NZ Certificate in Commercial Barbering
Our dynamic programme in commercial barbering combines classic barbering skills with street-savvy styles and current colour trends.
Barbering isn't just a job...it's an art form!
The revival of barbering means there are great job opportunities for Cut Above graduates! Our dynamic programme includes classic barbering skills, including clipper, scissor, and razor cutting, with street-savvy taper fades, line-outs, cut-throat shaving, and current colour trends. Commercial Barbering is also an incredible way to connect with your community and become involved in improving mental health outcomes for men.
With Cut Above you'll get exposure to the industry, through exclusive guest speakers and industry partner tours so you can start to build contacts.
Cut Above is excited to announce our exclusive partnership with Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, providing Cut Above barbering students with training and placement opportunities at locations across Auckland!
Career Opportunities
Barbering skills also create ample opportunities for graduate barbers to find full-time employment in a barbershop, open a business with a small capital outlay, as well as the exciting internship options offered with this course!
A barber may also find employment in the following industries:
Hair salons and barber shops
Luxury hotels
Cruise ships
Small business ownership
Get More Info
Interested in finding out more? The Cut Above team are here to help. Fill in your details and we will give you a call to chat through your options.
Course Content
The old barber school:
Master scissor and clipper cutting
Beard and moustache shaping
Cut-throat shaving
The new barber school:
Learn the latest trends in men's cutting
Contemporary techniques in men's colouring
Practice on real clients in our on-site salons
Course Information
New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering Level 4*
*Exciting changes are on the way! We're updating this programme, and the changes are currently with NZQA for approval. Programme details on this page are subject to change.
Entry is open to beginners and all applicants are considered however you must be:
Able to demonstrate a basic understanding of spoken and written English
Domestic
Tuition Fee: $11,636.00
Student Services Levy: $410*
Course Related Costs: $1,000**
*Also known as the CSSF or Compulsory Student Services fee. This fee covers the learning, employment, wellbeing and counselling support you might need during your time with us. This cost is paid together as part of your course fees. You can find out more information about what this covers here.
Fees are subject to change.
International
Tuition Fee: $27,300 NZD
Resource Fee: $2,500 NZD
Enrolment Fee: $500 NZD
Intake Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
You can complete our Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4) in 32 weeks at our Auckland City campus. Our tutors will use that time to teach you classic barbering skills, like how to cut with clippers and scissors, shape beards and moustaches, give cut-throat shaves and colour men’s hair. You’ll also learn to create current styles such as taper fades and line-outs.
One pathway to becoming a barber in New Zealand is to complete a recognised qualification, such as the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4). At Cut Above Academy, you’ll learn cutting and shaving techniques and practise on clients under tutor supervision. Industry guest speakers and visits to partner businesses also give you opportunities to learn about barbering careers and build professional contacts.
You can study barbering at our Auckland City campus, on the ground floor of 360 Queen Street. Our tutors will teach your classes there and supervise you as you work in the on-site salons. Through our exclusive partnership with Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, you may have access to training and placement opportunities at locations around Auckland, subject to availability.
Yes. You’ll practise on clients in our on-site salons as you complete the Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4). Our tutors will guide you through each cut and shave and give you feedback as you gain speed and confidence. You’ll also learn to agree on a style with each client before you pick up the clippers.
Barbering focuses on short haircuts, clipper work, shaving and beard grooming. Hairdressing covers a broader range of lengths, styles and colour services. Barbers do most of their work with clippers and razors, which they use for techniques like fades and cut-throat shaves. You’ll learn these barbering techniques in our course, along with current colour trends for men. Students who would like to work with longer hair and a wider range of colour services can look at our Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4).
You’ll earn the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4) when you complete the course. NZQA recognises the certificate nationally at Level 4 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). Yoobee Colleges Ltd, the NZQA-registered provider behind Cut Above Academy, will issue your certificate.
After studying barbering, you could explore opportunities in barbershops, hair salons, luxury hotels and on cruise ships. You may also consider owning a barbering business as your career develops. The practical client experience you gain in our on-site salon can help you prepare for opportunities in the industry.
Our Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4) is for anyone who wants a career in barbering, including people with no experience. You might enjoy barbering if you like detailed, hands-on work and get on well with people, as many clients come back to the same chair every few weeks. We accept domestic and international applicants who can show a basic understanding of spoken and written English.
Cut Above Academy is one of the trading names for the registered PTE Yoobee Colleges. Your enrolment is with Yoobee Colleges Ltd and your qualification is issued by Yoobee Colleges.
Qualifications are issued by Yoobee Colleges Ltd. Yoobee Colleges Ltd is an NZQA registered provider.
Term dates are subject to change pending enrolment numbers, availability and unforeseen funding fluctuations. Yoobee Colleges Ltd reserves the right to modify schedules to make sure the College runs well and students are offered the best learning experience.