Cosmetology in California

CA Board of Barbering & Cosmetology (DCA)

California runs the cosmetology exam through PSI for the Board of Barbering & Cosmetology (BBC). The written theory exam is 110 questions (100 scored + 10 pretest) in 120 minutes, scored against a criterion-referenced standard. The official CA bulletin confirms the written exam is offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. You need 1,000 hours of cosmetology training, and California also gives a practical exam. Our practice questions in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Spanish are a study aid; confirm your language when you schedule with PSI.

📋 Exam facts

Real California exam administration — from the official source

Practice questions (this site): 600
Testing agency: PSI
Real written-test languages: English · Spanish · Vietnamese
To pass: Cosmetologist theory: 110 questions (100 scored + 10 pretest), 120 min; criterion-referenced pass (no fixed %)
Fee: To confirm
Training hours: 1,000 hours (cosmetology)
Exam structure: Written theory exam + practical exam

Schedule / register ↗Official source ↗

🗓️ Last updated: 2026-07-03

📄 Based on: CA BBC Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI, bulletin 930) + barbercosmo.ca.gov, checked 2026-07-03

✍️ Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team · How we verify →

🎯 Practice for this exam

Jobs and next steps

Can help you move up

Shampooer / Salon Assistant

Shampooer duties overlap licensed cosmetology hair/scalp services; cosmetology is a related licensed next path. Shampooer work is not claimed to satisfy training hours or state eligibility.

Requirements vary by state and locality. Check the authority for where you plan to work.

View Shampooer / Salon Assistant job guide

Why this is linked: Shampooer / Salon Assistant

Shampooer duties overlap licensed cosmetology hair/scalp services; cosmetology is a related licensed next path. Shampooer work is not claimed to satisfy training hours or state eligibility.

varies by state

Official or authoritative source:

Reviewed 2026-08-17

PassPrep is an independent study resource. It is not a government agency, state board, NHA, CTEC, IRS, employer, or testing provider.

State rules and fees change often. This table shows only facts confirmed from an official board or vendor source on the date noted; anything unconfirmed is marked “to confirm.” Always verify current requirements with your state board or its testing vendor before you register. Our practice questions are a study aid and never imply your state offers the exam in a language it does not.