Curriculum
What You'll Learn — Week by Week
Our 540-hour curriculum is divided into five phases, each building on the last. From foundational bootcamp to licensing prep, every hour is designed to get you career-ready.
Phase 1: Foundation Bootcamp
Weeks 1–4
- Sanitation, infection control & blood exposure protocols
- Tool identification, maintenance & safety
- Basic clipper cuts & guard systems
- Sectioning, parting & comb control
- Shampooing, scalp care & draping
- Introduction to NY State barbering law
- Professional behavior, shop etiquette & communication
Phase 2: Core Technical Skills
Weeks 5–10
- Skin fades, bald fades & taper fades
- Beard shaping, line-ups & edge work
- Shear-over-comb & clipper-over-comb techniques
- Razor work & hot towel shaving
- Textured cutting & wave maintenance
- Diverse hair type grooming
- Face-shape analysis & client consultation
- Service timing & workflow efficiency
Phase 3: Advanced Techniques & Client Experience
Weeks 11–14
- Advanced fading & blending techniques
- Design work & creative styling
- Photo-ready finishing & presentation
- Client retention & rebooking strategies
- Building a personal portfolio
- Social media for barbers
- Live client services under supervision
Phase 4: Business & Career Readiness
Weeks 15–17
- Pricing strategies & appointment management
- Personal branding & marketing basics
- Booth rental vs. commission — understanding your options
- Résumé building & interview preparation
- Customer service & professional communication
- Shop operations, inventory & retail management
- Financial literacy for barbers
Phase 5: Licensing Prep & Graduation
Week 18
- NY State board exam preparation
- Written exam review & practice tests
- Practical exam simulations
- Final skills assessment
- Clock hour documentation & transcript review
- Graduation & certificate of completion
Practical Skills in Action
The curriculum is built around the work students will actually perform — fades, beard work, clipper control, and polished finishing.
Ready to learn more about the full program experience?
What You Earn
- School-issued Certificate of Completion
- Clock hour documentation & practical requirement records
- Official transcript supporting NY State barber licensing
- Internal skill certificates (sanitation, infection control, client consultation, haircutting, shaving safety, professionalism, customer service, business readiness)
Want to See the Full Program in Action?
Schedule a tour or request more information about the Master Barber Track.
Licensing Disclosure: Empire Barber & Beauty Training Center is currently completing the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) licensing process. Enrollment is not open until all required state approvals are obtained. All tuition, schedule, and program details are subject to change pending final BPSS approval. Required disclosures, enrollment documents, and refund policies will be provided in writing before any enrollment agreement is signed.