Master Barber Course Information

MASTER BARBER COURSE DESCRIPTION

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

The Master Barber course is 250 clock hours and meets the requirements of the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. This program is designed for individuals who wish to expand their scope of practice through advanced barbering education. Through a combination of theory and supervised hands-on practical instruction, students gain experience in master barber services, including advanced chemical services, thermal styling, hair lightening and toning, wig care, and waxing limited to the scalp. The program prepares graduates to qualify for licensure as a Master Barber in Virginia.

*Students are prepared for entry-level employment as barbers with a broader scope of practice.

**Enrollment in this course is limited to individuals who hold a current professional license and are pursuing additional training to expand their scope of practice as permitted by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

This course is taught in English. Textbooks and course materials are only offered in the English Language.
The Master Barber program is an approved program through DPOR, COE, SCHEV, and USDE.

MASTER BARBER COURSE OVERVIEW

The objective of this program is to prepare licensed barbers for advanced practice and to meet the educational requirements needed to pass the Virginia state licensing examination.

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

  • Safely perform thermal waving techniques.
  • Develop proficiency in chemical hair treatments, including permanent waving, chemical relaxing, lightening, and toning.
  • Learn and demonstrate proper procedures for fitting, styling, and maintaining hairpieces and wigs.
  • Apply waxing techniques limited to the scalp, in accordance with Virginia scope of practice.
  • Prepare for and successfully pass the Virginia Master Barber state licensing examination.

Program Hours: 250 clock hours

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

  • Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: Students receive instruction through classroom lessons and workshops covering fundamental theory, safety, and professional practices.
  • Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: Students develop practical skills through supervised hands-on training performed in the clinic classroom setting on clients, models, and mannequins.

MASTER BARBER COURSE OUTLINE

Instruction in the Master 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.

  • Core Curriculum: A pre-clinical phase focused on reinforcing foundational theory, safety, sanitation, chemistry, and professional practices as they apply to master barber services. Students are evaluated through written and practical assessments.
  • Adaptive Curriculum: Students participate in specialty workshops and hands-on training focused on advanced barbering services, including chemical services, thermal styling, wig care, and specialty techniques that expand scope of practice.
  • Classroom Learning Experience: Instruction covers advanced barbering theory, including chemical services, thermal waving, hair analysis, safety, sanitation, and professional practices. Classes are led by licensed instructors and delivered through structured lessons and workshops.
  • 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.

MASTER BARBER COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Curriculum RequirementsMinimum Hours of Instruction
Thermal Waving20
Permanent Waving & Chemical Relaxing110
Hair Lightening or Toning100
Hairpieces & Wigs15
Waxing Limited to the Scalp5
TOTAL MINIMUM HOURS OF INSTRUCTION250

Master 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 Master Barber curriculum requires the completion of:

Practical Performance RequirementsMinimum Performance Requirements
Bleaching & Frosting20
Cold Permanent Waving or Chemical Relaxing30
Wig Care, Styling & Placement on Model15
Finger Waving & Thermal Waving30
Waxing Limited to the Scalp5
TOTAL MINIMUM HOURS OF INSTRUCTION100

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.

MASTER 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.

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

MASTER BARBER INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

The Master Barber 250 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.