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Free Practice Questions for CA Cosmetology

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Exam Review

Key Facts: CA Cosmetology Exam

110

Questions

100 scored + 10 pretest

2022

Practical Exam Eliminated

Written theory exam only

2 hrs

Exam Duration

PSI

$125

Application Fee

Combined exam + initial license

1,000 hrs

Training Required

Or 3,200 apprenticeship

66%

First-Time Pass Rate

BBC 2026 Sunset Review

The California Cosmetology exam has 110 questions (100 scored plus 10 pretest) in 2 hours. The Board publishes no numeric passing score — the theory exam uses a criterion-referenced passing standard. Safety and Infection Control is the largest domain at 30%. California requires 1,000 school hours or 3,200 apprenticeship hours. Minimum age is 17 with 10th grade completion. The practical exam was eliminated in 2022 — only the written theory exam is required. The combined exam and initial license application fee is $125.

Sample CA Cosmetology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CA Cosmetology exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 415+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology regulations, what is the minimum number of hours required to obtain a cosmetology license through a licensed school?
A.600 hours
B.800 hours
C.1,000 hours
D.1,200 hours
Explanation: The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school to qualify for the licensing examination. This requirement ensures cosmetologists receive comprehensive training in all areas of hair, skin, and nail services before practicing professionally.
2What is the minimum number of apprenticeship hours required to qualify for the California cosmetology licensing examination?
A.1,600 hours
B.2,400 hours
C.3,200 hours
D.4,000 hours
Explanation: California allows individuals to complete 3,200 hours of apprenticeship training under a licensed cosmetologist as an alternative to attending a licensed school. This apprenticeship pathway takes approximately two years to complete and provides hands-on training in a professional salon environment.
3What information must each entry in a California pedicure foot spa cleaning log contain?
A.Only the date of cleaning
B.The date, time, initials of the person performing the cleaning, and type of cleaning performed
C.The client's name and home address
D.The cost of the disinfectant used
Explanation: Under 16 CCR §§980.1(f), 980.2(e), 980.3(c), and 980.4(a)(3), each pedicure equipment cleaning log entry must record the date, time, the initials of the person who performed the cleaning, and the type of cleaning performed (after each client, end of day, or weekly). The log must be made available upon request to any client or Board representative.
4After each pedicure service, whirlpool foot spas in California must be cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for a minimum contact time of:
A.5 minutes
B.10 minutes
C.15 minutes
D.30 minutes
Explanation: California regulations require that after each client, whirlpool foot spas must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water to remove visible debris, then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for at least 10 minutes. This procedure helps prevent the transmission of bacteria, fungi, and viruses between clients.
5According to California regulations, how often must foot spas with whirlpool or air-jet features be completely drained and flushed with a disinfectant solution?
A.Daily
B.Weekly
C.Bi-weekly
D.Monthly
Explanation: California Board regulations require that whirlpool and air-jet foot spas be completely drained and flushed with a disinfectant solution at least once per week. This weekly procedure helps remove biofilm and bacteria that may accumulate in the internal plumbing system where regular cleaning cannot reach.
6Under California Health and Safety Code, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals used in a salon must be:
A.Kept at the manufacturer's office only
B.Posted on the establishment's front door
C.Readily accessible to all employees during all working hours
D.Discarded after the first year
Explanation: California Health and Safety Code, along with OSHA requirements, mandates that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace must be readily accessible to all employees during working hours. Employees must be trained on how to read and understand these documents, which contain critical information about chemical hazards, handling, and emergency procedures.
7Which section of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) identifies the immediate health effects and symptoms of chemical exposure?
A.Section 1: Identification
B.Section 4: First-aid measures
C.Section 8: Exposure controls
D.Section 14: Transport information
Explanation: Section 4 of the Safety Data Sheet (First-aid measures) describes the immediate health effects and symptoms of exposure to the chemical, along with recommended first-aid procedures. This information is essential for cosmetologists to know how to respond in case of accidental chemical contact with skin, eyes, or inhalation.
8California regulations require that single-use (disposable) items such as nail files, buffers, and orangewood sticks must be:
A.Washed and disinfected between clients
B.Discarded after each use and not reused
C.Soaked in alcohol for 5 minutes between clients
D.Used on the same client for up to one week
Explanation: Single-use items are designed to be discarded after each client service and cannot be disinfected for reuse. Items that are porous or cannot withstand proper disinfection, such as nail files, buffers, and wooden implements, must be replaced for each client to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
9What is the correct procedure for disinfecting multi-use metal implements such as cuticle pushers and nail clippers in California?
A.Wipe with alcohol and air dry
B.Clean with soap and water, rinse, dry, then immerse in EPA-registered disinfectant for required contact time
C.Spray with disinfectant and use immediately
D.Boil in water for 5 minutes
Explanation: California regulations require a two-step process for disinfection: first, clean implements with soap and water to remove all visible debris, then rinse and dry completely. Second, immerse in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the manufacturer's recommended contact time (typically 10 minutes). This process ensures proper decontamination and prevents cross-contamination.
10In California, what must be done immediately if a cosmetologist accidentally cuts a client during a service?
A.Continue the service and apply antiseptic at the end
B.Stop the service, apply first aid with gloves, disinfect the area and implement, and document the incident
C.Ignore the cut if it is small
D.Send the client home immediately
Explanation: When an accidental cut occurs, the cosmetologist must immediately stop the service, put on gloves to protect against bloodborne pathogens, clean the wound with antiseptic, and apply a bandage. The contaminated implement must be properly cleaned and disinfected before reuse. The incident should be documented according to establishment policy. California law requires following standard precautions for all blood and body fluids.

About the CA Cosmetology Exam

The California Cosmetology licensing exam is a written theory exam covering safety and infection control (30%), client consultation (19%), haircoloring (10%), chemical texture services (12%), hair removal (8%), nail care (8%), skin care (4%), eyelash/eyebrow services (4%), haircutting (3%), and hairstyling (2%). California eliminated the practical exam effective January 1, 2022.

Exam sponsor: PSI Services / California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

110 questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

Not published — criterion-referenced

Exam / Certification Fees

$125 combined exam + initial license application fee (non-refundable)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 66%. first-time pass rate (36% retake), BBC 2026 Sunset Review This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Safety and Infection Control

Sanitation, disinfection, hazardous substances, SDS, tool sterilization, foot spa protocols, California Board regulations

19%

Client Consultation and Analysis

Hair, skin, and nail analysis, contraindications, patch/strand tests, client record-keeping

12%

Chemical Texture Services

Permanent waving, chemical straightening, curl reformation, processing monitoring, safety

10%

Haircoloring

Color theory, permanent/semi-permanent color, highlighting techniques, color correction, toners

8%

Hair Removal

Waxing techniques, hard/soft wax, sugaring, depilatories, tweezing, safety

8%

Nail Care

Manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nails, nail repairs, nail products

4%

Skin Care

Facials, skin analysis, product application, skin care safety

4%

Eyelash and Eyebrow

Eyelash and eyebrow services, artificial eyelash adhesive and remover safety

3%

Haircutting

Haircutting procedures, sectioning, tool and implement safety

2%

Hairstyling

Hairstyling procedures, thermal styling, hairstyling tools

Preparing for the CA Cosmetology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Not published — criterion-referenced
  • Exam length: 110 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $125 combined exam + initial license application fee (non-refundable) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 415 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CA Cosmetology: Suggested Study Strategy

1Focus on Safety and Infection Control (30%) — know California Board regulations, disinfection protocols, SDS, and foot spa sanitation
2Master Client Consultation and Analysis (19%) — hair, skin, and nail analysis, contraindications, and patch tests
3Study chemical services thoroughly — haircoloring (10%) and chemical texture services (12%) are the next largest areas
4Know Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and prohibited materials and substances — workplace safety precautions are tested under Safety and Infection Control
5Understand foot spa sanitation protocols — California Board has specific requirements for whirlpool and pipeless types
6Study the difference between disinfection levels and which tools require which level of decontamination

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the California Cosmetology exam?

The California Cosmetology exam has 110 multiple-choice questions — 100 scored plus 10 unscored pretest — with 2 hours (120 minutes) to finish. The Board publishes no numeric passing score; the theory exam uses a criterion-referenced passing standard. The practical exam was eliminated effective January 1, 2022.

What is the California Cosmetology exam pass rate?

The Board's 2026 Sunset Review reports a 66% pass rate for first-time test takers and 36% for retakes, and the BBC/PSI Town Hall reported a 67% average monthly cosmetology pass rate for 2025. Safety and Infection Control (30%) is the most heavily tested area, so focused study and 200+ practice questions improve your chances significantly.

What are the training requirements for California cosmetology?

California requires completion of 1,000 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school OR a 3,200-hour apprenticeship program. You must be at least 17 years old and have completed the 10th grade.

Is there still a practical exam for California cosmetology?

No. As of January 1, 2022, California eliminated the practical (hands-on) exam. Only the written theory exam is required for cosmetology licensure. This was a major change that simplified the licensing process.

How should I prepare for the California Cosmetology exam?

Plan for 60-100 hours of study — less if you just completed your 1,000-hour program. Focus on Safety and Infection Control (30%), Client Consultation and Analysis (19%), and chemical services — haircoloring (10%) plus chemical texture services (12%). Complete 200+ practice questions and aim for consistently strong scores before scheduling.