Barber Certificate

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Train with our experienced, professional instructors in a program that combines hands-on skills and technical knowledge. We offer small class sizes and a comfortable learning environment. Our program is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship Industry Training, and upon successful completion, you’ll be able to work in the industry.

This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is 0111010246767.

Please Note:  This program is not eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).

Career Potential
As a recognized program by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), the barbering program will prepare you to write your theory and practical provincial exams upon successfully completion.

As a certified barber, you can work hours that meet your lifestyle, part-time or full-time, in a well-paid job. Whether you decide to continue working in an established salon or start a home based business, this is truly a flexible, high demand occupation.

Credentials
Certificate

Admission Requirements

English Language Arts 10-2
Math 10-3

Students who do not meet the admission requirements contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process.

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

Transferability N/A

Program Start/End Date
August 25, 2025 to December 19, 2025

Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 18, 2025
International Student: June 30, 2024 (Applications will be considered if you can obtain a study permit and all the relevant documents before July 15, 2024)

Delivery
Onsite

Location
Lac La Biche Campus

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $4,991.31
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $5,571.79

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)

If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $14,973.93
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Guard Me Insurance $602.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $16,156.66

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,156.66

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

About the Program

The program consists of 16-weeks of lectures and training. Key areas focus on haircutting, face shaving, texturizing, design, and service industry standards. An important component of the program is establishing and maintaining effective client relations.

After graduation, you will need to complete work experience under a journeyman as required by AlT.

Our Hairstyling Salon offers a very friendly, engaging and supportive environment for our students to build on their practical and interpersonal skills. Book your appointment today!

Fundamental skills you will learn.

  • Haircutting
  • Face Shaving: Hot Shaves, Beard and Facial Treatments
  • Texturizing and Design
  • Salon Operations: Client relations, Sales and Marketing

Barbering Course Listing

This is the beginning of your hairstyling journey. This course covers a wide range of topics to get you started. You will begin by learning safe work practices and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety Standards, infection control and hygiene. You will also study anatomy and physiology of the human body.
Hours: 42
Credits: 3

In this course, students will learn to appropriately perform shampoo and hair treatments in a salon setting. They will also learn about selected types of shampoos and conditioners, and their application in the treatment of hair and scalp conditions. Brushing and massaging techniques will also be developed. In this course students will learn about hair structure, chemistry and growth and the hair analysis process. They will also study mechanical, environmental, chemical and thermal damage of hair and be able to describe and treat hair and scalp disorders.
Hours: 35
Credits: 1

In this course students will learn how to gather client information, keep accurate client records and use this data to ensure predictable results for all services. They will develop communication skills required in the hairstyling industry and learn to recommend and prescribe professional hair care products for client's home use. Salon operations, marketing products and services will also be covered. In this course, students will learn to appropriately drape clients for services use, care and maintenance of tools will be included.
Hours: 49
Credits: 2

In this course you will learn to describe and perform the basic types of haircuts using multiple cutting and texturizing techniques. Trim and remove facial and nape hair. You will be able to perform appropriate hair styling techniques after haircuts.
Hours: 224
Credits: 8

The entirety of this course takes place in our state of the art salon. This courses focuses on applied skills acquired throughout the program in a live salon setting. The course includes daily course evaluations, practical and written exam, and prepares the student for their Provincial exam, and Apprenticeship.
Hours: 175
Credits: 4

Students will discuss hazardous materials used in the workplace and how to find the information needed to work safely with hazardous materials. Understanding the classification of hazard symbols are covered.
Hours: 6