How to Become a Cosmetologist in California

Who can apply

• You must be at least 17 years old to take the cosmetologist exam.
• You must have completed the 10th grade in a California public school or its equivalent.
• You must complete a cosmetology course at a Board-approved school (at least 1,000 hours) or the state cosmetology apprenticeship program.
• You must not be subject to denial under Business and Professions Code section 480 (certain convictions or acts).

Step by step

1. Complete at least 1,000 hours in a BBC-approved cosmetology school, or a cosmetology apprenticeship approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and the BBC.
2. Get your Proof of Training from your school (or a Certificate of Completion from your apprenticeship program).
3. Submit the Cosmetologist Application for Examination and Initial License with the $125 non-refundable fee, by mail or online through BreEZe.
4. After the BBC approves your application, PSI sends you a handbook. Schedule the written exam at a PSI location.
5. Pass the written exam and receive your cosmetologist license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: A school cosmetology course must be at least 1,000 hours of practical and technical instruction (B&P Code 7362.5). The apprenticeship route requires at least 3,200 on-the-job training hours over two years plus at least 220 related training hours, and you can apply for the exam after at least 21 months. Apprentices must be over 16 with 10th grade completed. School hours cannot be transferred into an apprenticeship.

Exam: Candidates only need to pass a written exam; there is no practical exam. PSI gives the national exam: 100 scored questions plus 10 pretest questions in 120 minutes. It is offered in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese and Simplified Chinese; you may request an interpreter if your language is not offered. You can retake the exam as often as needed by filing a Re-Examination Application and fee each time. If you do not take the exam within one year after becoming eligible, your application is abandoned and the fee forfeited.

What it costs in California

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Cosmetologist licenses last two years. Renewal costs $50 ($25 extra if late) and can be submitted up to 83 days before expiration online through BreEZe, by mail or in person. An expired license can be renewed within five years by paying all back fees; after five years it is cancelled and you must apply and pass the exam again. No continuing education is required to renew a cosmetologist license.

Good to know in California

Licensed in another state: If you hold a current out-of-state license that is in good standing and not restricted, the BBC grants a California license by reciprocity without the written exam. Submit the Reciprocity Application and fees.

Trained in another state, never licensed: Submit the Out of State/Out of Country Application ($125) with Form B completed by your school. The Board evaluates your training; out-of-state apprentice hours are not accepted.

Expedited processing: Honorably discharged veterans, active-duty members in the DoD SkillBridge program, spouses or partners of active-duty members, and refugees, asylees and Special Immigrant Visa holders can request expedited processing. Military spouses can have reciprocity fees waived.

Barber crossover: A licensed California barber, or a barbering school graduate, can qualify for the cosmetologist exam by completing a cosmetology crossover course at a Board-approved school.

Apprentice license: Apprentices pay the Board a $25 apprentice license fee (program sponsors charge their own fees) and cannot work until the apprentice license is issued; working without it can bring fines up to $1,000. You need a valid SSN or ITIN.

No temporary license: The Board does not issue temporary licenses, so you cannot work as a cosmetologist until your license is issued.

Sources

• BBC - Applicants (exam information, applications, out-of-state)
• BBC - Cosmetologist Application for Examination and Initial License (Rev. August 2025)
• BBC - Apprenticeship
• BBC - License Renewals
• BBC - 2026 Barbering and Cosmetology Act and Regulations (B&P 7321, 7331, 7345, 7362.5, 7417, 7418, 7423)
• BBC - Cosmetologist Out of State/Out of Country Application