Licensed Cosmetologist
You already know the fundamentals. The refresher sharpens your barbering-specific skills and preps you for the New York barber exam.
Programs / 50-Hour Refresher
Already Licensed? Add a NY Master Barber Credential in About Two Weeks
If you already hold a cosmetology or hairdressing license — or you're a barber apprentice — you don't have to start from zero. The 50-hour refresher sharpens the barbering-specific skills New York tests and gets you exam-ready for the Master Barber license in roughly two weeks, at our Manhattan campus.
NYS-Licensed 50 Hours ~2 Weeks Manhattan Campus Job-Placement Help
The Program at a Glance
The Fast Track, in Four Numbers
The refresher is built for people who already have hair experience on paper — here's the shape of it.
50
Hours of focused, barber-specific training
2
Weeks, delivered as 10 five-hour days
1
New cohort starts the first Monday of every month
$1,500
Total tuition, including $100 registration
Is This You?
Three Backgrounds That Qualify
If any of these describes you, the refresher — not the full 500 hours — is likely your route. It is not for complete beginners: with no prior license, you need the full 500-hour route instead.
Hairdresser
Add the Master Barber credential to widen who you can serve, where you can work, and what you can charge.
Barber Apprentice
Convert your hands-on apprentice time into a state-recognized license by finishing exam-ready in about two weeks.
What You'll Sharpen
A Tune-Up, Not a Rebuild
The hours go straight to the specific techniques and exam knowledge the New York State Board tests — practiced with real clients, not mannequins. You already have the foundation; this is about barbering precision and board readiness.
Fades & Tapers
Barber-grade fading and tapering technique.
Straight-Razor Shaves
Wet shaving and razor lineup precision.
Scissor Over Comb
Classical haircutting control and finish.
NYS Exam Prep
Practical and written State Board readiness.
On completion you receive a 50-Hour Barber Refresher certificate, and graduates get job-placement assistance. Explore where the credential can take you.
The Cost
$1,500, Split in Two
Two session times, same price. Tuition is $1,500 including the $100 registration fee, paid in two installments. Tools and supplies are purchased before classes start — you get the list up front.
Morning Session
Monday–Friday · Morning
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
$1,500
- $750 at registration
- $750 at the start of week two
- 5 hours of instruction per day
- Includes $100 registration fee
Afternoon Session
Monday–Friday · Afternoon
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
$1,500
- $750 at registration
- $750 at the start of week two
- 5 hours of instruction per day
- Includes $100 registration fee
Offered at the Manhattan campus: 48 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018. New classes begin the first Monday of each month — next start soon.
Why It's Worth It
“You've already done the hard part — you're licensed. Two weeks and a Master Barber credential can widen every door your current license already opened.”
Adding a barber license lets you serve more clients, work in more shops, and charge for barber-specific services like fades, lineups and straight-razor shaves. For licensed professionals, the refresher is the fastest, lowest-cost way to expand your book. See the career paths this opens or start with why barbering.
Paying for It
Ways to Cover the Refresher
The refresher is split into two installments to keep it manageable — and depending on your situation, other funding may apply.
Two-Payment Plan
$750 at registration and $750 at the start of week two — no lump sum. See the tuition & funding page.
Veterans & GI Bill®
Eligible veterans may apply GI Bill® benefits toward barber training. Start on the veterans page.
ACCES-VR
New Yorkers with a documented disability may qualify for funding toward tuition and tools. See the ACCES-VR page.
Common Questions
The Refresher Route, Answered
Do I still have to take the state exam after the refresher?
Yes. The refresher gets you exam-ready; you then sit for the New York State Board barber exam. Passing it earns your Master Barber license. Our exam guide covers what to expect.
I'm a complete beginner — can I take the 50-hour course?
No. The refresher assumes existing licensure or apprentice experience. Beginners need the 500-hour program, which is built from the ground up.
Is the refresher available at every location?
It's offered at the Manhattan campus only (48 West 39th Street). The full 500-hour route is available more widely, including our Bronx campus.
How is the $1,500 paid?
In two installments: $750 at registration and $750 at the start of week two. The total includes the $100 registration fee. Tools and supplies are purchased separately before classes start.
How long does the refresher take?
About two weeks — 50 hours delivered as 10 five-hour days, five days a week. New cohorts start the first Monday of each month.
Your Next Step
Turn Your License Into a Master Barber Credential
Two weeks stands between your current license and a New York Master Barber license. New cohorts begin the first Monday of every month — next start soon.