Hairstylist certificate
Hairstylist Certificate / Technical Training
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toHairstylist·Certificate
A technical training program delivering Level 1 (10 weeks / 300 hours) and Level 2 (5 weeks / 150 hours) in precision haircutting, color formulation, chemical treatments, and client styling.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- English 11. Requirement varies by school (Vancouver Community College, Vancouver Island University). Strictest requirement: C.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- BC High School Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). Requirement varies by school (Vancouver Community College, John Casablancas Institute (JCI Institute), Vancouver Island University, and 1 others). Strictest requirement: standard completion.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Attendance at an informational salon session
- Admissions interview and personal statement of creative interest
- Informational salon interview
- Admissions interview and creative portfolio/statement
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Submit application directly online via college portal or EducationPlannerBC
- Submit academic transcripts or schedule basic college English assessment
- Attend program information session or personal salon admissions interview
- Purchase professional shears, mannequin heads, and salon tool kit prior to orientation
Step 5 of 8
Hairstylist certificate
⏱ 15 weeks- 15 weeks total of technical training: Level 1 (10 weeks / 300 hours) and Level 2 (5 weeks / 150 hours)
- Precision scissor and clipper cutting, sectioning, layering, and barbering techniques
- Hair coloring theory, formulation, highlights, balayage, and permanent waving
- Scalp treatments, hair extensions, blowout styling, and client consultation
- Live salon floor rotations serving actual paying public clients under licensed instructor supervision
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 4 schools in BC- Vancouver Community College — 10 months (About $8,300 for the whole program)
- Vancouver Island University — 11 months (About $5,700 for the whole program)
- Blanche Macdonald Centre — 6–12 months (About $9,800 for the whole program)
- John Casablancas Institute (JCI Institute) — 26 weeks (About $12,500 for the whole program)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- SkilledTradesBC Hairstylist Certificate of Qualification Examination (written and practical)
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Hairstylist
- Explore Hairstylist wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(4 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.