Class A Barber is a Certificate program offered by Alamo City Barber College in San Antonio, TX. The program takes 1,000 clock hours — 29 weeks full time (35 hrs/week) or 45 weeks part time (22 hrs/week) to complete, with a total tuition of $13,810.
Program Overview
The objective of the Class A Barber program is to equip students with the necessary skill-set to successfully complete both the written and practical examinations, as required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and administered by PSI, thereby allowing the student to become licensed as a Barber practitioner in the State of Texas and providing an opportunity to acquire entry-level employment in the profession.
1,000 clock hours. The Barber Student curriculum includes a total of 1000 clock hours consisting of theory and practical application, to be completed in no less than 6 months. A student cannot exceed the Maximum Time Frame to graduate of 150% of the course length.
Two licensing exams. Students must complete 1000 training hours for a state license and must take 2 exams for licensing: 1 written exam upon the completion of 900 hours and 1 practical exam upon completion of 1000 hours. Exams are issued by the State of Texas.
Program objectives. To offer a barber curriculum consistent with the requirements outlined by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, to provide students with the ability to successfully complete the Class A Barber program upon graduating from ACBC; to develop relationships with local Barber establishments, for the purpose of facilitating the transition of graduating students to full time barbers; and to partner with graduates to develop opportunities for college and/or barber shop ownership.
What sets this Program apart
Alamo City Barber College (ACBC) is a proprietary education facility established in San Antonio, Texas in the fall of 2010. ACBC was developed to provide a unique barber college experience "Fit For The Times" to those individuals desirous of entering the barber/hairstyling profession.
The only accredited barber college in San Antonio. Alamo City Barber College is an Accredited Institution, accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. As part of the accreditation process, the college developed and implements operational and financial management policies designed to ensure its programs yield licensed and employable students. Its policies were diligently audited by an Accreditation Team against the standards set forth by the Council on Occupational Education. The result of the audit was being granted Accreditation in June of 2013, making it the only Accredited Barber College in the San Antonio metropolitan area.
Built around the barbershop. While developing the college, its founders executed a marketing strategy that visited approximately 250 Barber Shops between San Antonio and Austin, and developed a list of 200 prospective students communicating their interest in the Barber Program. The college regularly invites local barber shop and salon owners in to speak with prospective graduates.
The facility. Alamo City Barber College operates in a 9,000 square foot facility equipped with 48 student learning barber stations, a men's and women's restroom, an office and a separate classroom for the purpose of discharging the theoretical application of barbering/hairstyling.
Mission. Our mission at ACBC is to equip all students with the necessary barbering skills to become productive and self-sufficient barbers, barber technicians and/or barber instructors in San Antonio, Texas (or wherever their skill-sets will be deployed).
Admission Requirements and Process
This Admissions Policy is used to define the enrollment requirements for individuals who wish to enroll at Alamo City Barber College as a regular student. Alamo City Barber College must adhere to the U.S. Department of Education, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation-Barbering and Council on Occupational Education guidelines. The college is open to all students without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, origin, sexual orientation, disability or marital status.
Eligibility. To be eligible for a Class A Barber Certificate, an applicant must have completed 1000 hours (6 month minimum) of instruction in barber courses. To enroll in any course 300 hours or greater offered by the school, a student must be at least 18 years of age (age will be verified with the individual's ID), provide 2 letters of recommendation from a non-relative, provide a valid driver's license, state ID with photo, or valid passport, and attend the new student orientation program.
Proof of education. Students must be able to provide proof of appropriate education such as a copy of a high school diploma, or a copy of a high school transcript showing graduation date. The high school diploma or transcript requirement can also be from a foreign school if it is equivalent to a US high school diploma; documentation of completion of secondary education from a foreign country must be officially translated into English and officially certified as the equivalent of high school completion in the United States. Recognized equivalents include a GED certificate, completing a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law, or passing a state-authorized examination such as the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) or the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). Alamo City Barber College does not accept Ability to Benefit students and does not offer a Comprehensive Transition Postsecondary Program.
Background disclosure. The Application process for enrollment into Alamo City Barber College requires each student to disclose any prior convictions of a criminal offense (i.e. felony or misdemeanor) other than for minor traffic violations or outstanding traffic/parking tickets. Depending on the circumstance, a background check may be acquired and used as a basis to enroll you into one of our programs. An adverse action on your background check does not automatically dismiss you as a candidate at Alamo City Barber College.
Drug screening. Students must successfully pass a drug test at a vendor recommended by Alamo City Barber College. Results must be received by Orientation or the student is at risk of not attending until the next scheduled class.
Before classes begin. Prior to admission, the prospective student is given an enrollment requirement form, and an explanation of attendance and academic requirements and how those requirements can affect the student's satisfactory performance. A staff member or instructor will give the prospective student a tour of the school facilities. When all admissions criteria and requirements are met, the prospective student is given the date of the next class and asked to bring 2 (2x2) color photographs. Students are advised of the Dress Code (School Smock, Black Collared Shirt, Black Pants and Black Shoes) and notified of the date and time of the required financial aid and academic orientation, in which students sign their enrollment contract and any additional required paperwork.
Transfer students. A student can transfer from another Barber College and may receive credit for those clock hours upon review of transcripts or other supporting documentation by the College Instructor or designee, including the number of hours posted by the state regulatory body from which the student is transferring. Alamo City Barber College is not obligated to accept all transferable clock hours, nor is any other school obligated to accept hours obtained from Alamo City Barber College.
Accessibility. The school complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and is wheelchair accessible. The school will provide reasonable modifications and/or accommodations for students with disabilities depending on the student's need.
General Requirements
- At least 18 years of ageBe at least 18 years of age; age will be verified with the individual's ID.
- Two letters of recommendationProvide 2 letters of recommendation from a non-relative.
- Photo identificationProvide a valid driver's license, state ID with photo, or valid passport.
- Proof of educationProvide a copy of a high school diploma, a high school transcript showing graduation date, or a recognized equivalent such as a GED certificate.
- New student orientationAttend the new student orientation program, where students sign their enrollment contract and any additional required paperwork.
- Drug testSuccessfully pass a drug test at a vendor recommended by Alamo City Barber College; the cost is included in your tuition.
Application Process
- 1Tour the facilityA staff member or instructor will give the prospective student a tour of the school facilities.
- 2Complete the Enrollment ApplicationEvery field on the Enrollment Application should be completed. If a circumstance does not apply, please type Not Applicable.
- 3Complete the FAFSAComplete a Free Application For Federal Student Aid using school code 042319, then supply it to Alamo City Barber College by fax, by email or in person.FAFSA Code for San Antonio: 042319FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- 4Pass the drug screeningAcquire an Authorization Form from Alamo City Barber College and take the required Pre-Enrollment Drug Screening Test at a vendor recommended by the college.
- 5Sign the Enrollment AgreementVisit the facility to complete the Enrollment Agreement with Admissions Personnel, bringing 2 letters of recommendation, 2 passport size photos, a copy of a valid ID and proof of education. Once all documentation is acquired, the college will advise you of your expected start date.
Program Schedule
Full time or part time. Full-time students are scheduled to attend 35 clock hours weekly and part-time students are scheduled to attend 22 clock hours weekly. At 35 hours a week the program takes a minimum of 29 weeks (7 months) and a maximum of 43 weeks (11 months); at 22 hours a week, a minimum of 45 weeks (11 months) and a maximum of 68 weeks (16 months). The college's program page puts the duration at approximately 7 months.
Theory first. All students participate in a 5 week (Full-Time) and 7 week (Part-Time) Theory "Classroom" instructional process. Theory class for Full-Time classes takes place Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am through 4:00 pm, and Part-Time classes take place Tuesday through Friday from 6:00 pm through 10:00 pm and Saturday from 4:00 pm through 10:00 pm. Each day of Theory allows 30 minutes for the Instructor's discretionary use.
Then the practical floor. The college's Courses page lists 140 theory hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) and 860 practical hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM). After the theory block, the practical hours can be done any time within the hours of operation.
Saturdays are mandatory. Saturdays are mandatory for all Class A Barber students; any student who does not attend on Saturday will be fined $100 and will not be permitted to attend until the following Wednesday.
Academic year. 900 clock hours at 26 weeks (Academic Year 1) and 100 clock hours at 3 weeks (Academic Year 2), at 35 clock hours a week. Formal evaluations for Satisfactory Academic Progress are conducted at 450 and 900 actual clocked hours.
Hours and holidays. The college is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and on Monday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for administrative purposes only. There are no classes on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve/Day and New Year's Eve/Day. When all admissions criteria and requirements are met, the prospective student is given the date of the next class.
Required Courses
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Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited school means its training has been reviewed against independent standards that protect students.
This school: Alamo City Barber College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to offer its barber courses.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition and fees. The related tuition and fees for the Class A Barber Course are as follows.
- Tuition (to include Drug Test): $13,810.00
- Kit Cost (to include Smocks, Books, etc.): $2,078.68
- Total: $15,888.68
Absences. A student is allowed to miss 10% of the program (100 hours), after which time they are charged an hourly rate of $15.00 per hour for each absent hour beginning at 101 hours. A $20.00 administration fee is assessed for each time-clock adjustment.
Payment plans. Tuition costs at Alamo City Barber College may be paid in full when registering or paid in monthly installments by cash, cashier's check or money order, made payable to Alamo City Barber College.
Late payments. Monthly installments shall be made no later than the 3rd day of the month. If payment is not made within the stated period, the student will be precluded from attending class until the payment is made, and a $10.00 late fee will be assessed for each day until payment is made. If payment is not paid before the 10th day of the month, the student will be terminated from the program. The college does not offer any institutional fee waivers or scholarships.
Federal financial aid. Alamo City Barber College is approved as an eligible institution by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in Title IV Grant and Loan programs, and all classes are eligible for Title IV Funding with the exception of the Cosmetology Operator to Class A Barber program.
Grants and loans. Aid offered includes the Federal Pell Grant, a need-based grant that does not have to be repaid, and the Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct PLUS loans made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.
How to apply. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with school code 042319; it takes approximately two weeks for financial aid to be processed by the U.S. Department of Education.
Veterans benefits and other funding. Selected programs of study at Alamo City Barber College are approved by the Texas Veterans Commission for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits using the G.I. Bill. Additional funding may be obtained for eligible candidates through many different programs including the Texas Workforce Commission, the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and Private Scholarship funds; the determinations for these funds are made through the respective organizations. The DARS Vocational Rehabilitation Program can pay as much as $3,800.00 towards tuition and supplies if qualified, and the college is approved to accept Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), which provide up to $4,000 over 2 years.
Net Price Calculator. The college publishes a Net Price Calculator to estimate the cost of attending as a student in the Class A Barber Program.
Cancellation and refunds. A full refund of money paid toward any program will be provided if the student cancels the enrollment agreement not later than midnight of the third day after the date the agreement is signed, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. After the cancellation period, refunds are based on the period of the student's enrollment, computed in clock hours: 10% of tuition is earned in the first week (under 100 scheduled hours), 20% at 100 scheduled hours, 25% at 101-250, 50% at 251-499 and 100% at 500 or more scheduled hours. Students who re-enroll after 181 days are charged the current tuition and a reinstatement fee of $500.00.
Curriculum
How the 1,000 hours are administered. The Barber Student curriculum includes a total of 1000 clock hours consisting of theory and practical application, administered as Basics (150 hours), Practice (750 hours) and Business (100 hours), as listed in the course table below.
Textbooks. The textbooks utilized to administer the curriculum, as approved by TDLR, are included in the toolkit offered to each student: Milady's Standard Professional Barbering, 6th Edition Bundle, with its Student Workbook and Exam Review. Instructors also use Milady teaching guides, procedures DVDs and Barber Board Prep Examinations.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Licensure. The program prepares students to complete the Class A Barber Examination, the written and practical examinations required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and administered by PSI, and so become licensed as a Barber practitioner in the State of Texas with an opportunity to acquire entry-level employment in the profession.
Placement assistance. Alamo City Barber College does not offer an official placement service or guarantee student placement. However, it has an unofficial placement program that allows local barber shop and salon owners to place job openings on its website, in the Barbers "Wanted" Corner. The college also regularly invites local barber shop and salon owners in to speak with prospective graduates, to share their experience of barbershop/salon ownership, to communicate the employment characteristics owners seek in prospective employees, and to provide a networking opportunity for students and local owners to develop employer/employee relationships.
Hiring calls. The college has an on-going relationship with local barbershop and salon owners and regularly receives calls from local establishments communicating their interest in hiring barbers. It documents the name of the shop or salon, contact person, address and phone number in a spreadsheet and provides it to students upon graduating.
Ownership. One of the college's objectives is to partner with graduates to develop opportunities for college and/or barber shop ownership, and another is to develop relationships with local barber establishments for the purpose of facilitating the transition of graduating students to full time barbers.
Published rates. The catalog reports a graduation rate of 60% for the Class A Barber Program for January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, as reported to the Council on Occupational Education. The college's website reports a placement rate of 87% and a licensure rate of 100% for the Class A Barber Program for January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
What to expect as an Alamo City Barber College student
Professional conduct. Professional conduct is the only level of conduct the college expects from its students. A professional does not arrive late. A professional will treat patrons, instructors and fellow students with courtesy and awareness. A professional is constantly taking the time to follow rules of good grooming, hygiene and proper sanitation.
Time clock. Students must record their time in the timekeeping system upon entering the school, leaving for both breaks and lunch, returning from lunch and at the close of the day. Lunch breaks are not mandatory, but students should clock out during lunch and regular breaks.
Theory class. All students must attend Theory class and complete the requisite number of Theory hours for the specialty license sought prior to graduating. Students arriving after the Theory Class has been initiated (signaled by the classroom door being closed) will not be permitted to attend during that time and will not be credited as attending theory.
Dress code. All students must wear a black collared shirt, black pants and closed toe black shoes, with a clean smock issued by Alamo City Barber College, buttoned up at all times. When executing a service on the clinic floor, all students are required to wear their school issued smock. Hoodies are not permitted.
Serving customers. Students are to render barber services equally to all customers, irrespective of any factors. Students are responsible for keeping their working area and tools clean at all times: the station counter top is cleaned and the chair wiped clean of hair and debris after each customer. Students shall not answer or talk on any cell phone on the practical floor. Alamo City Barber College offers haircuts, shaves, facials, manicures and a host of other services.
A shared workplace. All students are expected to participate in cleaning the barber college, including sweeping, taking out the trash, wiping off tables and folding towels. Students will request the assistance of an instructor whenever they are in doubt as to the correct procedure.
Progress. Students are required to attend a minimum of 70% of their educational program, and cannot miss more than 10 consecutive school days. Each student receives a copy of their progress report at the beginning of each month, and is evaluated on their ability to apply the theory of the program in a practical work environment.
Other Programs at San Antonio
Alamo City Barber College in San Antonio, TX also offers this program at 8910 Bandera Road, Suite 209, San Antonio, TX 78250.