01
Fundamentals & theory
- History of the tonsorial arts
- Anatomy, hair structure, and disorders
- Sanitation, safety, and infection control
- North Carolina barber law and licensing
The barbering program
1,528 clock hours. The full craft.
A comprehensive study of the tonsorial arts. The program is designed to give you a strong foundation in history, theory, and business while you gain the practical skill a career of leadership in barbering demands.
NC State Board hours
1,528
Full-time
11–12 months
Tuesday – Saturday
8:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Tuesday and Saturday attendance is mandatory.
Part-time
16–18 months
Thursday – Saturday
8:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Full-time vs part-time in Gastonia
| Track | Duration | Days | Class hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 11–12 months | Tuesday – Saturday | 8:45 AM – 1:45 PM |
| Part-time | 16–18 months | Thursday – Saturday | 8:45 AM – 1:45 PM |
Program description
The barbering program is built to prepare you for North Carolina licensure. You will be introduced to creative expression, technical skill, and the human-relations work that turns a haircut into a practice.
Classroom learning sits beside hands-on training in a shop setting, so the hours you bank are hours behind a chair — not only hours in a desk.
What you study
02
Cutting, clipper work & design
- Precision cutting and fading
- Clipper-over-comb and scissor work
- Texture, beard sculpting, and finishing
- Consultation and visual balance
03
Shaving & facial services
- The 14-step shave
- Straight-razor safety and stropping
- Beard and mustache service
- State-board shave preparation
04
Chemical & color services
- Relaxers and texture work
- Bleach, semi, and demi-permanent color
- Product knowledge and chemistry basics
- Guest protection and patch testing
05
The clinic floor
- Supervised guest services
- Timing, chair craft, and hospitality
- Building a professional rhythm
- Mock state-board examinations
06
Business & entrepreneurship
- Client retention and the book
- Retail, branding, and communication
- Financial literacy and wealth habits
- Shop operations and leadership
To sit the board
What completion requires
- 01Score 70 or higher on the exit mock state-board exam.
- 02Pass the 14-step shave.
- 03Complete 1,528 clock hours as required by the NC Board of Barber Examiners.
The NC State Board exam and licensure fee ($170) is paid directly to the Board and is not included in tuition. After forms and payments are complete, graduates receive a Permission to Work Affidavit — you may work under a registered barber while you wait for your exam date.
Program questions
How many hours do you need for barber school in North Carolina?
- North Carolina requires 1,528 clock hours with the NC Board of Barber Examiners before you can sit the licensing exam. Paramount Barber Academy’s program is built to those hours.
How long is barber school at Paramount?
- Full-time students finish in 11–12 months (Tuesday–Saturday, 8:45 AM–1:45 PM). Part-time students finish in 16–18 months (Thursday–Saturday, same hours).
Does tuition include the North Carolina state board exam?
- No. The NC State Board exam and licensure fee is $170, paid directly to the Board. After you complete hours and exit requirements, you receive a Permission to Work Affidavit so you can work under a registered barber while you wait for your exam date.
Last reviewed September 1, 2026
Fall 2026
The inaugural cohort is forming.
Applications are open now. Start yours today, or sit down with us for a private tour.