Certificate III in Barbering

You will develop traditional barbering techniques and specialist urban barbering skills.

Learning from industry experts, you will also learn how to consult clients and promote products and services.

The course equips you with practical skills in:

designing and styling men’s hair, including fades hair and scalp treatment techniques relaxing and straightening hair men’s grooming foundation cutting, combination mens’ cutting, scissor and clippering techniques head and face shaving.

To be awarded SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering qualification, a student must successfully complete a total of twenty-six (26) units of competency, comprising of:

• twenty-one (21) core units;
• five (5) elective units, of which:
• three (3) units must be selected from the electives listed in the SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering qualification;
• two (2) units may be selected from the electives listed in the SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering qualification, elsewhere in the SHB Training Package, or any other current training package or accredited course.

The selection of electives must be guided by the job outcome sought, local industry requirements and the complexity of skills appropriate to the AQF level of this qualification. All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome and with the Polytechnic approval.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• BSBSUS201 - Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
• SHBHBAS001 - Provide shampoo and basin services
• SHBHCUT001 - Design haircut structures
• SHBHCUT002 - Create one length or solid haircut structures
• SHBHCUT003 - Create graduated haircut structures
• SHBHCUT004 - Create layered haircut structures
• SHBHCUT005 - Cut hair using over-comb techniques
• SHBHCUT007 - Create combined traditional and classic men’s haircut structures
• SHBHCUT009 - Cut hair using freehand clipper techniques
• SHBHCUT011 - Design and maintain beards and moustaches
• SHBHCUT012 - Shave heads and faces
• SHBHCUT013 - Provide men’s general grooming services
• SHBHDES001 - Dry hair to shape
• SHBHIND001 - Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas
• SHBHIND003 - Develop and expand a client base
• SHBHTRI001 - Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions
• SHBXCCS001 - Conduct salon financial transactions
• SHBXCCS002 - Provide salon services to clients
• SHBXIND001 - Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
• SHBXIND002 - Communicate as part of a salon team
• SHBXWHS001 - Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices

ELECTIVE UNITS

• SHBHBAS002 - Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation
• SHBHCUT006 - Create combined haircut structures
• SHBHCUT010 - Create haircuts using tracks and carving
• SHBHREF002 - Straighten and relax hair with chemical treatments
• SHBXCCS004 - Recommend products and services

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of barbers who use a range of well-developed sales, consultation and technical skills and knowledge to provide a broad range of barbering services to clients. They use discretion and judgement to provide client services and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work. This qualification provides a pathway to work as a barber in any industry environment, usually a barber shop or salon.