
RAPIDS-Registered Apprenticeship Rubric
Barber Apprenticeship Competency Rubric
Barber Apprenticeship — Competency Rubric
Elevate for Humanity | RAPIDS ID: 2025-IN-132301
Occupation: Barber (330.371-010) | Total: 2,000 hours (144 RTI + 1,500 OJT)
29
Competencies
6
Sections
100
RTI Hours
765
OJT Hours
Scoring Scale
1 — Not Competent
2 — Developing
3 — Competent (Industry Ready)
4 — Advanced
5 — Mastery
Passing standard: Minimum score of 3 in all core competencies.
Registration & Alignment
- RAPIDS ID:
- 2025-IN-132301
- Occupation:
- Barber (DOT 330.371-010)
- Total Hours:
- 2,000 (144 RTI + 1,500 OJT + supplemental)
- Credential:
- Indiana Barber License (PLA)
- State Board:
- Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Competency Sign-Off Structure
OJT Evaluation Checkpoints
30-Day Review
Sanitation compliance, basic tool handling, shop orientation, attendance record.
Evaluator: Shop Supervisor
Midpoint Review
Cutting technique progress, client service quality, speed improvement, professional conduct.
Evaluator: Shop Supervisor + Instructor
Final OJT Sign-Off
All competencies verified, state board readiness confirmed, completion documentation filed.
Evaluator: All parties
Competency Rubric Sections
Section 1 of 6
Sanitation, Safety & State Compliance
5 competencies
RTI: 15h | OJT: 40h
Non-negotiable competencies required by Indiana PLA and state board standards. Failure in any sanitation competency triggers automatic remediation before advancement.
Assessment Method
Practical observation + checklist
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor (RTI) + Shop Supervisor (OJT)
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Disinfects all tools between each client using EPA-registered disinfectant
- Immersion time meets manufacturer and state board requirements
- Proper storage of disinfected tools in closed container
- Disposable items (razor blades, neck strips) discarded after single use
Automatic remediation required. Cannot advance to client services until re-assessed.
Assessment Method
Practical observation
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Workstation cleaned and sanitized before and after each client
- Chair, headrest, and armrests wiped with approved disinfectant
- Floor swept of hair clippings between services
- Cape laundered or disposable cape replaced per client
Assessment Method
Observation + written quiz
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Gloves worn during chemical services and shaving
- Hands washed between clients
- Clean professional attire maintained
- No open wounds on hands without proper covering
Assessment Method
Scenario-based practical + written exam
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Immediate service stop upon blood exposure
- Correct application of styptic powder or liquid
- Proper disposal of contaminated materials in biohazard container
- Incident documentation completed
- Knowledge of bloodborne pathogen transmission prevention
Automatic remediation required. Must demonstrate correct protocol before resuming razor services.
Assessment Method
Written exam + practical inspection
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- SDS (Safety Data Sheets) location knowledge
- Proper chemical storage (ventilated, labeled, separated)
- Correct mixing ratios for chemical services
- Emergency response for chemical contact (eye wash, skin flush)
Section 2 of 6
Clipper & Cutting Technique
5 competencies
RTI: 36h | OJT: 220h
Primary trade skills assessed through live haircut demonstrations on models/clients. Evaluated by credential partner instructor and employer barber.
Assessment Method
Live haircut demonstration
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Employer Barber
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Proper grip and wrist positioning
- Consistent pressure application
- Smooth clipper movement without snagging
- Correct clipper-over-comb technique execution
Assessment Method
Live haircut demonstration
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Correct guard selection for desired length
- Even guard progression (0–3+ guard transitions)
- No visible guard lines or uneven patches
- Guard attachment verified before each use
Assessment Method
Live haircut demonstration (3 fade types)
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Employer Barber
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Smooth transition between guard lengths
- Consistent blend line placement for each fade type
- Symmetrical fade on both sides
- Blending accuracy on multiple hair textures
- Client-ready finish quality
Assessment Method
Live haircut demonstration
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Natural taper at neckline and sideburns
- Seamless blend between clipper and shear work
- Appropriate technique for hair density and texture
- Clean outline without harsh lines
Assessment Method
Live haircut demonstration
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Point cutting accuracy and consistency
- Layering technique with proper elevation
- Texturizing shear usage for weight removal
- Symmetry verification (cross-check technique)
- Sectioning precision throughout service
Section 3 of 6
Shaving & Razor Techniques
4 competencies
RTI: 19h | OJT: 100h
High-liability skill area. Assessed through hands-on practical exam with strict safety requirements. Especially important for Indiana state board alignment.
Assessment Method
Hands-on practical exam + safety checklist
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Proper blade sanitation before and after use
- Correct razor angle (15–30 degrees to skin)
- Safe skin stretching technique demonstrated
- No unsafe cuts or improper handling during assessment
- Blade disposal in sharps container when applicable
Any unsafe handling results in immediate assessment stop. Must complete remediation before re-assessment.
Assessment Method
Hands-on practical demonstration
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Towel temperature tested before application
- Proper pre-shave preparation (hot towel, lather application)
- Correct shaving direction (with grain, across grain, against grain sequence)
- Post-shave care (cold towel, aftershave, moisturizer)
- Client comfort maintained throughout service
Assessment Method
Hands-on practical demonstration
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Employer Barber
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Symmetrical beard shaping on both sides
- Line-up precision at cheek line, jawline, and neckline
- Trimmer technique accuracy for detail work
- Client preference incorporated into design
- Clean, defined edges without skin irritation
Assessment Method
Written exam + practical observation
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Identification of skin conditions contraindicating shaving
- Proper pre-shave skin assessment
- Ingrown hair prevention technique knowledge
- Appropriate product selection for sensitive skin
- Client allergy inquiry before product application
Section 4 of 6
Client Services & Professionalism
4 competencies
RTI: 11h | OJT: 85h
Workforce-aligned competencies for job placement, employer satisfaction, and apprenticeship completion validation. Assessed through employer OJT evaluation and instructor review.
Assessment Method
Observation + role-play
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Professional greeting and introduction
- Style recommendation based on face shape and hair type
- Clear communication of service timeline and pricing
- Use of visual references when appropriate
- Confirmation of client expectations before starting
Assessment Method
Employer OJT evaluation + instructor observation
Evaluator
Shop Supervisor + Program Holder
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Appropriate conversation during service
- Active listening demonstrated
- Professional handling of client complaints or concerns
- Respectful interaction with all clients regardless of background
Assessment Method
Employer OJT evaluation
Evaluator
Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Punctual arrival for scheduled appointments
- Service completed within expected timeframe
- Efficient transition between clients
- Scheduling system proficiency (if applicable)
Assessment Method
Employer OJT evaluation
Evaluator
Shop Supervisor + Program Holder
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Professional appearance and dress code compliance
- Respectful interaction with coworkers
- Appropriate phone/device usage during work hours
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Adherence to shop policies and procedures
Section 5 of 6
Shop Operations & Business Readiness
6 competencies
RTI: 19h | OJT: 90h
Competencies for shop management, business operations, and entrepreneurship readiness. Evaluated primarily by employer supervisor and program holder.
Assessment Method
Practical inspection
Evaluator
Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Daily opening and closing sanitation procedures followed
- Restroom cleanliness maintained
- Common area tidiness (waiting area, product displays)
- Waste disposal completed per schedule
Assessment Method
Practical demonstration
Evaluator
Shop Supervisor + Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Clipper blade oiling and maintenance
- Shear sharpness assessment and care
- Equipment troubleshooting (clipper, trimmer)
- Proper end-of-day equipment storage
Assessment Method
Written quiz + role-play
Evaluator
Licensed Barber Instructor + Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Product type identification (pomade, wax, gel, oil)
- Appropriate product recommendation per hair type
- Basic ingredient awareness (hold level, shine, texture)
- Professional product presentation to clients
Assessment Method
Timed service observation
Evaluator
Shop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Standard haircut completed within 30–45 minutes
- Fade/detail cut completed within 45–60 minutes
- Shave service completed within 20–30 minutes
- Quality maintained at efficient pace
Assessment Method
Written assessment + business plan outline
Evaluator
Program Holder
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Basic income and expense tracking understanding
- Booth rental vs. commission model knowledge
- Client retention strategy articulation
- Indiana business license requirements awareness
- Tax obligation basics for self-employed barbers
Assessment Method
Written exam + workplace observation
Evaluator
Shop Supervisor + Licensed Barber Instructor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Fire exit and extinguisher location knowledge
- Electrical safety awareness (cord management, outlet usage)
- Slip/trip/fall prevention in wet areas
- First aid kit location and basic contents knowledge
Section 6 of 6
OJT Performance Evaluation
5 competencies
RTI: 0h | OJT: 230h
Separate checklist used by barbershop employer partners for structured OJT evaluation. Assessed at 30-day, midpoint, and final review checkpoints.
Assessment Method
Client service observation (minimum 10 services)
Evaluator
Employer Barbershop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Consistent quality across different haircut styles
- Appropriate technique selection for client hair type
- Clean, professional finish on every service
- Client satisfaction (no rework required)
Assessment Method
Timed service tracking over 30-day period
Evaluator
Employer Barbershop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Progressive improvement in service time
- Quality maintained as speed increases
- Efficient tool transitions during service
- Minimal downtime between clients
Assessment Method
Client feedback tracking + supervisor observation
Evaluator
Employer Barbershop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Positive client feedback on services
- Repeat client bookings observed
- Professional handling of dissatisfied clients
- Tip consistency as indicator of service quality
Assessment Method
Attendance record review
Evaluator
Employer Barbershop Supervisor + Program Holder
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- On-time arrival for all scheduled shifts
- Advance notice for any absences
- Consistent weekly hour commitment met
- No unexcused absences during evaluation period
Assessment Method
Supervisor narrative evaluation
Evaluator
Employer Barbershop Supervisor
Pass Criteria (minimum score: 3)
- Seeks feedback and applies corrections
- Practices techniques during downtime
- Shows interest in learning new styles and methods
- Takes initiative in shop maintenance tasks
- Demonstrates progression from previous evaluation
Institutional Documentation Packet
Complete 6-document compliance packet. Use together as one set — not as separate forms.
DOC 1
Apprenticeship Agreement
Master agreement with all parties, roles, hours, and terms. Signed at enrollment.
DOC 2
Monthly OJT Evaluation
Standardized monthly form for barbershop supervisors. Completed every month.
DOC 3
Competency Scoring Sheet
All 30 competencies with 0–5 scoring grid. Used at quarterly reviews.
DOC 4
Supervisor Verification
Licensed barber supervisor and shop compliance verification. Completed before placement.
DOC 5
OJT Hours Log
Daily hours tracking with skills practiced and supervisor initials. One per month.
DOC 6
Final Sign-Off Form
Tri-party verification + sponsor sign-off. Filed with RAPIDS at completion.
Operational Workflow
LMS Integration
Each competency in this rubric is linked to the institutional LMS for tracking and documentation: