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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 1 - 3 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Applications for 2025 are now closed. Applications for 2026 will open in November 2026.
This qualification reflects the role of barbers who use a range of well-developed sales, consultation and technical skills and knowledge to provide a broad range of barbering services to clients. They use discretion and judgement to provide client services and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Barber
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to SHB40216 Certificate IV in Hairdressing.
Fees
2025 Fees
| Fee Type | 2025 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $11,660.40 - $12,029.40 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
International tuition Fees
The annual tuition fee for commencing student visa holders in 2025 is AUD $16,050.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering a total of twenty-six (26) units of competency must be completed comprising twenty-one (21) Core and five (5) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 790 - 815.
Course structure
To achieve SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering a total of twenty-six (26) units of competency must be completed comprising twenty-one (21) Core and five (5) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 790 - 815.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
| BSBSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | 20 |
| SHBHBAS001 | Provide shampoo and basin services | 40 |
| SHBHCUT001 | Design haircut structures | 20 |
| SHBHCUT002* | Create one length or solid haircut structures | 30 |
| SHBHCUT003* | Create graduated haircut structures | 35 |
| SHBHCUT004* | Create layered haircut structures | 35 |
| SHBHCUT005* | Cut hair using over-comb techniques | 30 |
| SHBHCUT007* | Create combined traditional and classic men-s haircut structures | 45 |
| SHBHCUT009* | Cut hair using freehand clipper techniques | 25 |
| SHBHCUT011 | Design and maintain beards and moustaches | 20 |
| SHBHCUT012 | Shave heads and faces | 25 |
| SHBHCUT013 | Provide men-s general grooming services | 25 |
| SHBHDES001 | Dry hair to shape | 40 |
| SHBHIND001 | Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas | 20 |
| SHBHIND003 | Develop and expand a client base | 35 |
| SHBHTRI001 | Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions | 25 |
| SHBXCCS001 | Conduct salon financial transactions | 25 |
| SHBXCCS002 | Provide salon services to clients | 40 |
| SHBXIND001 | Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment | 45 |
| SHBXIND002 | Communicate as part of a salon team | 30 |
| SHBXWHS001 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices | 40 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 650 | |
| ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (select 5 from the following) | ||
| SHBHBAS002 | Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation | 20 |
| SHBHCUT006* | Create combined haircut structures | 45 |
| SHBHCUT010 | Create haircuts using tracks and carving | 30 |
| SHBXCCS004 | Recommend products and services | 20 |
| SIRRINV001 | Receive and handle retail stock | 35 |
| SIRRMER001 | Produce visual merchandise displays | 35 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 135 - 175 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 790 - 815 | |
NOTE: Units marked with an asterisk (*) require completion of the following pre-requisite unit(s):
| Pre-requisites | The pre-requisite unit to be completed prior to the units below |
| SHBHCUT001 Design haircut structures | SHBHCUT002 Create one length or solid haircut structures SHBHCUT003 Create graduated haircut structures SHBHCUT004 Create layered haircut structures SHBHCUT005 Cut hair using over-comb techniques SHBHCUT009 Cut hair using freehand clipper techniques |
| SHBHCUT002 Create one length or solid haircut structures SHBHCUT003 Create graduated haircut structures SHBHCUT004 Create layered haircut structures | SHBCUT006 Create combined haircut structures |
| SHBHCUT002 Create one length or solid haircut structures SHBHCUT003 Create graduated haircut structures SHBHCUT004 Create layered haircut structures SHBHCUT005 Cut hair using over-comb techniques | SHBCUT007 Create combined traditional and classic men's haircut structures |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into SHB30416 Certificate III in Barbering as an Apprentice, candidates require:
- To be an Apprentice who has entered a Training Contract with their employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT.
Students can undertake this course as non-apprentices at the Palmerston or Alice Springs campus; the full-time course program is designed for applicants over the age of 21.
The Training Salon is a simulated work environment, students must wear work clothing suited to the industry (see flyer for requirements).
All the lessons included theory and practical. We got to train with real clients in a busy environment and I got so much out of that.
Loan
CDU student
Hands-on practical lessons, experienced instructors, and all the resources that CDU provides will absolutely bring your skills and knowledge up to scratch–you won’t believe how much you’ll learn during the process.
Pat
CDU student
All the lessons included theory and practical. We got to train with real clients in a busy environment and I got so much out of that.
Loan
CDU student
Hands-on practical lessons, experienced instructors, and all the resources that CDU provides will absolutely bring your skills and knowledge up to scratch–you won’t believe how much you’ll learn during the process.
Pat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Palmerston
Study Mode: On campus, workplace assessment
International Students
This qualification is available to international students at Palmerston campus (CRICOS Course No. 0101701).
Additional information
Contact details
Tourism, Recreation and Beauty Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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