California Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in California
California requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training and a written examination to obtain a cosmetologist license. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) under the Department of Consumer Affairs issues all cosmetology licenses.
- Meet the minimum age and education requirements. You must be at least 17 years old and have completed the 10th grade.
- Enroll in a BBC-approved cosmetology school. The school must be approved by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Confirm approval at barbercosmo.ca.gov.
- Complete 1,000 hours of training. Your school submits a Proof of Training to the BBC upon completion of your program.
- Submit the cosmetologist examination application. Apply online through the BreEZe portal or by mail. The application and examination fee is $75.
- Pass the PSI written examination. After your application is approved, you receive a PSI handbook and self-schedule your written exam at a PSI testing center. A score of 75% is required to pass.
- Receive your license. Candidates who pass the written exam are issued their license on the day of the exam at the PSI location. Your license is valid for two years.
Training Requirements
California's 1,000-hour cosmetology curriculum is defined in Business and Professions Code Section 7362.5. Training must be completed at a school approved by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The curriculum covers the following subject areas:
- Hair dressing: Cutting, coloring, permanent waving, chemical straightening, and styling
- Health and safety: Infection control, disinfection procedures, chemical safety, and California sanitation regulations
- Skin care: Facials, makeup application, waxing, and skin analysis
- Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail application
- Laws and regulations: California Business and Professions Code, Board rules, scope of practice, and consumer protection
Students who completed training in another state can apply using the Out of State/Out of Country Application along with Form B (completed by your out-of-state school). The BBC reviews your hours and issues a deficiency letter if additional training is needed. Every three months of documented work experience as a licensee in another state equals 100 training hours.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
California requires only a written examination — there is no practical (hands-on) exam. The exam is administered by PSI at testing centers throughout California.
Written Examination Details
The cosmetologist written exam consists of 100 scored multiple-choice questions plus 10 unscored pretest questions (110 total). You have 120 minutes to complete the exam. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass. The exam covers:
- Hair care and services
- Skin care and services
- Nail care and services
- Infection control and safety
- California laws and regulations
Language Options
The examination is available in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. If the exam is not offered in your native language and you cannot read English at a 10th-grade level, you may request an interpreter by submitting an Interpreter Application with your exam application.
Scheduling and Retakes
After your application is approved, PSI sends a handbook with scheduling instructions. You self-schedule at a PSI location of your choice. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt requires a new Re-Examination Application and the $75 fee. You can cancel or reschedule at no charge up to 2 days before your exam date.
How to Renew Your California Cosmetology License
California cosmetologist licenses expire every two years. The renewal fee is $50.00. California does not require continuing education hours for license renewal.
How to Renew Online
- Log in to the BreEZe system at breeze.ca.gov.
- If you haven't already, associate your license with your BreEZe account.
- When your license is within 60 days of expiration, the renewal option appears at the top of your dashboard.
- Pay the $50 renewal fee by credit card. Renewal is processed instantly.
Do not wait for a renewal notice — you may not receive one if your address is outdated or you have outstanding fines. Check your expiration date through BreEZe and renew before it lapses.
Late Renewal and Delinquent Licenses
If your license has expired, you can renew by paying the $50 fee plus a $25 delinquency fee. You must not practice on an expired license — working without a valid license is a violation of California law and can result in a $1,000 fine. After five years of non-renewal, the license is cancelled and you must reapply and pass the exam again.
Other Cosmetology License Types in California
The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology issues the following individual license types, each with its own training hour requirement and examination:
| License Type | Training Hours | Exam Questions | Exam Time | Initial Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,000 | 100 scored + 10 pretest | 120 min | $50 |
| Barber | 1,000 | 85 scored + 10 pretest | 120 min | $50 |
| Hairstylist | 600 | 50 scored + 10 pretest | 90 min | $50 |
| Esthetician | 600 | 75 scored + 10 pretest | 90 min | $40 |
| Electrologist | 600 | 50 scored + 10 pretest | 90 min | $50 |
| Manicurist | 400 | 60 scored + 10 pretest | 90 min | $35 |
The cosmetologist license covers the broadest scope of practice: hair, skin, and nail services. A cosmetologist can perform any service that an esthetician or manicurist is authorized to do. All license types require a 75% score on the written exam. The application and examination fee is $75 for all types, plus a $9 preapplication fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many hours of training are required for a California cosmetology license?
- California requires 1,000 hours of training at a BBC-approved cosmetology school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 6 to 8 months. Part-time schedules may take 12 to 14 months.
- Is there a practical exam for the California cosmetology license?
- No. California currently requires only a written examination. There is no practical (hands-on) exam. The written exam consists of 100 scored questions with a 120-minute time limit and requires a 75% passing score.
- Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to California?
- Yes. California offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who hold a current license in good standing. Submit a Reciprocity Application through BreEZe and have your current state send a certification of licensure directly to the BBC. You will receive your California license at a PSI location without retaking the exam.
- What languages is the California cosmetology exam available in?
- The exam is available in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. If your native language is not offered, you may apply to use an interpreter.
- Does California require continuing education for cosmetology renewal?
- No. California does not require continuing education credits. You only need to pay the $50 renewal fee every two years through BreEZe.
- How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in California?
- The total cost for initial licensure is $134: a $9 preapplication fee, a $75 application and examination fee, and a $50 initial license fee. Renewal costs $50 every two years.