimum Performance 
Requirements

Hair and Scalp Treatments

10

Straight Razor Shaving on Face and Neck

12

Hair Services

285

Hair Coloring (including tinting, temporary rinses, and semi-permanent color)

20

Basic Facials

5

TOTAL PRACTICAL PERFORMANCES

332

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

Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke offers both on-campus and hybrid program options. Students in the hybrid program complete a portion of their theory instruction through distance education, while all practical and lab instruction is delivered in person.

  1. Academic Theory Exams: Students must earn a minimum score of 75% on each theory exam. These exams are administered at the conclusion of each assigned online theory module. Theory exams may occur weekly or bi-monthly depending on module length.
  2. Core Written and Practical Evaluations: During the Core phase, students must pass all written and practical skill assessments with a minimum score of 75%. These evaluations review the material taught during the Core schedule. All Core exams are completed on campus; no Core assessments may be completed through distance education.
  3. Clinic Practical Skill Assessments: Students are required to complete all assigned practical skill assessments during the Clinic phase. These assessments are performed in person under instructor supervision and must be completed to satisfy program requirements.
  4. Distance Education Assessments: Students enrolled in a hybrid program must complete a monthly distance education theory assessment on campus. These assessments evaluate comprehension of theory content delivered online.

The following grading scale is used for theory progress:
A = 90 – 100% B = 80 – 89% C = 75 – 79% Failing = Below 75%

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.