Barber apprentice training in a barbershop

RAPIDS-Registered Apprenticeship Rubric

Barber Apprenticeship Competency Rubric

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

Credential Partner (Licensed Barber Instructor)Verifies technical and academic competencies (Sections 1–3, 5)
Employer Barbershop SupervisorVerifies hands-on performance and workplace readiness (Sections 4–6)
Program Holder (RTI Coordinator)Confirms rubric completion, LMS tracking, evaluation checkpoint compliance
Elevate (Sponsor)Issues Completion Certificate, files apprenticeship documentation with DOL

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.

SAN-01 Tool Disinfection Procedures
RTI: 4hOJT: 15h

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.

SAN-02 Station Sanitation Setup & Breakdown
RTI: 3hOJT: 10h

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
SAN-03 PPE & Personal Hygiene Standards
RTI: 2hOJT: 5h

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
SAN-04 Blood Spill & Exposure Protocol
RTI: 3hOJT: 5h

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.

SAN-05 Chemical Safety & Storage
RTI: 3hOJT: 5h

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.

CUT-01 Clipper Handling & Control
RTI: 8hOJT: 40h

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
CUT-02 Guard Usage & Accuracy
RTI: 4hOJT: 30h

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
CUT-03 Fading Techniques (Low, Mid, High)
RTI: 10hOJT: 60h

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
CUT-04 Tapering & Blending
RTI: 6hOJT: 40h

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
CUT-05 Shear Cutting Fundamentals
RTI: 8hOJT: 50h

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.

RAZ-01 Straight Razor Handling & Safety
RTI: 6hOJT: 30h

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.

RAZ-02 Hot Towel Shaving Procedure
RTI: 4hOJT: 20h

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
RAZ-03 Beard Shaping & Line-Up
RTI: 6hOJT: 40h

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
RAZ-04 Skin Safety & Irritation Prevention
RTI: 3hOJT: 10h

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.

CLI-01 Client Consultation Process
RTI: 4hOJT: 30h

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
CLI-02 Communication & Interpersonal Skills
RTI: 3hOJT: 20h

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
CLI-03 Appointment & Time Management
RTI: 2hOJT: 20h

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)
CLI-04 Professional Conduct & Workplace Etiquette
RTI: 2hOJT: 15h

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.

BIZ-01 Shop Sanitation Maintenance
RTI: 2hOJT: 20h

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
BIZ-02 Equipment Setup, Maintenance & Breakdown
RTI: 3hOJT: 15h

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
BIZ-03 Retail Product Knowledge
RTI: 3hOJT: 15h

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
BIZ-04 Time Management Per Service
RTI: 2hOJT: 20h

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
BIZ-05 Basic Business & Bookkeeping
RTI: 6hOJT: 10h

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
BIZ-06 Shop Safety & OSHA Compliance
RTI: 3hOJT: 10h

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.

OJT-01 Service Quality & Consistency
OJT: 100h

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)
OJT-02 Speed & Efficiency
OJT: 50h

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
OJT-03 Customer Satisfaction & Retention
OJT: 50h

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
OJT-04 Attendance & Reliability

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
OJT-05 Professional Growth & Initiative
OJT: 30h

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

LMS Integration

Each competency in this rubric is linked to the institutional LMS for tracking and documentation:

Each competency linked to an LMS module
RTI hours tracked per competency
OJT hours logged by employer supervisor
Rubric scores recorded in student record
Evaluation checkpoints trigger automated notifications
Completion status visible to all authorized parties