How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in California

There are a wide variety of professional, not to mention lucrative careers one can pursue after earning a degree from an accredited beauty or cosmetology school. These occupations include: cosmetologist, hairstylists, haircolor specialist, perm specialist, esthetician, nailcare artists, manicurist, salon owner, makeup artist, and many others not listed here. Especially in California, where demand for beauty and/or cosmetic services is really high, a talented individual can become quite successful as a beautician, and not only in Hollywood, but state wide.
Here is how to become a Licensed Cosmetologist in California.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diploma from an accredited cosmetology school
• Successful completion of the California State Board License Exam
• Money to pay the fees

1. REQUREMENTS
   - An applicant for a Cosmetologist License in CA must be at least 17 years old.
   - Must have completed at least the 10th grade in the public schools of CA or its equivalent.
   - Completed a course in cosmetology from a school accredited by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (1,600 hours) or
   - Practiced cosmetology outside of this state for period of time equivalent to the study and training of a qualified person who has completed a course in cosmetology from a school the curriculum of which complies with requirements adopted by the board.
   - Completed a barbering course in a school approved by the board and has completed a cosmetology crossover course in a school approved by the board.
   - Completed an apprenticeship program in cosmetology

2. TRAINING/EDUCATION
   Enroll in an accredited cosmetology school. Visit the Beauty School Directory (link provided below) and enter your city and zip code to find an accredited school in your area. Your education will prepare you for the California State Board License Exam
   as well as help you prepare for a lucrative career in the field.

3. APPLICATION
   Upon graduating from school, submit a completed initial examination application with the appropriate fee and any additional documentation to the CA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. You can print and mail the completed application in, or file online. The link to complete the online examination application is also provided below.

4. DENIAL
   A cosmetology license may be denied for any of the following reasons:
   - The applicant was convicted of a crime. The board may deny a license only if the crime or act is substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of the business or profession for which application is made, in this case cosmetology.
   - Committed an act involving dishonesty, fraud or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit himself or another, or substantially injure another. In other words, be completely honest in your application and throughout the entire process.

5. GOOD LUCK!

Resources

• Cosmetology Schools in CA
• CA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology - License Application

[amysmarts]

on 10/10/2009 Great article on how to become a licensed cosmetologist in California. This is all great advice and great tips. Thanks. 5*

[redar]

on 10/2/2009 Thank you for a great article. I did go to school for this many moon ago.