Barbering is a Diploma program offered by Central Valley Barber College in Riverbank, CA. The program takes 1,000 clock hours, 30 weeks full time or 50 weeks part time to complete, with a total tuition of $15,000.
Program Overview
Barbering, 1,000 hours. Central Valley Barber College's Barbering program is 1,000 clock hours of practical operations and technical instruction in barbering and hair styling. It covers the art and science of barbering, from hair, skin care and shaving techniques to sound business practices and health and safety, and it prepares students for entry-level barbering jobs and the California barbering licensure exam.
How it is taught. Instruction combines demonstration, lecture, videos and classroom participation with work on the school's clinic floor, using Milady's Standard Barbering and the Board's Act and Regulations. Students complete at least 540 practical operations, including 250 haircuts, 40 shaves, 40 beard trims, 40 facials, 40 scalp manipulations, 20 permanent waves, 20 hair colors, 20 chemical straightening or relaxer services, 50 hairstyles and 20 thermal styling services.
What sets this Program apart
- A 34-chair clinic floor. The school has 34 barber chairs and haircutting stations, 6 mannequin stations and 3 shampoo sinks in about 5,000 square feet.
- Monthly starts. New classes start on the first Monday of each month, with enrollment kept limited to hold a low student-to-instructor ratio.
- Three schedules. Students choose a morning or afternoon full-time shift or a part-time evening shift, Monday through Friday.
- Business training. Students learn resume writing, interviewing, shop ownership, building a clientele, marketing and the tax responsibilities of booth renters, independent contractors and employees.
Admission Requirements and Process
Thank you for considering our school for your educational needs on your path to becoming a licensed barber in the state of California. Central Valley Barber College has a continuous enrollment policy with new classes starting monthly, the first Monday of each month. We are happy to have you visit our school for a tour during business hours, where staff will be pleased to answer all your questions.
General Requirements
- Minimum Age 17Must be 17 years of age or older.
- High School Diploma or GEDProvide a copy of his/her High School Diploma, or GED or their transcript showing high school completion or documentation proving completion of homeschooling at the secondary…
- Government-Issued Photo IDApplicant must provide a valid, government-issued picture ID, such as a California Driver's license, other state issued ID, or Passport.
- Social Security Number or TINProvide their Social Security number or TIN.
- Interview and Personal TourStudents shall schedule an interview and personal tour with Central Valley Barber College prior to enrollment and complete an application and pay an application fee.
- Transfer Student TranscriptsTransfer students shall provide transcripts from prior instructional institution prior to enrollment. Failure to provide the required documentation of previous training prior to…
- Veteran Student TranscriptsVeteran students applying to use Veteran's Education benefits shall provide Central Valley Barber College with all transcripts and proof of prior credit from all post-secondary…
- No Ability-to-Benefit ExamsCentral Valley Barber College does not currently accept ATB exams for enrollment, at this time.
Application Process
- 1Schedule a Tour or Contact AdmissionsSchedule a tour, or contact the school and speak to someone in the Admissions Office, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5pm.
- 2Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)Financial aid is available to those who qualify. If you are interested in applying for financial aid, book an appointment with the Financial Aid office, which can also help you fill out your FAFSA.FAFSA Code for Riverbank: 043055Fill Out the FAFSA
- 3Meet the Admission Policy RequirementsMeet the requirements of the Admission Policy, including providing your diploma or GED, a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number or TIN, and completing an interview and personal tour.
- 4Complete a Student Enrollment ApplicationComplete a Student Enrollment Application, either in advance or at the school at one of your appointments. Contact admissions to get started.
- 5Schedule an Enrollment AppointmentOnce you have completed all of the above items, schedule an Enrollment appointment with staff. New classes start monthly, on the first Monday of each month, and enrollments are first come, first served if space is an issue.
- 6Complete Your Enrollment AgreementPay the non-refundable registration fee and complete the Enrollment Agreement and other required documents in person at your Enrollment Appointment to secure your spot.
- 7Attend OrientationStudent orientation occurs prior to the first day of class. At orientation students will review school procedures and policies with a school staff member.
Program Schedule
Choose a schedule. Full-time students attend 34 hours a week for 30 weeks, either 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a half-hour unpaid lunch and two 15-minute breaks. Part-time students attend 20 hours a week for 50 weeks, 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school is open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
Attendance. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late may be sent home for the day, all students are asked to attend each Friday or get the day off approved in advance, and absences do not extend the contract. A student absent 14 consecutive calendar days is dropped. Hours beyond the contract end date cost $15 each, and a leave of absence of 14 to 180 days can be approved in writing for family medical reasons, jury duty, a death in the family or military service.
Holidays. In 2026 the school closes for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and a winter break from December 24 to January 1.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.
Central Valley Barber College is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and is approved to operate by California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Its Barbering course satisfies Section 7316 of the California Barbering and Cosmetology Act.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Riverbank Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee (non-refundable) | $100 |
| Tuition (1,000 hours) | $15,000 |
| Tools and kit | $1,800 |
| E-books and iPad | $500 |
| Milady CIMA access | $450 |
| California STRF | $0 |
| Total tuition and fees | $17,850 |
Books, kit, iPad and CIMA access are not refundable after the first class session or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. A schedule change costs $25, extra barber jackets are $30, and the state exam ($75) and license ($50) fees are paid to the Board.
Financial aid. Central Valley Barber College participates in Title IV federal student aid, including Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans, and in veterans' education funding; it does not take part in state aid programs. Payment can be made by cash, cashier's check, money order, personal check, federal aid or VA benefits, and a payment plan is available.
Cancellation and refunds. Students can cancel through the first class session or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later, and receive all institutional charges back less the $100 registration fee. After that, students who have completed 60% or less of the scheduled hours receive a pro rata refund of tuition, and there is no refund after 60%. Refunds are made within 45 days, and a $150 termination fee may be charged.
Curriculum
Units of instruction. The 1,000 hours are divided into the units below, and students learn to clean and sanitize tools, schedule clients and take payments, use clippers, trimmers, shears and razors, perform thermal styling, chemical services, scalp treatments and shaves.
Grading and progress. Written and practical work is graded A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%) or F (59% and below), and students keep at least a 70% average. Progress is checked at 450 hours (13 weeks) and 900 hours (26 weeks); students need at least 67% attendance and must finish within 150% of the program. Failed or missed tests can be made up.
Graduation. Students who complete the 1,000 hours, theory and practical operations and pass a practical exam with at least 75% receive a diploma, and a Proof of Training document, needed for the state exam, once their account is paid.
The required courses below are from Central Valley Barber College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Health and Safety | 100 |
| Disinfection and Sanitation | 100 |
| Chemical Hair Services | 200 |
| Hairstyling Services | 300 |
| Shaving and Trimming of the Beard | 200 |
| Acts and Regulations | 50 |
| Business Development and Job Training | 50 |
| Totals | 1,000 |
Required Courses
| Name |
|---|
| Health and Safety |
| Disinfection and Sanitation |
| Chemical Hair Services |
| Hairstyling Services |
| Shaving and Trimming of the Beard |
| Acts and Regulations |
| Business Development and Job Training |
| Totals |
Career Outcomes
California licensure. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licenses applicants who complete a Board-approved course with a Proof of Training, are at least 17, have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent, pass the Board's written and practical exam and pay the $125 initial license fee.
Job placement assistance. The school helps graduates who ask for help find employment, and it trains students in professional image, resume writing, interviewing, running a shop, communication and building a clientele. It does not guarantee a job or any level of income.
What to expect as a Central Valley Barber College student
The Riverbank campus. All instruction happens at 3501 Atchison Street in Riverbank, a space of about 5,000 square feet with 34 barber chairs and stations, 6 mannequin stations, 3 shampoo sinks, a classroom with audio-visual equipment and a library of barbering references. There is never less than one instructor for every 30 students.
Student services. Instructors give academic counseling, and staff can refer students to social service, transportation, drug and alcohol and health agencies and help organize study groups. Students wear all-black attire with a school apron or logo wear; one logo shirt and one barber jacket come with enrollment. The school has no housing.