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California Cosmetology & Barber Exam Prep
Free exam prep for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology written exam — Cosmetologist, Barber, Esthetician, and Manicurist.
The California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology written exam runs about 100 questions (fewer for Esthetician and Manicurist), and you need 75% to pass; the practical portion is graded separately.
Registration Guide
Know exactly how to register, request a translator, and what to bring on exam day.
Study Materials
Topic chapters covering every area of the exam, in plain English, Chinese, Spanish, or Vietnamese.
Practice Tests
Daily questions + weekly full mock exams. Track your weak spots and improve fast.
Try a sample question
Under California law, a cosmetologist using a chemical exfoliant may legally act on which layer?
Barber or cosmetology license? Compare them side by side →
Free forever · English · 中文 · Español · Tiếng Việt
📺 Free video lessons
Subscribe on YouTube →20 Most-Missed Cosmetology State Board Questions (2026)
20 Preguntas Más Falladas del Examen de Cosmetología (2026)
Frequently asked questions
How many California cosmetology practice questions are in this bank?
484 original practice questions covering all 7 areas of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) written exam — useful for Cosmetologist, Barber, Esthetician, and Manicurist candidates.
Is this California cosmetology practice test free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Unlimited rounds, full mock exam, and explanations all included.
Are these real BBC exam questions?
No. All questions are original prose authored from Title 16 CCR (California Code of Regulations) and the California Barbering and Cosmetology Act. We never copy from real exams or providers like Milady.
What topics does the California cosmetology exam cover?
Seven topics: Anatomy & Basic Sciences, Chemistry & Products, Electricity & Equipment, Infection Control & Safety, Ethics & California Law, Hair Services, and Skin & Nail Services.
What's the passing score for the BBC written exam?
75%. The real BBC written exam is approximately 100 questions; you need 75% correct on the written portion (the practical portion is graded separately).
Is the California cosmetology exam offered in languages other than English?
Yes — the BBC exam is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and several other languages by request. PrepPass practice is available in English, 中文, Español, and Tiếng Việt.
Does this cover Barber, Esthetician, and Manicurist exams too?
The fundamentals (Anatomy, Chemistry, Infection Control, Ethics & CA Law) are shared across all four licenses. Hair Services applies to Cosmetologist and Barber; Skin & Nail Services applies to Cosmetologist, Esthetician, and Manicurist.
More about PrepPass practice
Is PrepPass's Cosmetology · Barber · Esthetician · Manicurist practice free?
Yes — every Cosmetology · Barber · Esthetician · Manicurist practice question, study guide, and lesson on PrepPass is free. A full timed mock exam is also included at no cost.
How many Cosmetology · Barber · Esthetician · Manicurist practice questions does PrepPass have?
PrepPass currently has 484 original Cosmetology · Barber · Esthetician · Manicurist practice questions across 7 topic areas, and every question comes with a written answer explanation.
What languages is PrepPass's Cosmetology · Barber · Esthetician · Manicurist prep available in?
English, 中文 (Chinese), Español (Spanish), and Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese).
How are PrepPass's Cosmetology · Barber · Esthetician · Manicurist questions written?
They are original questions written by PrepPass from public-domain statutes and official exam blueprints — never copied from the real exam. Read our question methodology →
Is PrepPass affiliated with the licensing board or exam provider?
No. PrepPass is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any licensing board or official exam provider.
Can I practice Cosmetology · Barber · Esthetician · Manicurist on my phone?
Yes — PrepPass runs in any mobile or desktop web browser, with no app to download.
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