Becoming a professional barber takes a bit more than just learning how to give a perfect fade or line-up, although these skills are indeed crucial and impressive. However, the journey towards this career requires a lot of training, getting properly certified and licensed. If you’re considering a future in barbering, it’s important that you understand how to get your barbering license in Illinois. In this blog we’ll provide a thorough guide, breaking down every stage of the licensing process.
Why Become a Licensed Barber in Illinois?
The barbering industry continues to grow and thrive, as more and more men have begun increasingly investing in their personal style and self-care practices. That’s why licensed barbers are in high demand across the state, now more than ever.
That’s especially true for urban areas like Chicago. Consequently, it’s only natural that more and more future professionals are interested in getting an Illinois barbering license, as it allows them to legally work in barbershops, launch their own businesses or even specialize further in editorial, platform or celebrity grooming.
Here are just a few of the most compelling reasons why you should pursue your license in barbering:
- Build the foundation for a stable and increasingly growing career path
- Enjoy the flexibility to work for yourself or others
- Benefit from a myriad of opportunities to express your creativity
- Get the chance to build strong client relationships and a loyal client base
- Make use of the opportunities to grow into barbering education, management or entrepreneurship
What Are The Barbering Requirements in Illinois?
To become a licensed barber in Illinois you must meet the state’s eligibility and education standards, which are set by the Illinois
To become a licensed barber in Illinois, you must meet the state’s eligibility and education standards. These are set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Here are the official barbering requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have completed a high school diploma or GED
- Complete 1,500 hours of education at a state-approved Barbering school
- Pass the written and practical state licensing exam
Cosmetology & Spa Academy is a state-accredited barbering school well-known for preparing competent professionals for their future careers. Our barbering program goes beyond theoretical and practical knowledge, as it prepares new graduates to excel in their licensing exam and achieve real-world success.
❓ If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible!
What Will You Learn in Barbering School?
A high-quality barbering school doesn’t just teach you how to cut hair. That is indeed an essential part of your professional journey, but our work doesn’t end there.
Our program is designed to provide you with a complete foundation in theory, technique, client interaction, hygiene and sanitation practices and business management. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll learn when you enroll in our barbering course at Cosmetology & Spa Academy:
- Modern techniques in hair cutting and styling
- Clipper cutting, fading and beard trimming
- Straight razor shaving
- A variety of hair and scalp treatments
- Sanitation and infection control
- Must-knows in barbering laws and ethics
- Business and customer service training
- Extensive state board exam preparation
Want to graduate from barbering school and take secure steps towards building a rewarding and successful career?
🔰 Book a tour at one of our four campuses and speak with an admissions advisor who will be more than happy to address all your questions!
How to Get a Barbering License Fast
If you’re eager to start your new career, you may be wondering how to get a barbering license fast. Well, the answer comes down to choosing a school that offers a well-structured full-time program that will move you efficiently through your training hours.
While the process still takes its own time and surely a lot of dedication, at Cosmetology & Spa Academy we offer full support for students who want to complete their 1,500 hours of training as quickly as possible and start working right away.
Our encouraging instructors, efficient and practical curriculum and immersive learning environment that combines both theoretical and hands-own classes, will help you stay on strack and successfully graduate without any unnecessary delays.
👉 Apply now and learn how you can finish your training in months!
How to Prepare for the Illinois Barbering License Exam
After completing your barber training, the next step is passing the Illinois barbering license exam. Now, this exam includes both a written portion and a practical demonstration of your acquired skills and it is administered by Continental Testing Services (CTS). This exam serves to measures your understanding of:
- Hair cutting, coloring and styling techniques
- Shaving and facial hair design
- Hair and scalp disorders
- Infection control and sanitation
- State barbering laws and regulations
Cosmetology & Spa Academy effectively integrates state board prep into your daily learning to ensure that you’re 100% exam-ready from the first moment that you complete your program. We also conduct a variety of mock exams and hands-on reviews with the help of our experienced instructors.
✅ Want to pass your licensing exam the first time? Join our barbering program!
What’s the Cost of Getting a License of Barbering?
The cost of becoming a licensed barber in Illinois can vary, however, it still comes down to a combination of your training fees and the exam fees. At Cosmetology & Spa Academy we offer fully transparent pricing and financial aid options for the students who qualify.
Moreover, our team will help you fully understand the cost of your tuition, your payment plans and prior to the start of your training, so that you can focus on your studies without having to worry about your finances.
So all in all, keep in mind that in addition to tuition, you’ll need to account for:
- State licensing exam fees
- Application processing fees
- Tools and kit expenses (included in many of our programs)
Schedule a financial aid consultation today and find out how affordable your barbering education can really be.
Where Can You Work with a Barbering License?
So, you completed your training and got your barbering license. Now what? Having a barbering license in Illinois will allow you to work in a wide range of professional settings, both in the city and suburbs.
Actually, Chicago is a booming market for barbeing, beauty and wellness services, therefore it makes for a fantastic starting point for you to build your reputation as a professional barber and grow your loyal clientele.
Some of the most popular career options for barbering graduates include:
- Traditional barbershops
- Upscale men’s grooming lounges
- Freelance or mobile barbering
- Salon suites or your own barbershop
- Entertainment, fashion and media industry
We make sure that all our graduates at Cosmetology & Spa Academy are fully equipped to thrive and succeed in all of these spaces, no matter how competitive they are.
Thanks to our continuous job placement assistance and real-world training sessions, you’ll be able to confidently start your career.
How Long Does It Take to Graduate from Barbering School?
In order to graduate from a state-accredited barbering school in Illinois, you must complete 1,500 hours of training. Generally, most full-time students typically need about 10 to 12 months to complete their program. Of course, it all depends on your attendance and scheduling.
In fact, some students opt for part-time options or barbering school evening classes, as this allows them to effectively balance their day-time responsibilities while pursuing a new career.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we offer flexible training schedules for our students, so that we can accommodate a wide variety of lifestyles. Our goal is to make quality education accessible to everyone, from recent high school graduates to working adults who are trying to make a change in their lives.
At our barbering school in Illinois, you’re guaranteed to receive the right support, training and mentorship you need to not only complete your program on time, but start reaping its benefits as soon as possible.
Can You Use Your License of Barbering in Other States?
If you’ve earned your license of barbering in Illinois but you’re thinking about working in another state, there are ways! You may be eligible to transfer your Illinois license to other states through reciprocity.
Now, each state has its own rules about accepting and transferring out-of-state licenses, however, many recognize Illinois credentials if you’re met similar training and examination standards.
If you’re planning to move or work in a different state in the future, feel free to contact our administrative team! We will help you understand how reciprocity works and what additional steps you might need to take.
Why Choose Cosmetology & Spa Academy?
With over 30 years of experience, Cosmetology & Spa Academy offers one of the most comprehensive barber training programs in Illinois. Our mission is simple – to prepare students for successful, creative and fulfilling careers in the beauty industry.
When you enroll in our barbering school, you get:
- A state-approved curriculum that exceeds basic standards
- Experienced instructors who are passionate about the craft
- Small class sizes for personal attention
- A welcoming and supportive campus culture
- Locations in Crystal Lake, Elgin, Rockford, and Schaumburg
- Career services to help you transition into the workforce
From learning more about your training requirements and licensing exams to exploring different job prospects, Cosmetology & Spa Academy can support you every step of the way.
Now that you understand how to get a barbering license, you’re ready to take the next step. Whether you’re dreaming of a busy barbershop in Chicago or a boutique grooming space of your own, Cosmetology & Spa Academy is here to help make that dream a reality.
📍 Crystal Lake, Elgin, Rockford, Schaumburg
📧 info@csa.edu
📞 815-455-5900
