The Academy Of Professional Barbers: 5 Key Reasons This 1963 Maryland School Is Still A Top Choice In 2025
Are you considering a career in the booming barbering industry? As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the demand for skilled, licensed barbers remains high, making the choice of where to train more critical than ever. One institution consistently stands out in the Mid-Atlantic region for its historical significance and comprehensive training: the Academy of Professional Barbers/Stylists (APBS) in Wheaton, Maryland. Established in 1963, this academy has built a reputation not just for teaching the craft, but for instilling the professional standards required for long-term career success.
The Academy of Professional Barbers/Stylists, often simply referred to as APBS, is a cornerstone of barbering education just north of Washington, D.C. It is a fully approved and recognized private career school, providing the necessary 1,200 clock hours of instruction to qualify students for the rigorous Maryland state licensing examination. From classic shaves to modern styling techniques, APBS offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a licensed barber-stylist.
Academy of Professional Barbers/Stylists (APBS) Profile & Program Essentials
The Academy of Professional Barbers is an institution with deep roots, providing a consistent and focused educational environment for aspiring barbers and stylists for over six decades. Its strategic location offers students access to a diverse and high-demand market in the greater D.C. metropolitan area.
- Official Name: Academy of Professional Barbers/Stylists (APBS)
- Location: 2401 Blueridge Ave., Wheaton, Maryland 20902 (Suburban D.C. Region)
- Established: 1963
- Accreditation/Approval: Approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) as a private career school.
- Program Name: Barber/Stylist Program
- Required Clock Hours: 1,200 Clock Hours (Meets Maryland State Licensing Requirements)
- Total Estimated Program Cost (2025 Data): Approximately $7,150.00 (See breakdown below)
Current Program Cost Breakdown (Estimated 2025)
Prospective students need clear financial details before enrolling. The cost structure for the 1,200-hour Barber/Stylist program at APBS is competitive for the region, though figures are always subject to change. The following is a detailed breakdown of the primary fees:
- Application Fee: $150.00 (Due at the time of application)
- Tuition: $6,400.00 to $7,000.00 (The state report shows a $7,000.00 tuition figure, while the school’s fee list shows $6,400.00. Always confirm the final tuition with the school directly.)
- Books: $250.00
- Tool Kit/Supplies: $350.00 (Includes essential barber tools like clippers, shears, razors, and combs)
- Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $7,150.00 (Based on the $6,400 tuition figure)
The total cost is significantly lower than many other private career schools in the beauty and cosmetology sector, making APBS an attractive, value-driven option for those pursuing a barbering career path.
The 1,200-Hour Curriculum: What You Will Master
The core of the APBS experience is its comprehensive 1,200-hour Barber/Stylist course, which is designed to meet and exceed the minimum requirements set by the Maryland Board of Barbers. The program is intensive, covering both the technical skills and the professional knowledge necessary to manage a successful clientele.
The curriculum is extensive and balanced between theory and practical, hands-on experience. Students are often working on clients in the student clinic under the supervision of seasoned instructors, providing an excellent transition from the classroom to a real-world barbershop environment.
Key Curriculum Topics and Skills Developed
The APBS course covers a wide array of topics, ensuring graduates are well-rounded professional barber-stylists. The length of time to complete the program varies for part-time students, depending on the individual schedule established to complete the required hours.
- Haircutting Techniques: Mastering classic and modern haircutting techniques, including fading, tapering, and precision cutting.
- Shaving and Facial Treatments: Expert application of hot towel shaves and pre-shave creams, a hallmark of the traditional barber experience.
- Chemical Services: Knowledge and application of hair coloring, bleaching, and permanent waving.
- Sanitation and Sterilization: Comprehensive training in health, safety, and hygiene protocols, which is critical for licensing.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure of the hair, skin, and scalp.
- Business Management: Introduction to barbershop management, client relations, and state law.
The APBS Advantage: Fresh Updates & Topical Authority in 2025
What makes the Academy of Professional Barbers a standout choice in 2025 is not just its history, but its relevance to the current industry landscape. The school’s proximity to regulatory bodies and its decades of experience allow it to quickly adapt to new licensing standards and industry trends.
1. Direct Path to Maryland Licensure
The 1,200-hour program is perfectly aligned with the minimum training required by the State of Maryland to sit for the Maryland Barber Exam. Graduates are prepared for both the theory-based and practical components of the examination, which is the final step to becoming a licensed barber.
2. 2024 Examination Accessibility Update
In a significant update for 2024, the Maryland Board of Barbers announced that the professional barber examination is now available in Spanish and Vietnamese, effective March 1, 2024. This change greatly enhances accessibility for a more diverse student body at APBS and throughout the state, making the path to licensure smoother for many aspiring master barbers.
3. Real-World Client Experience (August 2024)
The student clinic provides a highly valuable service to the local community, with recent customer reviews as late as August 2024 highlighting the quality of the haircuts and the professional atmosphere. This continuous, positive feedback underscores the quality of the student training and the attentive supervision of seasoned barbers, ensuring that students are ready for a high-volume professional environment.
4. Topical Authority and Industry Entitites
A true professional academy must prepare students for a competitive field. APBS provides a foundation that allows graduates to compete with those from other highly recognized institutions and brands. The curriculum ensures students are familiar with the techniques and standards used across the industry, from local barbershop culture to national trends set by entities like Wahl Professional (Wahl Barber Academy), Pivot Point Academy, and Kenny's Academy of Barbering.
Key Entities and Concepts Covered (Topical Authority):
- Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
- Maryland Board of Barbers
- National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
- Master Barber Licensing
- Barber-Stylist Training
- Hot Lather Shave
- Clipper Cutting Techniques
- Fading and Tapering
- Sanitation and Safety Protocols
- Client Consultation
- Barbershop Business Operations
- Cosmetology and Spa Academy (Industry comparison)
- American Barber and Beauty Academy (Industry comparison)
- Academy Di Capelli (Industry comparison)
- Wahl Barber Academy (Industry comparison)
- Pivot Point Academy (Industry comparison)
- Kenny's Academy of Barbering (Industry comparison)
- Apprenticeship vs. School Training (2,250 hours vs. 1,200 hours)
5. A Legacy of Professionalism Since 1963
Longevity in the education sector is a powerful indicator of stability and quality. Since 1963, APBS has navigated decades of changing styles, technologies, and licensing requirements. This history means the institution is not merely following trends but is grounded in the foundational skills that define a true professional barber—a combination of art, skill, and business knowledge that remains relevant regardless of the latest fashion.
Choosing the Academy of Professional Barbers/Stylists means investing in a time-tested, affordable, and fully-compliant educational program that provides a direct route to a Maryland Barber License. With a detailed 1,200-hour curriculum and a focus on hands-on experience, APBS continues its legacy as a premier destination for those serious about a rewarding barber career in the Mid-Atlantic region.
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