Currently in the state of North Carolina, under General Statute 86A-24:

“Apprenticeship.

(a)        Before being issued an apprentice license, an applicant must pass an examination conducted by the Board to determine his competence, including his knowledge of barbering, sanitary rules and regulations, and knowledge of diseases of the face, skin and scalp.

(b)        An apprentice license expires on May 31 of each year. Every holder of an apprentice license shall annually renew the apprentice license by the expiration date and pay the required renewal fee. An apprentice license issued under this Chapter is automatically suspended by operation of law after failure to renew the apprentice license by the expiration date. An apprentice whose apprentice license has expired may have the certificate restored immediately upon paying all lapsed renewal fees and the required late fee. The certificate of registration of an apprentice is valid only so long as the apprentice works under the supervision of a registered barber. The registered barber shall remain present on the premises of the barbershop at all times while the apprentice is working. No apprentice shall operate a barbershop.

(c).  On completion of at least one year's apprenticeship, evidenced by affidavit of the supervising registered licensed barber or barbers, and upon meeting the other requirements of G.S. 86A-3, the apprentice shall be issued a license as a registered barber, pursuant to G.S. 86A-10. No registered apprentice may practice for a period exceeding three years without retaking and passing the required examination to receive a certificate as a registered apprentice.”

This statute requires an apprentice barber in the State of North Carolina who has finished an educational program/training consisting of state mandated curriculum and 1528 clock hours AND successfully completed a written and practical exam to then find a registered barber to work under, with direct supervision, for one years time. 

The apprentice barber test in North Carolina has a high failure rate (67% of those who attended their test date). If a barber is able to successfully complete an educational program and this rigorous testing, they should be exempt from apprenticeship.

There are only seven states in the US who still have this law, which makes the attainment of a registered barber license difficult. North Carolina being the 5th most burdensome state to become a registered barber.

Currently, cosmetologists are able to open barbershops, display a business name with the word ‘barbershop’ in it, and erect a barber pole without a licensed barber on staff. With the apprenticeship law, newly graduated and licensed apprentice barbers are unable to work at these shops.

This law is archaic, unnecessary, and is creating barriers for individuals attempting to continue the profession of barber. Please join in signing this petition to appeal to the NC Barber Board to advocate for new barbers and easing the transition from school to the shop environment.