Barber School & Barbering Program at Tricoci University

Accredited by NACCAS, preparing you for barber licensure in Illinois.
1,500 hours of hands-on barbering training, including real client services on our student clinic floor.
Graduate job-ready in as little as 10 months full time, with evening schedules and licensure exam prep built in.

AACS Golden School Awards 2022 School Of The Year

AACS Golden School Awards 2023 School Of The Year

USA Today America's Top Vocational Schools 2026

1,500
Training Hours (Illinois)

10-12
Months Full Time

17-20
Months Part Time (Evening)

2
Illinois Campuses Offer Barbering

FAFSA
Title IV Eligible (NACCAS)

Embrace your journey

Tricoci University is a place where passion meets opportunity. Our 1,500-hour barbering program pairs classroom theory with real services on the clinic floor, preparing you to sit for the Illinois barber licensure exam in as little as 10 months full time.

Real Clippers. Real Clients. Real Clinic Floor.

Hands-on work is the core of barber school at Tricoci University. You start on mannequins and partner students, then move to real clients in our supervised student clinic, building speed, consultation skills, and service confidence before you graduate.

You’ll Perform:

Fades & tapers
Clipper cutting & blending
Straight-razor shaves
Beard trims & design
Shear-over-comb work
Line-ups & edge work
Men’s color & camo color
Scalp treatments
Facial hair grooming
Client consultation & retailing

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What does barber school have to offer?

The short answer? A lot. The long answer? Explore our detailed guides on all things barbering below.

Tricoci University offers barbering programs at two campuses in Illinois: Bridgeview and Norwood Park (Chicago NW). We also offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your lifestyle.

Barber teacher training a barber school student at Tricoci

Barber School 101

Dig into the details of barber school, from the type of education you’ll receive to how to balance costs and more.

How Long Is Barber School?

The FAFSA Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know

How to Become a Barber

Other Skills You Gain From a Beauty School Education

Questions to Ask Any Prospective Beauty School

What Will I Learn in Barber School?

Want to dive deep on the classes you’ll take and what the barber school experience is really like? Read these articles for the inside scoop.

Hair Stylist vs. Barber: What’s the Difference?

Learning Textured Hair in Cosmetology School

History Behind the Slayed Edges Hairstyle and How to Pull it Off

Hair Products for Afro Hair

Barber School Curriculum

Student practicing hair cutting techniques

What Can I Do After Barber School?

Life after barber school can be pretty great. Wondering what it might look like for you? Explore our guides on career opportunities for professional barbers.

Graduating Beauty School

Is Barbering a Good Career?

Beauty Career: Barber

Talk to an Advisor

Barber School Near Me: Tricoci University Campuses in Illinois

Barbering runs at two Tricoci University campuses in Illinois. Pick the one closest to you:

Bridgeview, IL

Chicago Southwest suburbs. Serves Burbank, Oak Lawn, Hickory Hills.

Duration

Part Time: 17 months (evening)

Location Details

Norwood Park (Chicago NW), IL

Northwest Chicago, near O’Hare. Also offers the Barber 500 crossover.

Duration

Full Time: 10 months

Location Details

Barber License Requirements in Illinois

Tricoci University’s barbering program is built to Illinois licensure requirements. Illinois requires 1,500 hours of training at an approved barber school before you can sit for the state exam.

Licensing body	Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Training hours	1,500 hours
Exam	Written exam (no practical), administered through Continental Testing Services; pre-graduation exam option at 1,200 hours
Continuing education	None required for barbers
Cosmetologist crossover	Up to 1,000 cosmetology hours may credit toward the 1,500-hour requirement (see Barber 500 below)

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Already a licensed cosmetologist?

Tricoci University’s 500-hour Barber crossover program (offered at the Norwood Park campus) applies your cosmetology training toward the Illinois 1,500-hour barber requirement, so you can add a barber license in a fraction of the time.

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How to Become a Licensed Barber in Illinois

Enroll in an approved barber school

Choose a program accredited by NACCAS at one of Tricoci University’s Illinois barbering campuses.

Complete 1,500 training hours

Full time at Norwood Park in as little as 10 months, or part-time evenings at Bridgeview in about 17 months.

Pass your state barber exam

Tricoci University builds mock state board prep into the final phase of the program.

Apply for your license and start working

Submit your application to IDFPR and begin your barbering career in Illinois.

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Where a Barber License Can Take You

Most graduates start as licensed barbers building a client book, progressing to senior barber, shop manager, and shop owner. Barbers earn through services, tips, and retail, and demand for licensed barbers continues to grow across the Midwest.

Barbershops

Traditional shops and modern fade shops across Chicagoland and northern Illinois

Salons & grooming lounges

Men’s grooming departments and hybrid salon-barber concepts

Booth rental & suites

Independent chair or studio suite with your own client book

Shop ownership

Open and operate your own barbershop

Education & platform work

Barber instructor (with instructor training), brand educator, competition and platform artist

Tuition, Aid, and How to Pay for Barber School

Tuition for the barber program varies by campus and schedule. Core tuition includes classroom instruction, clinic floor training, your professional barber kit (clippers, shears, and tools), and career support through graduation.

What’s included:

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Direct Loans
Tricoci University scholarships & grants
Interest-free payment plans
Workforce development funding

Barber student practicing line art with a trimmer

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Hear the Journey of Our Students

I had an amazing experience during my time as a student at Tricoci. The staff is caring, supportive, knowledgeable, and very helpful. I know they all genuinely care about what happens to us when we graduate. I loved all the events I was able to participate in, the competitions, and classes. So many opportunities to grow at Tricoci, with amazing mentors I know will always be here to support me and anyone else who wants to grow.

-Lindsay Farberg
Tricoci University Student

This school has definitely changed my life and long time goals. They gave me purpose and a calling I’ve never knew I had. The time I have spent here has been great in so many ways! People come and go but experiences can never be replaced. Cosmetology is for sure not for the weak, you need dedication and patience to devour your fears of messing up or even giving a service that the client might not potentially like. I thank all the students and teachers for their support

– Hi’i Lani Steimel
Tricoci University Student

This school is very enthusiastic and I love the educators here! Especially Ms. Donna🩷 she’s just amazing all around, supportive, helpful, funny, real and all around beautiful! Thank you Ms. Donna, and thank you TUBC for helping me build my career!

– Dezjah Jeffries
Tricoci University Student

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Considering a Different Beauty Career Path?

Barbering isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! At Tricoci University, we offer hands-on programs in nail technology, esthetics, and cosmetology so you can pivot to the beauty specialty that excites you most.

From hair cutting to coloring, styling, and more, cosmetology students at TUBC complete their program salon-ready.

Cosmetology Program

Tricoci University’s cosmetology program features in-depth training and education on the chemistry, techniques, and specialized knowledge you need to become a successful cosmetologist. From hair cutting to coloring, styling, and more, cosmetology students at TUBC compete their program salon-ready.

Our program encompasses hands-on training, dynamic classroom instruction, and practical real-world experience, equipping students for licensure and employment.

Esthetics student practicing skincare techniques at Tricoci

Esthetician Program

Tricoci University offers a comprehensive esthetics program that helps students with a passion for skincare thrive in the beauty industry as knowledgeable and skilled skincare experts.

Our program encompasses hands-on training, dynamic classroom instruction, and practical real-world experience, equipping students for licensure and employment.

Manicuring Program

Our nail technology program prepares students for a successful career in the beauty industry as a nail artist. Students learn the latest techniques in nail care, including manicures, pedicures, nail art, and more. With a focus on hands-on learning and professional development, graduates are equipped to excel in this competitive field.*

*Nail Technology is only available at select TUBC Campuses

Esthetics student taking notes in at Tricoci

Instructor Training

For those who are interested in taking a step back from the salon life to share their love of the industry with others, Tricoci’s teacher training program is a great fit.

Students learn effective teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and how to help foster the next generation of beauty industry professionals.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions we receive about what barber training really looks like and what to expect as an incoming student.

How long is barber school?

In Illinois, barber licensure requires 1,500 hours of training at an approved barber school. At Tricoci University, full-time students at the Norwood Park campus complete the program in as little as 10 months, and part-time evening students at Bridgeview in about 17 months. Both schedules prepare you to sit for the Illinois barber licensure exam upon graduation.

How much does barber school cost?

Tuition for Tricoci University's barber program varies by campus and schedule. Core tuition includes classroom instruction, supervised clinic floor training, your professional barber kit, and career support. Most students qualify for federal financial aid (Pell Grants and Direct Loans are available because the program is accredited by NACCAS and Title IV eligible), Tricoci University scholarships, or interest-free payment plans. For a personalized estimate based on your campus and start date, request information or speak with a Tricoci University financial aid advisor.

What is barber school?

Barber school is a form of trade school where students learn the skills, knowledge, and technical application needed to provide services as a professional barber. Tricoci University's program is accredited by NACCAS and combines classroom theory with supervised hands-on training in cutting, fading, straight-razor shaving, and beard work across all hair types. Completing the 1,500 required hours qualifies you to sit for barber licensure in Illinois.

What do you learn in barber school?

At Tricoci University, barbering training covers four areas: (1) Cutting and Fading (clipper work, fades, tapers, shear-over-comb), (2) Shaving and Beard Work (straight-razor shaves, beard design, facial hair grooming), (3) Hair and Scalp Services (men's color, scalp treatments, styling), and (4) Business and Client Skills (consultation, retailing, sanitation, and state board preparation). Barbering differs from cosmetology, which covers hair, skin, and nails; see our Barber vs. Cosmetology guide for a full comparison.

How do I become a barber?

To become a licensed barber in Illinois: (1) enroll in an approved barber school (Tricoci University is accredited by NACCAS), (2) complete the 1,500 required training hours, (3) pass the Illinois barber exam, and (4) apply for your license through IDFPR. At Tricoci University, full-time students can be exam-ready in as little as 10 months, with mock state board prep built into the final phase of the program.

Can a licensed cosmetologist become a barber?

Yes. Illinois allows barber schools to credit up to 1,000 hours of cosmetology training toward the 1,500-hour barbering requirement. Tricoci University's 500-hour Barber crossover program, offered at the Norwood Park campus, is built on this pathway, letting licensed cosmetologists add a barber license in a fraction of the standard program time.

Read What People Have to Say About Our Barber Program

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