Get Started – Above The Rest Academy

Above The Rest Academy Apprenticeship Program Overview

Step 1

Apply & Qualify

Provide proof of 10th-grade education or equivalent
Submit a valid government-issued photo ID
Provide your Social Security Number or ITIN
Submit court or parole documents, if applicable
Secure a licensed barbershop or salon willing to train you
Ensure the training location has active workers’ compensation insurance
Ensure the training location can offer 32–42.5 hours of training per week
Ensure your trainer is licensed, in good standing, and able to supervise
Complete the enrollment application
Submit all required documents to Above The Rest Academy

Step 2

Train & Apprentice (21–24 Months)

Complete the required Pre-Apprentice Training Certificate.

Above The Rest Academy submits your apprentice license application to the California State Board. You may not perform services until your apprentice license is issued.

On-the-Job Training — 3,200 Hours
Completed at your licensed barbershop or salon (32–42.5 hours per week)
Classroom Instruction — 220 Hours
Completed with Above The Rest Academy (4 hours per week on your assigned class day)
Follow all dress code, attendance, and classroom policies to remain in good standing

Step 3

Graduate & Get Licensed

Submit accurate monthly training logs without exception
Provide pay stubs or workers’ compensation documents when requested
Complete all required training hours, classroom hours, and documentation
Once everything is verified, apply for the California State Board licensing exam

Policy: Above The Rest Academy admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the school. The academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions procedures, or any other school-administered programs.

1. Complete the required 2-hour Pre-Apprentice Training Certificate

Proof of 10th-grade education or equivalent
Be at least 17 years of age
No prior barber or cosmetology license revoked
Current valid government-issued ID
Valid Social Security Number or ITIN
If previously convicted of a felony, all related arrest, court, parole, and/or probation documents must be provided
Must locate an establishment willing to train the student 32-42.5 hours per week (DAS requirement)
Must have a licensed trainer in good standing at the establishment

2. Submit your certificate to Above The Rest Academy for verification.

Call us at 909.437.8398 to set up an appointment.

3. Fill out the enrollment application.

Before applying for your pre-apprentice license, you must first secure a barbershop or salon that agrees to train you. Once you have your training location, submit all required paperwork to Above The Rest Academy so we can begin the apprentice license process with the State Board.

220 classroom hours

3,200 training hours at a barbershop or salon

Weekly Requirements:

Apprentices must complete 32–42.5 hours of training per week at their chosen barbershop or salon, and attend 4 hours of class on their assigned class day.

Monthly Logs

All apprentices are required to submit their monthly log every month without exception. Logs must be accurate and turned in on time to remain in good standing with Above The Rest Academy, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), and the State Board.

Paystubs / Workers’ Compensation Verification

If Above The Rest Academy, the DAS, or the State Board requests pay stubs or workers' compensation documentation, the apprentice must submit them immediately. Failure to provide required documentation may delay progress or affect program status.

Licensing Eligibility

Once all required hours are completed and all documentation is verified, apprentices become eligible to apply for their licensing exam.