Barber Apprenticeship
DOL RegisteredDOL Registered Apprenticeship in barbering. Complete 2,000 hours of training (1,500 OJT + 500 RTI) to earn your Indiana Barber License.
New Program — Now Enrolling
This is a new DOL Registered Apprenticeship program currently rolling out in the Indianapolis metro area. We are actively seeking licensed barbershops to partner as host training sites. Apprentice spots are limited — there is a waiting list. Sign up below to reserve your place or apply as a partner barbershop.
Career Pathway
Start as a Barber Apprentice — a paid W-2 employee at your host shop — while you train under a licensed barber. After completing 2,000 hours and passing the Indiana state exam, you become a Licensed Barber ($30,000–$45,000). With 3–5 years of experience and an established clientele, you advance to Senior Barber ($45,000–$65,000). Many graduates go on to open their own shop as a Shop Owner / Master Barber ($65,000–$100,000+).
Measurable Outcomes
By program completion, apprentices perform six standard haircut styles — fade, taper, buzz, scissor-over-comb, flat top, and shape-up — to client satisfaction. You will execute straight razor shaves following Indiana sanitation protocols, identify and treat common scalp conditions, and demonstrate proper disinfection procedures per Indiana Board standards. Each apprentice completes 2,000 apprenticeship hours total — 1,500 hours of on-the-job training at a licensed shop and 500 hours of related technical instruction (Elevate LMS) — builds a client portfolio of 50+ documented services, and passes the Indiana Barber License written and practical exams.
Credentials Earned
Indiana Barber License
Issued by Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
State license required to practice barbering in Indiana. Earned after completing 2,000 apprenticeship hours and passing the state exam.
Valid: Renewable every 4 years
DOL Registered Apprenticeship Certificate
Issued by U.S. Department of Labor
National credential recognizing completion of a registered apprenticeship program. Portable across all 50 states.
Valid: Lifetime
Barbershop Business Management Certificate
Issued by Elevate for Humanity
Business fundamentals for barbers: client management, booking systems, pricing strategy, and shop operations.
Ready to Start?
Choose the right path for where you are in the process.
Inquiry Application
Not sure if this program is right for you? Submit an inquiry and a career advisor will contact you to discuss eligibility, funding options, and next steps. No commitment required. Use the inquiry form →
Submit InquiryEnrollment Application
Ready to enroll? Complete the full application to begin the admissions process. Includes funding eligibility check, background information, and program agreement. BNPL payment plans available.
Apply to EnrollTuition & Payment Options
Total tuition: $4,980. Small down payment, small weekly payments — you pick.
Self-pay program. Payment plans and BNPL financing available — pick what works for you.
Payment Plan
from $600 down
You choose your down payment
Remainder split over 29 weekly payments
Choose My Plan →Buy Now, Pay Later
Choose your provider at checkout
Subject to provider approval
Payment plans start at $600 down. BNPL financing available through Affirm, Sezzle — subject to provider approval.
Own a Barbershop?
Become a partner training site and host apprentices in your shop. We handle the paperwork — you train the next generation.
- Get pre-screened, motivated apprentices
- Zero administrative burden — we handle compliance
- First pick to hire graduates
- Recognition as an approved training site
Quick Application Checklist
Eligibility & Enrollment
Eligibility Requirements
Self-Pay Enrollment Option
If you do not qualify for funding, you can enroll directly. Paid applicants are reviewed and approved before onboarding begins.
Payment Options
Payment Plan: Start with a $600 down payment, then pay the remaining balance in small weekly installments over 29 weeks. No interest.
Pay in Full: Pay the full $4,980 upfront.
BNPL Financing: Split your tuition into installments through Affirm, Sezzle. Select your preferred provider at checkout.
How to Enroll
Complete Intake
Submit the funding and eligibility intake form online. Answer questions about your background, work history, and payment preferences. No documents needed at this stage.
Get Matched
Our team pairs you with a licensed barber instructor at a partner barbershop near you. Meet your instructor, tour the shop, and agree on a training schedule and employment model.
Earn While You Learn
Complete 2,000 apprenticeship hours total — 1,500 OJT hours at your host shop and 500 RTI hours via Elevate LMS online coursework. You are a W-2 employee of your host shop throughout the apprenticeship — compensation is set by your employer and must meet or exceed applicable minimum wage laws.
Get Licensed
After completing all required hours and coursework, sit for the Indiana State Board barber exam. We provide exam prep materials and practice tests. Pass and receive your Indiana barber license.
This is a self-pay program. Tuition is $4,980 with flexible payment options — pay in full, use a payment plan starting at $600 down, or finance through a BNPL provider. The program is structured to meet workforce training standards (RTI + OJT, mapped competencies, documented progress) and may be eligible for employer-sponsored or workforce funding on a case-by-case basis. Enrollment is contingent upon eligibility and employer participation.
Join the Waitlist
We are finalizing barbershop placement sites now. Submit your application to secure your spot — we will contact you as soon as placements are confirmed.
Pay in full, use a payment plan, or apply for Buy Now Pay Later with Affirm, Sezzle.
Career Outcomes
Compensation is determined by each participating shop and must comply with applicable wage requirements. Elevate tracks training progress and hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the program cost?
How long is the program?
Do I need my own barbershop?
What license do I earn?
Join the Waiting List
Apprentice spots are limited and fill quickly. Join the waiting list to be notified when the next cohort opens. Barbershop owners can also sign up to be considered as a host training site.
Admission Requirements
- • 16 years or older (Indiana minimum for barber apprentice)
- • High school diploma or GED (or actively pursuing)
- • Must be paired with a licensed host barbershop
- • No prior barbering experience required
What's Included
- • 900 hours of training (52 weeks)
- • Starter barber tool kit
- • Indiana Barber License exam fee
- • LMS access for full program duration
- • Career placement and shop matching
Employer Partners
- • Partner barbershops in Indianapolis (host shops)
- • Indiana Barber Association
Bilingual (English/Spanish) instruction available.
Modality: Hybrid — Related Technical Instruction online via LMS, On-the-Job Training at licensed host barbershop
Facility: Host barbershops across Indianapolis metro area
Equipment: Starter tool kit (clippers, shears, combs, cape), training materials, and license exam fees included
Tuition: $4,980. Payment plans available.