The What and How of Cosmetology Licensing (in California)

1. What is the practice of Cosmetology?

Cosmetology is the combination of two or multiple beauty sectors relating to hair, nails, skin, body, and hair removal. 

In California, cosmetology services may be only legally performed by State-licensed cosmetologists in State-licensed salons and barbershops. Licenses are issued and managed by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC).

However, not all beauty service/ business are required to be licensed for operation, including: 

• Wigs/ Hairpiece merchant, styling, and fitting. 

• Natural hair braiding without other hair related services such as shampoo, cutting, alteration with chemical products. 

Come down to Advance Beauty College and take the campus tour to see what being a Cosmetologist is all about. 

For more information regarding Cosmetology practice, you can explore this website: BBC Licensees Resources

2. Licensing requirements

In order to qualify for the State Board licensing examination, before submitting the proper application form and required fee, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Is 17 years of age and above

• Must have Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITN)

• Have completed the equivalent of 10th grade education in California public school 

• Does not possess a criminal record that subject them to denial of licensing according to Section 480.*

• Have completed any of the following

A course in Cosmetology at a Board-approved school 

Practice cosmetology outside of California for a period of time that is equal to a qualified person who studies and trained at a Board-approved school. Each three months of practice shall be deemed the equivalent of 100 hours of training for qualification.

Holds a license as a barber in California and has completed a cosmetology crossover course in a Board-approved school. 

A barbering course in a Board-approved school and has completed a cosmetology crossover course in a Board-approved school.

The apprenticeship program in cosmetology.

Advance Beauty College is proud to be one of the beauty schools with Cosmetology courses and more that meet the curriculum requirements and is approved by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) to provide training for licensing pursuers. 

*If you have questions about your criminal record, our Student Service Staff will help you figure out whether or not you are eligible to take the exam. 

3.  The Licensing examination

The exam is available in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese.

Cosmetologist exam content: 100 score questions, 10 pretest, 120 minutes to complete.

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.

4. Exam application

Applicants must complete the correct form, Proof of Training provided by the school, pay the application fee and submit the documents 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

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.

For more information regarding the licensing process, you may contact Advance Beauty College Student Services staff by calling (714) 530 - 2131 or visit us at our school campus.

In addition, you can explore more details at this website: BBC Licensing Application Resources

4. Service out of scope, regulated by Board of Barber & Cosmetology

*This list does not are not a full list of all services 

Under Hairstyling - are able to perform all of Hairstylist services

Under Esthetic -  a number of services are allowed EXCEPT

• Body Contouring/Sculpting 

• Cavitation 

• Cryotherapy 

• Cryolipolysis or Any Fat-Reduction Treatment

• Dermarolling 

• Electrical Muscle Stimulator 

• Electrolysis* 

• Fibroblast/Plasma Skin Tightening

• HyaluronPen

• Injections of Any Sort 

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

• Lasers of Any Kind

• Microneedling/Nanoneedling 

• Radio Frequency 

• Skin Tag or Mole Removal

• Ultrasound 

• Use of Prescription Products

* Electrolysis is the practice of removing hair from, or destroying hair on, the human body by the use of an electric needle. Only licensed electrologists may provide electrolysis.

Under Nail Services - a number of services are allowed EXCEPT

• Removing Calluses With

• a Razor-Edged Tool

• Shaving Calluses With

• a Grater-like tool

• Treating Ingrown Toenails 

• Treating Nail Fungus

*Cosmetic tattooing, fitting and styling of wigs, and threading are not regulated by the Board. 

See more about Cosmetology scope of practice at: BBC info sheet

Ready to become a Cosmetologist yourself? 

Join one of our Cosmetology training programs,

OR 

Book an appointment with our talented students and treat yourself to salon-quality services at a fraction of the price.

Classes and client sessions available now!

Call us at 714-530-2131. OR leave your information and we will contact you

Address: 10121 Westminster Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92843

Information sources

1. https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/licensees/index.shtml

2. https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml

3. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=1.5.&chapter=2.&lawCode=BPC