California Cosmetology State Board Practice Test

California licenses cosmetologists on a written exam only: the practical exam ended January 1, 2022. Since July 1, 2022 the Board has used PSI’s national exam, with a new outline in effect from April 1, 2026.

110 questions in 2 hours · pass mark set by the Board

Take the full California practice exam

110 questions in 2 hours, in the California format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free California law drill
Free sample · Question 1 of 3California law and rules

During a consultation, Dana finds an open, scraped area on a client's scalp. Under California BBC rules, which statement applies to that area?

California cosmetology written exam format

Regulator
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC)
Exam provider
PSI
Questions
110 multiple-choice items, of which 100 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest items
Time
120 minutes
Pass mark
Set by the Board with a criterion-referenced method; no percentage is published
Practical exam
None since January 1, 2022
Fees
$75 application and examination fee plus the $50 initial license fee ($125 on the application); $75 for each re-examination
Retakes
No limit on attempts; file a re-examination application and fee for each one
Languages
English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese and Simplified Chinese
Training
1,000 hours of cosmetology school, or a 3,200-hour apprenticeship
Pass rate
67% · Average monthly cosmetology pass rate in 2025. First-time cosmetologist candidates from California schools passed 1,235 of 1,920 attempts (64%) from April to June 2026. California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and PSI, Q1 2026 examination town hall; BBC school pass rates for first-time takers, April–June 2026
Line drawing of a stucco salon storefront with a tiled roof, an arched window, palm trees, hills and a parked bicycle
  • The exam has no California-law domain. The Board’s health and safety rules (16 CCR §§977–998) are what inspectors cite in the salon, and every cosmetology course must include 100 hours of health and safety, including those laws and rules. Our California law drill covers them.
  • You receive your license at the test center on the day you pass.
  • A failing score report shows your score, a breakdown by content area and the number of correct answers needed to pass.

California content outline

Content areaWeight
I. Safety and Infection Control30 (30%)
II. Client Consultation and Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis19 (19%)
III. Hairstyling2 (2%)
IV. Haircutting3 (3%)
V. Haircoloring10 (10%)
VI. Chemical Texture Services12 (12%)
VII. Skin Care4 (4%)
VIII. Eyelash and Eyebrow4 (4%)
IX. Hair Removal8 (8%)
X. Nail Care8 (8%)

Source: PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, cosmetologist outline effective April 1, 2026 (100 scored items).

Other California written exams

  • Barber95 items (85 scored) in 120 minutes
  • Esthetician85 items (75 scored) in 90 minutes
  • Manicurist65 items (60 scored) in 90 minutes
  • Electrologist55 items (50 scored) in 90 minutes
  • Hairstylist60 items (50 scored) in 90 minutes

Our California practice exam

Our California mock follows the April 2026 PSI outline: 110 questions in 2 hours, weighted toward safety and infection control, consultation and analysis, and chemical services. The Board does not publish a passing percentage, so the mock marks 75% as the practice target. Every answer comes with an explanation, and your result shows a score for each topic.

Sit the full exam under the real clock

Take the full California practice exam

110 questions in 2 hours, in the California format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free California law drill

Practice California law, then every topic

The California law drill asks ten questions on California’s cosmetology law and rules, with the statute or rule in every explanation. The topic drills cover the general content that makes up the rest of the exam. Each drill’s first attempt is free with a free account.

California law and rules drillTen California questions in random order, each explained with its statute or rule.10 questions · UntimedInfection controlBacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, cleaning versus disinfection versus sterilization, EPA-registered disinfectants, single-use and multi-use items, Standard Precautions and the blood exposure procedure.10 questions · UntimedSafety, chemistry and electricityOSHA and Safety Data Sheets, chemical storage and ventilation, first aid, electrical safety and electricity basics, the pH scale, acids and alkalis, and how salon chemicals react.10 questions · UntimedAnatomy and disordersStructure of the hair, skin and nails, bones, muscles, nerves and circulation of the head, arms and feet, and the hair, scalp, skin and nail disorders you may treat or must refer.10 questions · UntimedHair care, cutting and stylingConsultation and draping, shampoo and scalp care, cutting angles and elevations, wet and thermal styling, braiding, wigs and hair additions, and design principles.10 questions · UntimedHair color and chemical servicesLevels and tones, the color wheel, developer volumes, lightening, toners, patch and strand tests, permanent waves, relaxers and curl reformation.10 questions · UntimedSkin care, hair removal and makeupSkin analysis and contraindications, the basic facial, massage movements, facial devices, waxing and other hair removal, and makeup application.10 questions · UntimedNail care and enhancementsManicures and pedicures, nail tools and foot spa care, polish, tips and wraps, liquid-and-powder enhancements, UV and LED gels, and safe removal.10 questions · Untimed

Common questions

Does California use the NIC exam for cosmetology?

No. Since July 1, 2022 the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology has used PSI’s national written exam, and the practical exam was dropped on January 1, 2022. A new PSI outline took effect April 1, 2026.

How many questions are on the California cosmetology exam?

110 questions in 2 hours: 100 scored and 10 unscored pretest questions that count against your time.

What score do you need to pass the California cosmetology exam?

The Board sets the passing score with a criterion-referenced method based on subject-matter experts’ recommendations, and it does not publish a percentage. A failing score report tells you how many correct answers you needed.

How many times can you take the California cosmetology state board exam?

As many times as you need. Each attempt needs a re-examination application and the $75 fee.

Take the full California practice exam

110 questions in 2 hours, in the California format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free California law drill

Sources

Checked November 7, 2026. Boards update their bulletins and fees; confirm details with California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before you schedule.

Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology or any state board. All exams · Texas · Florida · Esthetician · Nail technician · NIC mock