Opening a Barber School

Barber Schools can be owned by anyone or any corporation.
Barber Schools require a designated operator (manager) with six years of continuous experience as a registered barber.
Only registered barber school instructors may teach students in a barber school. New schools are required to have a barber school instructor. Emergency and temporary instructors are not allowed for a newly registered school.
Obtain an application for barber school registration from the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. If you have questions about the application, please contact the Barber Board office at 651-201-2820.
A barber school is considered a private career school; as such, the school may need to be licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education in addition to being registered with the Board of Barber Examiners. It is important that you contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education when you are planning to open a barber school.
Barber school registrations expire annually on December 31st.
See Minnesota Statute §154.07 and Minnesota Rule §2100.5000 to 2100.6600 for additional details.

Have you found the school location? The Board requires detailed, scale drawings of the school layout and verification that the location is zoned appropriately for a school to operate there.
Each barber school must be conducted and operated in one building or connecting buildings. A barber school may not have a department or branch in a different location.

Application Items to Register a Barber School

Obtain an application for barber school registration from the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners to use as a guide. The application can be printed out or downloaded from here. If you have any questions about the application, please contact the Barber Board office at 651-201-2820.
All businesses in Minnesota are required to register with the Secretary of State. In order to register, you need to choose a business structure: sole proprietorship (individual owner), general partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, Limited Liability Company, or corporation.
Have you decided on what you will name your school? You will also need to register the school name with the Secretary of State's office. Contact the Secretary of State's office at 651-296-2803 or 1-877-551-6767, or www.sos.state.mn.us.
You will need to register for a Minnesota Tax ID number for your business. You can do this at the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
You will also need to register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can do this at IRS.gov.
Once you have the school location and have a plan for the school, you will need to apply for a barber school registration with the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. All barber schools must be registered in Minnesota before opening for business.
Items required for your application include, but may not be limited to:

A List of occupations and residences for the past ten (10) years for applicant or corporate Chief Executive Officer, and school operator if different.
Complete financial statement demonstrating sufficient financial resources to meet the school's financial obligations.
Plan of operation for the school including items (clearly label each item):Scale drawing of the location showing:

Dimensions of the school
Size and location of entrances and exits
Waiting area separate from workstations or classroom
Classroom space of at least 25 square feet per student
Number of barber chairs (workstations) to be installed with a minimum of five feet between barber chairs, measured center to center
One sink or dispensary as required by §2100.8100, subpart 3, for each barber chair (one sink for every two chairs is preferred).
One closed cabinet for clean towels for each barber chair
One closed container for soiled towels for each barber chair
Separate washroom facilities for men and women
At least one hair dryer
One time clock

Plumbing and sewer system, including a statement regarding the availability and intended use of municipal sewer and water supplies (If septic system and well are used, a statement from the local building authority regarding adequacy of the sewer and water systems for proposed school).
Lighting and ventilation must be adequate.
Flooring material must be non-porous.

One desk for each enrolled student
Chart of skin and hair
Chart on blood supply to the face and neck
Chart on muscles of the face, head, and neck
Chart on nerves of the face, head, and neck
Chart on the bones of the face, head, and neck
One black board (or white board) of not less than six by three and one half feet

Copy of brochure for prospective students listing fees, enrollment requirements, termination and refund policies.
Provide copies of all financial aid and student refund policies
Copy of Student Rules and Disciplinary Action forms

Submit completed application with all required documents and attachments at least 10 days prior to a Board meeting.
If the application is received less than 10 days prior to the next Board meeting, it will be reviewed at the following meeting.
Attend the Board meeting and be prepared to answer any questions the Board Members may have regarding your application materials.
The Board may require additional information; if so, the application will be tabled and reviewed at a subsequent meeting once all additional information is collected.
Once all required information and documentation is received and reviewed, the Board will vote to approve or deny the application.
- If the application is approved, the school will require an inspection by the Board's inspector prior to opening to verify all items are provided as indicated in the application.
- If the application is denied, the applicant may request an administrative hearing which will be conducted in accordance with Minnesota Statute Chapter 14.