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The California manicurist written exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC). The exam consists of 60 scored questions plus 5 unscored pretest items and must be completed in 75 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 400 hours of training at a BBC-approved manicuring school or through an approved apprenticeship. The exam is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
Exam details
The California manicurist 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. Results are given at the testing center. If you fail, you must re-apply through the BBC and pay a new fee before rescheduling. Your manicurist license, once issued, must be renewed every two years with the BBC.
This link downloads a pre-generated PDF when available for this certification.
Two areas generate the most missed questions on the California manicurist exam. First, infection control — specifically distinguishing between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization, knowing which implements require single-use disposal versus disinfection (porous items like nail files cannot be disinfected and must be discarded or given to the client), and recognizing client conditions requiring service refusal (tinea unguium, paronychia, onycholysis with open skin). The BBC holds manicurists to the same infection control standards as all cosmetology licensees. Second, nail enhancement chemistry — questions on the difference between acrylic (liquid monomer + powder polymer), gel (UV/LED cure), and wraps; how nail primers and dehydrators work; and the prohibition on methyl methacrylate (MMA) require conceptual understanding beyond just memorizing steps.
You must complete 400 hours of training at a BBC-approved manicuring school or through a registered apprenticeship program.
No. As of January 1, 2022, California eliminated the practical exam for all BBC license types. You only need to pass the written exam.
You need a score of 70% or higher on the 60 scored questions — at least 42 correct answers.
The exam covers four areas: Infection Control and Safety (35%), Nail Analysis and Client Consultation (25%), Nail Care Services (25%), and California BBC Laws and Regulations (15%).
English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog per AB 451 (effective January 1, 2024).
No. Nail files are porous implements that cannot be adequately disinfected. Under BBC regulations, they must be discarded after each client or given to the client to take home.
No. The BBC prohibits the use of liquid methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer in California nail salons. It is difficult to remove, can penetrate the dermis, and poses serious health risks.
Apply through the BBC first. Once approved, schedule online at psiexams.com or call PSI at (877) 392-6422.
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Start practicing free — no account required. The first questions in each topic are unlocked. Our 67 practice questions are built from the PSI exam blueprint for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology manicurist exam, with full explanations for every answer.