California Cosmetology Exam Registration Guide

How to register for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) written exam.

Quick Answer

To take the California cosmetology exam: complete the required training hours (1,000 for Cosmetologist; 1,500 for Barber; 600 for Esthetician; 400 for Manicurist), apply to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, pass Live Scan fingerprinting, then schedule a written exam via PSI. The exam has been written-only since 2022. License renewal is every 2 years, with no continuing education required.

Exam Facts

FormatMultiple choice, computer-based at PSI (written only since 2022)
Cosmetologist100 questions
Barber100 questions
Esthetician60 questions
Manicurist40 questions
Minimum age / education17 years old / 10th grade
License renewalEvery 2 years — no continuing education required in California
Languages offeredEnglish, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean

Step-by-Step Process

1

Meet Eligibility Requirements

Be at least 17 years old, have completed 10th grade, and have legal authorization to work in the US.

17+ years old · 10th grade completed
2

Complete Training Hours

Cosmetologist needs 1,000 school hours or 3,200 apprenticeship hours. Barber 1,500 / 3,200. Esthetician 600. Manicurist 400.

Approved schools at barbercosmo.ca.gov · Apprenticeship also accepted
3

Submit Application to BBC

Apply online at barbercosmo.ca.gov. Submit your school completion documentation, complete Live Scan fingerprinting, and pay the application and exam fee.

barbercosmo.ca.gov · Live Scan fingerprinting required
4

Schedule and Take the Written Exam

Computer-based written exam only — no practical since 2022. Administered at PSI testing locations. Results shown immediately.

Computer-based at PSI · Written only (no practical since 2022)
5

Receive Your License

License mailed after approval. Manage and renew every 2 years through breeze.ca.gov. No continuing education required in California.

License managed via breeze.ca.gov · Renew every 2 years

Key Contacts

BBC general questions(800) 952-5210
BBC websitebarbercosmo.ca.gov
License lookup / renewal (BreEZe)breeze.ca.gov
Approved schools listbarbercosmo.ca.gov/schools

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for the California cosmetology exam?+

Complete the required training hours, apply to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology at barbercosmo.ca.gov, pass Live Scan fingerprinting, then schedule a written exam via PSI.

How many training hours do I need for a California cosmetology license?+

Cosmetologist needs 1,000 school hours or 3,200 apprenticeship hours. Barber 1,500 or 3,200. Esthetician 600. Manicurist 400.

Is there a practical exam for cosmetology in California?+

No. California eliminated the practical exam in 2022. The exam is now written-only, multiple choice, administered at PSI testing centers.

What languages is the California cosmetology exam offered in?+

English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

How often do I renew my California cosmetology license?+

Every 2 years through the BreEZe system at breeze.ca.gov. California does not require continuing education.

What is the minimum age for a California cosmetology license?+

17 years old, with at least a 10th-grade education completed.

Last updated: June 2026

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