Applicants

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is now authorized to accept applications for licenses containing an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in lieu of a Social Security Number (SSN). For information on obtaining an ITIN contact the IRS at 1–800–829–1040 or visit the IRS ITIN webpage. (Spanish) (Korean) (Vietnamese).

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please view our FAQs.


The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) approves schools of barbering, cosmetology, and electrology that offer courses within the BBC's jurisdiction (barbering, cosmetology, electrology, esthetician, and manicuring). In order for a school to be approved by the BBC, it must meet the BBC's minimum curriculum requirements.

Please click on the following link for a list of BBC approved schools:

Courses that are taught by non–BBC–approved schools will not be recognized by the BBC, and any hours obtained taking these courses and any certificates received will not qualify you for a BBC examination. If a school offers to sell you hours or is not teaching the required curriculum, please email the BBC at barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov or file an anonymous complaint through our online complaint form.

The Board encourages prospective students to review the following pamphlets regarding What to Know Before Choosing a Barber School and What to Know Before Choosing a Cosmetology School.

Candidates only need to pass the written exam to become licensed. Once an examination application is approved by the BBC, a PSI handbook will be sent to the candidate. The candidate will schedule the written exam at a time and PSI location of their choice.

The exam is available in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. Please note: the exam is translated into the most universal or neutral version of each language to be acceptable to the widest possible audience. If a candidate cannot read, speak, or write in English at a 10th grade–level and the examination is not available in their native language, the candidate may request approval to use an interpreter for one or both parts of the examination. Please refer to application interpreter instructions for more information.

The number of questions and time allowed for the examinations vary per license type:

  • Barber: 85 scored questions, 10 pretest, 120 minutes to complete.
  • Cosmetologist: 100 score questions, 10 pretest, 120 minutes to complete.
  • Esthetician: 75 scored questions, 10 pretest, 90 minutes to complete.
  • Electrologist: 50 scored questions, 10 pretest, 90 minutes to complete.
  • Manicurist: 60 scored questions, 10 pretest, 90 minutes to complete.
  • Hairstylist: 50 scored questions, 10 pretest, 90 minutes to complete.

The BBC offers the national examination developed by PSI services for all license types. The processes used to develop these examinations have been reviewed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Office of Professional Examination Services and the examinations have been deemed valid for use in California.

Under the direction of PSI psychometricians, the examinations have been developed by licensed professionals who are subject matter experts in Cosmetology, Barbering, Manicuring, Esthetics and Electrology. Each examination content outline identifies practice areas of importance to licensees critical for providing services to the public in a safe and competent manner.

California Candidate Information Bulletins (CIB)

Provided in the links below are the examination bulletins which include the content outline for each examination as well as the reference materials used for examination development:

Once the applicant has completed the required number of hours, the applicant will apply to take the licensing examination. When applying to take the licensing examination, please provide the following forms.

Applicants can mail the required forms to the Board's mailing address or submit the required forms online through BreEZe.

Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
PO Box 944226
Sacramento, CA 94244–2260

Need to Re–Take the Examination?

Please submit the Re–Examination Application and application fee. Once the re–examination application is approved, applicant will be notified via email or mail to schedule the exam date. Applicant will self–schedule through PSI to take the exam.

Applicants may apply and take the licensing examination as often as needed. There are no restrictions for the number of times the applicants can take the application, but the re–examination application and fee are required for each attempt.

Need an Interpreter for an Exam?

When applying for an examination or re–examination, applicants must include the 'Interpreter Application' along with the examination application and fee. With each attempt at an exam, applicants must provide a new interpreter application with a new interpreter. The BBC does not approve interpreter applications if the examination is offered in that language.

Click here to view the qualifications for being an Interpreter!

Examination Application Optional Attachments

The Apprenticeship Program is a training program approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) that allows a trainee, called an apprentice, to earn a wage while studying to become a cosmetologist, barber or electrologist under the guidance and supervision of a BBC licensed trainer in an establishment licensed by the BBC.
Click here to view Apprenticeship Information!

BreEZe is the California Department of Consumer Affair's (DCA) licensing and enforcement system and a one–stop shop for consumers, licensees and applicants! BreEZe enables consumers to verify a professional license and file a consumer complaint. Licensees and applicants can submit license applications, renew a license and change their address among other services.
Click here to access BreEZe!

Professional License Portability and State Registration for Servicemembers and their Spouses

The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) authorizes service members or their spouses who currently hold a valid license in good standing in another state, district, or territory to practice in California within the same profession or vocation, if they relocate to California because of military orders. For individuals who desire to practice in California under the terms of the SCRA, please visit the DCA webpage.

On January 1, 2013, AB 1588 went into effect, which allows the BBC to waive the renewal fees for a licensee if the licensee is serving on active duty in the Armed Forces or the California National Guard. Please use the following forms when making your request:

Armed Forces Personnel Application for Exemption from Payment of Renewal Fees

Application to Restore License to Active Status

On January 1, 2013, AB 1904 went into effect, which allows the BBC to expedite the Reciprocity licensure process for spouses and domestic partners of those on active duty in the Armed Forces. On July 1, 2022, SB 607 went into effect, which allows the BBC to waive the Reciprocity Application and license fee for spouses or domestic partners of those on active duty in the Armed Forces (and continue to expedite their Reciprocity licensure process). Please use the following form when making your request:

Application for Reciprocity and Initial License Fee

Click here for more Military Information!

Establishment

7346. Establishment

  1. For purposes of this chapter, “establishment” means any premises, building or part of a building where any activity licensed under this chapter is practiced.
  2. “Establishment” also includes any premises, building, or part of a building in which natural hair styling is practiced for compensation.

Establishment Application

Establishment Application (Korean) (Spanish) (Vietnamese) (Simplified Chinese)

Mobile Unit

7354. Mobile Unit

A Mobile Unit means any self–contained, self–supporting, enclosed mobile unit which is licensed as a mobile unit for the practice of any occupation licensed by the board and which complies with this article and all health and safety regulations established by the board.

Mobile Unit Application

Mobile Unit Instructions and Checklist

Mobile Unit Application (Korean) (Spanish) (Vietnamese) (Simplified Chinese)

Establishment and Mobile Unit Resources

Click here to view resources for Inspections from the Board!

Transfer License from California to Another State

Contact the licensing agency of the state you are moving to for licensing requirements. All states have different requirements.

You may need to request a Certification of Licensure from the BBC. Certifications can be requested online through BreEZe or through the mail.

  • Online requests generally take 2 to 4 weeks to be processed, emailed, and received by the other state.
  • Mail requests typically take 4 to 6 weeks for processing and delivery.
  • The fee is $10.00 per certification.

The BBC will send one Certification of Licensure directly to the designated state. Each certification includes:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Whether the license was obtained by examination or endorsement
  • License type
  • License number
  • Issuance and expiration dates

The BBC does not retain school transcripts of your school hours. If the state you are moving to requires transcripts, you must obtain these from the school you attended.

Transfer License to California from Another State

The Board issues out of state licensees a California license through reciprocity without taking the California written exam, if they submit the following:

  1. A complete Reciprocity Application and all fees required by the California Board.
  2. Proof of a current license issued by another state, which must meet these criteria:
    • The license is not revoked, suspended, or otherwise restricted.
    • The license is in good standing.

Transfer Training Hours from Another State to California

If you completed training in another state but did not receive a license, the California Board will evaluate your eligibility. Note that apprentice hours are not accepted.

Click here to review license requirements from the BBC!

To apply, submit the Initial Exam Application along with the Out of State Applicant School Training Form B. Form B must be completed by the school you attended out of state. You must also sign and date the completed Form B. Submit the Initial Exam Application and Form B at the same time.

The BBC will review your Application and Form B to determine if you have enough hours to qualify for the exam or if you will need to complete additional school hours. The BBC will send you a deficiency letter if you need to complete additional hours. You may complete the additional hours in the state you are currently residing or at a BBC–approved California school.

A Proof of Training from the BBC–approved California school or a second Form B must be submitted to the BBC once the additional hours are completed.

Transfer License to California from Out of Country

If you completed training in another country but did not receive a license, the BBC will evaluate your eligibility. Note that apprentice hours are not accepted.

Click here to review license requirements from the BBC!

To apply, submit the Initial Exam Application along with the Out of Country Applicant School Training Form B. Form B must be completed by the school you attended out of state. You must also sign and date the completed Form B. Submit the Initial Exam Application and Form B at the same time.

The BBC will review your Application and Form B to determine if you have enough hours to qualify for the exam or if you will need to complete additional school hours. The BBC will send you a deficiency letter if you need to complete additional hours. You may complete the additional hours in the state you are currently residing or at a BBC–approved California school.

A Proof of Training from the BBC–approved California school or a second Form B must be submitted to the BBC once the additional hours are completed.

Click here to view FAQs of Transferring Licenses!

A Personal Service Permit (PSP) allows licensees to provide limited services outside of licensed establishments if they meet certain requirements. Please review all information below if you are a licensee interested in obtaining a Personal Service Permit.

Note: Fingerprints are processed through the Department of Justice (DOJ), and applications cannot be processed until an approval has been received from the DOJ. Due to the fingerprinting requirements, the typical timeframe could be up to 12 weeks to process your application.

Live Scan Process (California residents only): If you reside in California, you must use the Live Scan Service. At the Live Scan site, your fingerprints will be electronically scanned and transmitted immediately to the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for processing. Begin by following the instructions below. You must use the BBC's Live Scan form, as other forms are not accepted. To request a Live Scan form, you may submit a request in writing via email to barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov.

If you need technical help with BreEZe, call (916) 557–1208 or email BreEZe@dca.ca.gov.

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