National code: SHB30516

Certificate III in Barbering

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Become a qualified barber and join the thriving men’s grooming industry. Whether you’re looking to work on your carving skills or an apprentice learning on-the-job, you’ll fine-tune your practice in our industry-standard barbershops and salons.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Fade, carve and cut hair

  • Design and maintain beards and moustaches

  • Shave heads and faces

  • Implement freehand clipper techniques

  • Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Experience to provide barbering services to clients in industry-standard barbershops or salons

  • A trade qualification (for those studying as an apprentice)

  • The opportunity to apply for your Certificate of Proficiency

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

Apprenticeship

  • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

  • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

Non-apprenticeship

  • Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification

  • Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers

  • Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Manual dexterity

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Strong teamwork skills

  • The ability to work with a diverse range of clients

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: Qualified barber, Freelance session stylist, Creative/artistic director, Technical or sales advisor, Business owner/operator, Franchise owner/operator and Screen media entertainment

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Barbering does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Barbering qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 26 units of competency, including 21 core and 5 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices BSBSUS201

  • Provide shampoo and basin services SHBHBAS001

  • Design haircut structures SHBHCUT001

  • Create one length or solid haircut structures SHBHCUT002

  • ... 6

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.