Job requirements Hairstylist Apprentice in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a hairstylist apprentice in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Hairstylists and barbers (NOC 63210).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Trade certification for barbers is compulsory in Ontario and available, but voluntary, in the Yukon.
  • Hairstylists
  • Employers may require applicants to provide a hairstyling demonstration before being hired.
  • Trade certification for hairstylists is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified hairstylists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
  • In New Brunswick, licensing by the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the titles “Hairstylist” or “hairdresser”.
  • Barbers
  • Completion of secondary school education is required.
  • Completion of a seven-month to one-year apprenticeship or other barber program is usually required.
  • On-the-job training may be substituted for formal education.
  • Trade certification for barbers is compulsory in Ontario and available, but voluntary, in the Yukon.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to barbers, as qualified hairstylists, upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Hairstylists Regulated Alberta Advanced Education, Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT)
British Columbia Hairstylist (cosmetologist) Regulated Industry Training Authority British Columbia
Manitoba Hairstylist Regulated Apprenticeship Manitoba
New Brunswick Hairstylist Regulated Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick (CANB)
Barber Regulated New Brunswick Registered Barbers' Association (NBRBA)
Newfoundland and Labrador Hairstylist Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Departmant of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories Hairstylist Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades, Government of the Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia Barber Regulated The Nova Scotia Registered Barbers Association
Hairstylist Regulated Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia
Ontario Hairstylist Regulated Ontario College of Trades
Prince Edward Island Hairstylist Regulated PEI Hairdressers Association
Québec Hairdresser Regulated Emploi Québec
Saskatchewan Hairstylist Regulated Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Yukon Barber Non-regulated Apprenticeship and Tradesperson Qualifications, Yukon Education
Hairstylist Non-regulated Apprenticeship and Tradesperson Qualifications, Yukon Education

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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