Barbering Course Information

BARBERING COURSE DESCRIPTION

Barbering: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39.5011.00
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 12.0402

THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY OFFERED AT THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS.

The curriculum involves 1500 hours to satisfy South Carolina state requirements. The program includes extensive instruction and practical experience in: men’s cutting, color, texture, men's grooming, customer service, personal appearance and hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail (Take Home) skills, guest record-keeping, and business ethics, sanitation, state laws and regulations, salon-type administration, and job interviewing.

*Graduates are prepared to be entry-level barbers.

This course is taught in English. Textbooks and course materials are only offered in the English Language.

BARBERING COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Hours: 1500 clock hours

The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinic classroom learning experiences.

1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The first 210 hours are devoted to pre-clinical classroom instruction where Future Professionals develop foundational knowledge and practical skills through classroom workshops, demonstrations, theory instruction, and guided practice. Instruction emphasizes design principles, technical procedures, safety and sanitation, professional conduct, and readiness for supervised services. 
2. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: Future Professionals apply classroom learning through supervised practical instruction and guest services. With coaching and guidance from Learning Leaders, they refine technical skills, consultation and communication, guest experience, product recommendations, and professional work habits. Learning continues through mini-classes, feedback, and structured practice.

BARBERING COURSE OUTLINE

1. Core Curriculum: The Core Curriculum introduces the foundational principles and skills of the program through theory instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Future Professionals build essential technical knowledge, safety and sanitation practices, client care, and professional habits. Learning Leaders monitor progress, and learning is evaluated through written, oral, and practical methods, as applicable. Completing Core successfully prepares students for the next phase of their education, including supervised clinic classroom experiences.
2.  Protégé Learning Experience: The Protégé Learning Experience supports the transition from Core into the Adaptive Curriculum and clinic classroom learning. Future Professionals continue guided practice, strengthen service readiness, and prepare to apply their skills in supervised guest experiences.
3. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience:  In the clinic classroom, Future Professionals provide services to guests under Learning Leader supervision. They keep learning and reinforce classroom instruction through coaching, mini-classes, practical worksheets, and progress evaluations. They practice consultations, service planning, technical proficiency, guest communication, sanitation and safety, and professional service habits.
4. Classroom Learning Experience: Classroom education throughout the program includes cutting, coloring, texture, makeup, skin, and nails. Instruction combines theory, demonstrations, and practical application. Additional learning opportunities may address retailing and product knowledge, communication, professional development, motivation, and career readiness, facilitated by appropriate school team members or guest artists.
5. Adaptive Phase: During the Adaptive phase, Future Professionals expand their knowledge through specialty classroom instruction and progressively challenging practical work. They continue developing technical consistency, problem-solving, guest service, confidence, and professionalism, with feedback and assessments supporting their progress.
6. Creative Phase: The Creative phase focuses on refining technical and professional abilities as Future Professionals prepare to enter the industry. They apply artistic judgment, strengthen independence and accountability, and practice the standards of guest experience, teamwork, and professional conduct expected in a salon environment, with continued Learning Leader guidance.

Barbering Course Subjects

The instructional Program meets or exceeds the state requirements.

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.

BARBERING PROGRAM TESTING AND GRADING PROCEDURE

The following tests and grading procedures are used to assess student learning and mastery of course content in the 1500-hour course:

1. Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on each assigned theory exam.
2. Core written and practical skills evaluation: Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on each written exam and each practical skill exam in order to complete the Core program. The exams are an overview of instruction taught during the Core schedule. All Core written and practical skill exams must be passed with a 75% in order to transition to the Clinic Classroom. If students are unable to pass each exam after two attempts, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program and re-enroll in the next available Core class start date.
3. Final exam: This test covers an overview of all related barbering subjects (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.). Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on all final exams.
4. Final exam 2: The written exam covers an overview of all theory instruction, South Carolina state law, and other items covered on the state barbering exam. Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on all final exams.
5. Final Practical exam: The practical covers practical application to help prepare the student to take the state barber practical exam. Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on all final exams.
6. Monthly clinic practical worksheets: Students must complete all monthly clinic practical worksheets.

The following grading scale is used for theory progress:

     A: 90 – 100%     B: 80 – 89%     C: 75 – 79%     Failing: Below 75%

BARBERING INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

The Barbering 1500 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.