Cosmetologist
California
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$125
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,000 hours of approved cosmetology coursework at a licensed school (or 3,200 OJT hours via apprenticeship)
Submit application and $75 application/exam fee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology via BreEZe online system
Schedule and pass the written examination (100 scored questions, 120 minutes, 75% passing score)
Schedule and pass the practical examination (75% passing score)
Pay the $50 initial license fee upon passing both exams
Receive your cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may qualify via reciprocity
Background Check
Applicants must not be subject to denial under Business and Professions Code Section 480 (criminal or disciplinary grounds). The Board reviews criminal history.
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,200 hours required
Cosmetology apprenticeship program requires 3,200 on-the-job training (OJT) hours plus a minimum of 220 hours of related classroom instruction over a 2-year period. A minimum of 39 hours of pre-apprentice training in laws, regulations, patron protection, sanitation and disinfection is also required.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified by the Board; instruction must address diverse hair types and textures
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedHair cutting and styling (across diverse hair types and textures), chemical hair services (coloring, perming, relaxing), skin care services, hair removal and lash/brow services (including lash and brow tinting, lash perming, facial dermaplaning), manicure and pedicure services, and health and safety/disinfection procedures.
Examination
Written Exam
California Cosmetology Written Examination
- Administered by
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (via PSI)
- Questions
- 100
- Time
- 120 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in $75 application/exam fee
100 scored questions plus 10 pretest (unscored) questions. Computerized exam.
Practical Exam
California Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in $75 application/exam fee
Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills including hair cutting, chemical services, and sanitation procedures.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Combined application and examination fee | $75 |
Exam Fee Application and exam fee are combined into a single $75 payment | Included in $75 application fee |
License Fee Initial license fee after passing exams | $50 |
Total Government Fees Application/exam fee ($75) + initial license fee ($50) | $125 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. California cosmetology programs range widely in cost depending on the school. The reduced 1,000-hour requirement (down from 1,600) has lowered tuition costs at many schools.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedCalifornia grants reciprocity without examination to out-of-state applicants who submit an application, fees, and proof of a current license that has been active for 3 of the last 5 years, with no disciplinary action or criminal conviction during that period.
Additional Requirements: Apprentice licenses, Puerto Rico and Guam licenses, and Florida full/facial/nail specialist licenses do not qualify for reciprocity.
Related Licenses in California
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
California significantly reduced its cosmetology training requirement from 1,600 to 1,000 hours through SB 803, one of the largest reductions in the nation. The state also combines the application and exam fee into a single $75 payment, and licenses expire based on the licensee's birth month rather than a fixed date.
Senate Bill 803 reduced cosmetology training hours from 1,600 to 1,000 hours effective January 1, 2022.
California expanded the scope of practice for cosmetologists to include lash and brow tinting, lash perming, and facial dermaplaning.
Licenses expire at midnight on the last day of the licensee's birth month every 2 years.
All instruction must address service provision across diverse hair types and textures.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official curriculum hours breakdown
Accessed 2026-02-24
Apprenticeship OJT and RTH hour requirements
Accessed 2026-02-24
Exam scheduling and applicant information
Accessed 2026-02-24
Statutory fee amounts
Accessed 2026-02-24
Expires every 2 years on last day of birth month
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official reciprocity application and requirements
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in California
California requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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