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The California cosmetology written exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC). The exam consists of 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored pretest items and must be completed in 120 minutes. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass. As of January 1, 2022, the practical exam is no longer required — the written exam is the only requirement for licensure. To qualify, you must complete 1,000 hours of training at a BBC-approved cosmetology school (reduced from 1,600 hours by SB 803). The exam is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. Hair and scalp care accounts for 40% of the exam — the single largest content area — followed by infection control at 28%, California BBC laws at 20%, and skin and nail care at 12%.
Exam details
The California cosmetology written exam is a computer-based, closed-book multiple-choice test at PSI testing centers throughout California. Once the BBC approves your exam application, you schedule directly with PSI at psiexams.com or by calling (877) 392-6422. You must cancel at least 2 days before your appointment or you forfeit the fee. Results are given at the testing center. If you fail, you must re-apply through the BBC and pay a new exam fee before rescheduling. The exam is based on a national PSI content outline aligned with BBC subject matter experts. Your license, once issued, must be renewed every two years with the BBC.
A new test and solution key are generated each time; the solution key link is included in the PDF.
Two content areas generate the most missed questions on the California cosmetology exam. First, chemical services within hair and scalp care — specifically the chemistry of permanent waves (ammonium thioglycolate breaks disulfide bonds; neutralizer reforms them), chemical relaxers (hydroxide vs thio chemistry), and hair color theory (developer volumes, the color wheel, toning principles). These questions test the underlying chemistry, not just the steps. Second, California BBC-specific licensing rules — the exam includes questions on SB 803 changes (1,000-hour requirement, the new Hairstylist license), AB 451 language requirements, BBC inspection authority, establishment licensing, and grounds for license revocation. These are California-specific and will not appear in national study guides. Together, hair chemistry and CA laws account for over 60% of the exam and reward candidates who study the state-specific rules alongside the core science.
You must complete 1,000 hours of training at a BBC-approved cosmetology school. This was reduced from 1,600 hours by SB 803, effective January 1, 2022. Your school must submit your hours to the BBC before you can apply for the exam.
No. As of January 1, 2022, California eliminated the practical exam. You only need to pass the written exam to receive your cosmetology license.
You need a score of 70% or higher on the 100 scored questions to pass.
The exam covers four content areas: Hair and Scalp Care (40%), Infection Control and Safety (28%), California BBC Laws and Regulations (20%), and Skin and Nail Care (12%).
The exam is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. AB 451 (effective January 1, 2024) mandated this expansion.
Apply through the BBC first. Once approved, you will receive a PSI handbook with scheduling instructions. Schedule online at psiexams.com or by calling PSI at (877) 392-6422.
Two years. You must renew with the BBC every two years and complete any required continuing education.
SB 803 created a new 600-hour Hairstylist license for those who want to cut, style, shampoo, and blow-dry hair without offering chemical services. It is a shorter pathway than the full 1,000-hour cosmetology program.
Cosmetologists licensed in other states may apply for a California license by endorsement under SB 803. Requirements vary — contact the BBC directly for your specific situation.
Focus on hair chemistry (permanent waves, relaxers, color theory), infection control procedures (disinfection sequence, contact times, contraindications), and California-specific BBC rules (SB 803 changes, AB 451 languages, establishment licensing, grounds for revocation). Practice tests timed at 120 minutes are the most effective preparation tool.
Topics and blueprint percentages come from our topic bank; practice sessions allocate questions using those shares when set.
Start practicing free — no account required. The first questions in each topic are unlocked. Our 97 practice questions are built from the PSI exam blueprint for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, with full explanations for every answer.