Barbering is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by Barber Tech Academy in Columbia, SC. The program takes 1,500 clock hours, 50 weeks full time or 75 weeks part time to complete, with a total tuition of $18,500.
Program Overview
Barbering, 1,500 hours. Barber Tech Academy's Barbering program is a full course of theory and practical, hands-on instruction in the barbering arts and sciences. It prepares students for the South Carolina licensing examinations and entry-level work as registered barbers, and it runs at both the Orangeburg and Columbia campuses.
Men's and women's styles. The academy describes it as a master barber program covering men's and women's styles, from natural styles and traditional razor shaves to color and chemical services. The curriculum focuses on current trends as well as classic styles.
The goal. The program aims to give students the skills to find work in the hair care industry, with opportunities for personal growth, entrepreneurship and community service. The academy's vision is to develop entrepreneurs, create industry professionals and promote interactive learning.
What sets this Program apart
- Levels of instruction. Students progress from Foundations, with no live models, to Intermediate and Advanced levels working on live models.
- Color and chemical services. The master hair care curriculum gives 150 hours to haircoloring and lightening and 95 hours to chemical texture services, alongside 300 hours each of men's and women's cutting.
- Hybrid theory. Distance-education coursework through the academy's learning management system supports the on-campus theory and clinic training.
- Two campuses. The same program runs at the Orangeburg main campus and the Columbia campus.
Admission Requirements and Process
Admission requirements. Applicants need a high school diploma, a GED or its equivalent, and the academy does not accept ability-to-benefit students. A foreign diploma must be translated into English and confirmed by an outside agency as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens and show a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card, confirming they are at least 16.
The application package. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. A complete package includes the Barber Tech Academy application, a copy of the diploma or GED, letters of recommendation, the photo ID and financial aid forms for students who qualify. The website's admissions checklist also lists the South Carolina State Board permit application, a Social Security card, four wallet-size head-and-shoulders photos and TB test or chest x-ray results.
Transfer students. Hours from another school are evaluated, and full credit is given when the student can perform the same skills and has the knowledge of Barber Tech students with a similar number of hours. Transfer students pay $12 for each clock hour they still need.
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.
Barber Tech Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). The Orangeburg main campus is accredited, and the Columbia campus holds NACCAS additional location accreditation. Barber schools in South Carolina are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
General Requirements
- High school completionA high school diploma, GED or equivalent; ability-to-benefit students are not accepted.
- CitizenshipU.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status.
- Photo IDA valid driver's license or state ID card showing the applicant is at least 16.
- RecommendationsLetters of recommendation with the application package.
Application Process
- 1Request informationFill out the contact form on Barber Tech Academy's program or admissions page.
- 2ApplyComplete the academy's online Student Application and gather the application package documents.Apply Now
- 3InterviewMeet with the admissions office for a pre-enrollment interview, then with financial aid.
- 4Orientation and permitAttend new student orientation and apply for your South Carolina student barber permit.
- 5Start classSign your enrollment agreement and begin, usually on a Tuesday.
Program Schedule
Full time or part time. Full-time students attend 30 hours a week and finish in about 50 weeks: theory Tuesday through Thursday from 9:10 to 10:50 a.m., practical training Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Part-time students attend 20 hours a week and finish in about 75 weeks, with theory Tuesday through Thursday and shorter practical sessions. Theory classes meet for 1 hour 40 minutes a day, and Friday and Saturday are dedicated to practice and clinic work.
Starting and holidays. The academy enrolls on a continuous basis, and classes usually begin on Tuesdays. Both campuses are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In 2026 the academy closes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a spring break April 7 to 11, Memorial Day, July 3 and 4, Labor Day, a Thanksgiving break November 25 to 28, and a winter break from December 24 to January 4, 2027, and contracts are extended for any other closings such as bad weather.
Attendance. Students clock in and out on the time clock and must keep at least 67% cumulative attendance to stay on track to finish within the maximum time frame. More than three late arrivals in a month is considered excessive, and the academy may ask for documentation for any tardy, absence or early departure. A leave of absence can be approved for reasons such as medical needs, military service or financial or family hardship when requested in writing.
Curriculum
Three levels. Instruction moves through Level 1, Foundations; Level 2, Intermediate; and Level 3, Advanced. Foundations students do not work on live models, and students train on live models in the later levels. Teaching methods include lecture, demonstrations, mannequin work, peer-to-peer practice, guest speakers, textbooks and servicing clients, and the required text is Milady's Standard Barbering, 7th edition.
Hybrid delivery. The program is delivered in a hybrid format: classroom lectures, practical demonstrations and supervised clinic practice on campus, with distance-education components in the academy's learning management system. Distance education is never used for practical work on live models, an instructor assesses distance-education work on campus at least once a month, and the final academic and practical exams are given on campus. Students using VA education benefits must complete the whole program on campus.
Grading and progress. Students keep a cumulative grade average of at least 70% and attend at least 67% of scheduled hours, checked at 450 hours and 15 weeks, 900 hours and 30 weeks, and 1,200 hours and 40 weeks. At least two comprehensive practical skills evaluations are held during the course, and the program must be finished within 150% of its length: 75 weeks full time or 112.5 weeks part time.
Graduation. Graduates complete all 1,500 clock hours and all theory and practical work with at least a 70% average, and settle any balance with the academy. They then receive a diploma.
Required Courses
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| History of Barbering | 10 |
| Life Skills | 10 |
| Professional Image | 20 |
| Professional Ethics | 20 |
| Infection Control: Principles and Practices | 80 |
| Implements, Tools and Equipment | 20 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 20 |
| Basics of Chemistry, pH and Product Knowledge | 80 |
| Basics of Electricity, Electrotherapy and Light Therapy | 10 |
| Properties and Disorders of the Skin, Scalp and Hair | 70 |
| Treatment of the Hair and Scalp | 80 |
| Facial Massage Manipulations and Treatments | 25 |
| Shaving and Facial Hair Design | 60 |
| Men's Haircutting and Styling | 300 |
| Hair Replacement Systems | 10 |
| Women's Haircutting and Styling | 300 |
| Chemical Texture Services | 95 |
| Haircoloring and Lightening | 150 |
| Barbershop Management | 40 |
| Retailing | 40 |
| State Board Preparation, Licensing Laws and Regulations | 60 |
| Totals | 1,500 |
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (1,500 hours) | $18,500 |
| Books (non-refundable) | $265 |
| Kit (non-refundable) | $1,250 |
| Uniform (non-refundable) | $500 |
| Lab fee | $500 |
| Technology fee | $300 |
| SC student barber permit (non-refundable) | $35 |
| Registration fee (non-refundable) | $100 |
| Testing fees | $220 |
| Total | $21,670 |
Charged by payment period. Charges are split across four payment periods: $6,501.15 for the first 450 hours, $6,501.15 for hours 451 to 900, $4,333.85 for hours 901 to 1,200 and $4,333.85 for hours 1,201 to 1,500, totalling $21,670. Students can pay in full when they sign the enrollment agreement by certified check, money order or credit card. Students receive their kit after completing 275 clock hours.
Financial aid. The academy is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal student aid to students who qualify through the FAFSA, and it follows the VA rules for students using Chapter 31 or 33 benefits.
Cancellation and refunds. An applicant who is not accepted, or who cancels in writing within three business days of signing the enrollment agreement, gets back all money paid. Cancelling after that but before classes start refunds everything except the $100 registration fee. After classes begin, the academy keeps a share of tuition based on the scheduled hours: 20% up to 4.9% of the program, 30% to 9.9%, 40% to 14.9%, 45% to 24.9%, 70% to 49.9%, and all of it from 50% on. Refunds are paid within 45 days, and the books, kit, uniform, permit and registration fee are not refundable.
Career Outcomes
Licensure. The program prepares students for the South Carolina barber licensing examinations and entry-level work as a registered barber in South Carolina. Students must receive a student permit from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation before they begin classes.
Careers. The catalog lists careers as a barber, master hair care specialist, barbershop manager or owner, state board member and barber instructor.
Career services. The academy posts area job openings for students and graduates, arranges interviews and helps with job searches, resumes, interview preparation, branding and marketing. It does not guarantee employment or salary.
What to expect as a Barber Tech Academy student
Orangeburg. The main campus is in downtown Orangeburg at 1650 Russell Street, with more than 4,000 square feet of classrooms, administrative offices and a clinic area with modern barber stations for practical learning.
Columbia. The additional campus at 421 Bush River Road, Unit 98, has more than 5,400 square feet with the same mix of classrooms, offices and a clinic area with barber stations.
Student support. Students get academic advising throughout the program and a library of barbering, hair styling and related books and periodicals during class hours. The academy does not provide housing, transportation or childcare.
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.
Barber Tech Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). The Orangeburg main campus is accredited, and the Columbia campus holds NACCAS additional location accreditation. Barber schools in South Carolina are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide