Embodiments of the present invention disclose methods for generating a strong classifier for face detection. The methods include determining, according to a size of a prestored image training sample, a parameter of weak classifier of the image training sample, obtaining a sketch value of each of the weak classifiers of the image training sample, calculating a weighted classification error of each of the weak classifiers according to the sketch value and an initial weight of the image training sample, obtaining at least one optimal weak classifier according to the weighted classification error, and generating a strong classifier for face detection according to the optimal weak classifiers. The embodiments of the present invention further disclose an apparatus for generating a strong classifier for face detection. The embodiments of the present invention have advantages of improving robustness of code against noise and reducing a false detection rate of face detection.