Nail Technician (Manicurist) in California
CA Board of Barbering & Cosmetology (DCA)
California runs the manicurist exam through PSI for the Board of Barbering & Cosmetology (BBC). The written theory exam is 65 questions (60 scored + 5 pretest) in 90 minutes, scored against a criterion-referenced passing standard. The official CA bulletin confirms the written exam is offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese — so a Vietnamese-speaking candidate can sit the real written test in Vietnamese. You need 400 hours of manicurist training to qualify, 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)
- 401
- Testing agency
- PSI
- Real written-test languages
- English · Spanish · Vietnamese
- To pass
- Written theory: 65 questions (60 scored + 5 pretest), 90 min; criterion-referenced pass (no fixed %)
- Fee
- To confirm
- Training hours
- 400 hours (manicurist)
- Exam structure
- Written theory exam + practical exam
🗓️ Last updated: 2026-07-03
📄 Based on: CA BBC Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI) + barbercosmo.ca.gov, checked 2026-07-03
✍️ Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team · How we verify →
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.