Level 2 City & Guilds Certificate in Barbering
The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Barbering at York College is a dynamic and practical course designed for individuals who are passionate about entering the barbering industry.
This qualification provides learners with the essential skills and knowledge required to start a career as a professional barber, covering key techniques such as cutting, styling, and finishing men's hair, as well as client consultation and health and safety practices.
Delivered in our fully equipped, modern salon facilities, the course combines hands-on training with expert guidance from experienced tutors, ensuring students gain both confidence and competence in real-world barbering environments.
This course offers a strong foundation for progression into employment or further study in the field.
Entry requirements
Students must be 19 years of age or over, with a good understanding of the English language. Effective communication skills (both written and verbal) are essential to successfully complete the assessment requirements. All adult learners must have an interview (in person or via MS Teams) with the course tutor prior to commencing this course to assess suitability and gain advice and guidance.
Course units
The City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Barbering includes the following core units.
Follow health and safety in the salon – Learn how to maintain a safe and hygienic working environment for both clients and staff.
Advise and consult with clients – Develop effective communication and consultation skills to understand client needs and expectations.
Shampoo, condition, and treat the hair and scalp – Learn correct techniques for cleansing and treating hair and scalp conditions.
Cut men’s hair – Gain the skills to cut men’s hair using a variety of barbering techniques and tools.
Cut facial hair to shape using basic techniques – Learn how to shape and maintain beards and moustaches using fundamental barbering methods.
Dry and finish men’s hair – Understand how to style and finish hair to achieve the desired look using appropriate tools and products.
For the most accurate and up-to-date list of units specific to York College’s delivery of this qualification, it’s recommended to consult the course tutor as optional units may be available.
Assessments
The assessment methods for the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Barbering at York College include a combination of the following:
Practical Assessments
Learners demonstrate their skills in a real or simulated salon environment.
Practical tasks include cutting, styling, shampooing, and shaving/facial hair trimming on clients or models.
Written Assignments or Projects
Some units require learners to complete written tasks that show understanding of theory, such as health and safety practices, client consultation, and hair science.
Online or Paper-Based Tests
Multiple-choice or short-answer tests assess underpinning knowledge of topics covered in the units.
These are externally set by City and Guilds and usually completed under exam conditions.
Oral Questioning
Tutors may ask verbal questions during or after practical tasks to assess knowledge and understanding.
Portfolio of Evidence
Learners compile a portfolio showcasing completed assessments, observations, and supporting documentation, which must meet City and Guilds standards.
All assessments are internally assessed and externally verified to ensure consistency and quality.
Course fees
£724
Contact our Admissions team if you have any course fee-related questions regarding funding eligibility etc: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Course progression
Progress to other Hairdressing qualifications (Level 2 or *Level 3), which cover advanced cutting and styling techniques, as well as creative and technical skills
*Tutor to advise on an individual basis if this is the correct route for you depending on your existing skills and experience at the time of making progression decisions.
Dates & course durations
8th September 2025, Mondays.
Study methods
The study methods for the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Barbering at York College are designed to provide a balanced mix of theory and hands-on practical experience. They include:
Practical Salon Sessions.
The majority of learning takes place in York College’s professional salon environment, where students develop and refine their barbering techniques on training heads and live clients under the supervision of experienced tutors.
Classroom-Based Learning
Theory lessons support the practical work and cover essential topics such as hair science, health and safety, and client consultation. These sessions may involve group discussions, demonstrations, and workbook activities.
Independent Study
Students are expected to complete assignments, research tasks, and revision outside of scheduled class hours to reinforce their learning and prepare for assessments.
Demonstrations and Tutor-Led Workshops
Tutors provide step-by-step demonstrations of barbering techniques, followed by supervised practice where students replicate the skills.
Client Practice
When possible, students may gain experience by working with real clients in the college salon, helping them to build confidence, speed, and customer service skills.
Portfolio Development
Students compile evidence of their progress and completed assessments in a portfolio, often supported through guidance sessions and reviews with tutors.
This combination of practical training, theoretical study, and real-world application ensures learners are well-prepared for entry-level roles in the barbering industry.
Facilities
York College offers outstanding facilities designed to support and inspire students in the Hair, Beauty, and Media Make-up industries. Our Hair & Beauty department features two large, fully equipped hairdressing salons and four professional-standard beauty therapy salons, providing real-world environments for students to refine their skills. A welcoming commercial salon reception area enhances the professional experience, while three dedicated media make-up workshops offer creative spaces for students to bring their artistry to life using industry-standard tools and products.
Beyond the Hair & Beauty department, all students can enjoy the wider College’s outstanding facilities, including the modern Learning & Research Centre, quiet study hubs, well-equipped computer areas, multi-function printers, and expert support from the on-site helpdesk team—ensuring the perfect environment for both practical learning and academic success.
Additional costs
Students are required to provide their own tools and equipment (information of tool kit requirements will be provided at the time of induction)
As some courses may require additional study from home, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning. You will be made aware of any additional study time at the time of enrolment.
Dress code – suitable black clothing
Career progression
The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Barbering at York College provides a strong foundation for entering the barbering industry and opens up career progression pathways, including:
Employment as a Junior Barber
Students can begin working in a barbershop or salon as a junior barber, gaining real-world experience while continuing to build their skills.
Self-Employment or Freelance Work
With further experience, learners can become self-employed, rent a chair in a salon, or offer mobile barbering services.
Salon Management or Ownership
With additional qualifications and business experience, some may choose to move into salon management or open their own barbering business.
This qualification is a gateway to a wide range of exciting and creative career opportunities in the barbering and wider hair and beauty industry.
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