Californiaesthetician license & exam requirements
State-specific examHow to get licensed as an esthetician in California: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official California board.
- License
- Esthetician
- Training hours
- 600
- Written exam
- State-specific exam
- Exam vendor
- PSI
Exam details & notes
State-specific case confirmed: California does NOT use the NIC exam. Since July 1, 2022 the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology uses national examinations developed by PSI Services, reviewed and deemed valid for California by DCA. Written-only licensure — the practical exam was eliminated for all license types effective January 1, 2022 (SB 803). Esthetician written: 75 scored + 10 pretest questions, 90 minutes, passing 57/75 (75%); offered in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. Revised content outlines effective April 1, 2026 (Safety & Infection Control weighted 40%). No separate state-law section published. California is listed as a theory-only participant in PSI's national exam program.
Preparing for the California exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. California runs its own written exam, but it covers largely the same core science and safety material, so the course is strong preparation. Study your California law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Free esthetician practice questions →California esthetician license FAQ
Does California use the NIC esthetician exam?
No. California uses a state-specific written exam (PSI) rather than the NIC national exam.
How many training hours does California require for an esthetician license?
600
How do I get an esthetician license in California?
Complete the required training hours (600), satisfy the written exam requirement (State-specific exam, vendor PSI), and apply through the California board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the California esthetician or cosmetology-related board exam?
PrepTempo's Esthetician State Board course covers the NIC national theory core (infection control, skin science, analysis, and treatments) with free sample questions and free Chapter 1. Study California law-and-rules from your board on top of the core.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the California board. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state board, the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), or any exam vendor, and they do not endorse this product.