California Cosmetology License

Thinking of becoming a cosmetologist and wondering what the requirements are? Or do you want to see if someone is a licensed cosmetologist? The California State Board of Cosmetology license lookup offers the simplest way to check if someone is licensed. This is important, as an unlicensed cosmetologist can put the health of your hair and your overall health at risk or may simply provide lower-quality services.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Cosmetology License in California?

The amount of time it takes to get your license depends on how long it takes you to complete the required hours. You can only appear on the California cosmetology license lookup after you are licensed. Before you can take the State Board examination, you must have completed 1,600 hours. Apprentice hours are not accepted.

To put this in perspective, if you complete 40 hours a week, 1,600 hours would take 40 weeks, which is about nine to 10 months.

Conveniently, the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology has a list of approved schools on its website.

After completing the hours, you will have to submit an application to take the exams. It will take up to 10 weeks to get an exam date if you apply by mail and up to six if you apply online. Your exam date will be between 25 and 60 days in the future. So, this means you may have to wait up to 18 weeks after submitting your exam application until you actually take the exam. It frequently takes less time than this.

How Do I Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in California?

We already mentioned that you need to complete 1,600 hours of training before getting your license, which is a requirement to appear on a California cosmetology license lookup. You must also pass exams and pay a fee. There are two exams, one of which is practical and one of which is written. To take the exams, you must have completed 10th grade and be at least 17 years old.

Conveniently, California does not require any continuing education for cosmetologists, so you don’t have to worry about additional training.

Apprenticeship Program

California also offers an apprenticeship program that is an alternative to the 1,600 hours. They are via the California Apprenticeship Program and let you make money as you train. The program lasts two years of full-time work for a total of 3,200 hours. It also requires 220 hours of classroom instruction. The apprenticeship licensing program is only available for those over 16 years old who have completed 10th grade. Apprentices need to complete a pre-apprenticeship program that is 39 hours and have a licensed trainer and establishment who will train them.

How Much Does a Cosmetology License Cost in California?

When you first become a licensed cosmetologist, you will need to pay a fee of $125. This includes the licensing costs as well as the exam. You cannot appear on the California license lookup or be licensed until you have paid the fee.

After that, you will need to pay $50 to renew your license every other year. This is always done in years with odd numbers, and you can do it online via the BreEZe system on the Department of Consumer Affairs website.

How Do I Transfer My Cosmetology License to California?

You will have to take a few steps to appear on the California license lookup cosmetology lists, including transferring your license by filling out forms. You cannot apply online as an out-of-state applicant.

If you didn’t receive your cosmetology license in another state but completed training, you can follow a similar process to other applicants, but your application must include the Out of State Applicant School Training Form B. You can also use your experience working as a licensed cosmetologist toward your hours. Every three months counts for 100 hours.

If you completed your license in another state, it is much quicker to get your license and appear on the California Barbering and Cosmetology license lookup. You can take advantage of reciprocity without having to take the practical or written exam in California. This involves paying fees and completing a Reciprocity Application. You will also have to ask the state board that issued the license to send the California Board your certification.

To apply for reciprocity, your license must be in good standing and not have restrictions like suspension or being revoked. It also must have been active during three of the past five years, and you must not have had a criminal investigation or disciplinary action in that time.

When you are approved for reciprocity, you can visit a location and get your license the same day. When the database is updated, you will then appear in the cosmetology license lookup California.