California Reciprocity And Other Faqs
Alicia: Hey there so glad to have found you! I’m moving from Dallas to San Diego,Ca and want to know if you have any info on transferring my license and how long of a process it is? I have been licensed in Texas for almost 10 years. Thanks!
Answer: It is my understanding that California has no reciprocity available (That was changed this past year) and the Applicants must take both written and practical exams. There is also a 100 hour difference in hours. It would be best for you to send them an email directly or give them a call.
I found this on the application form in section b of the qualifications:
I have held a license in another state for 3 years or more. [The board shall grant a license without examination to practice to an out of state applicant if the applicant submits all of the following to the board:
(a) A completed application form and all fees required by the board. (b) Proof of a current license issued by another state to practice that meets all of the following requirements: (1) It is not revoked, suspended, or otherwise restricted. (2) It is in good standing. (3) It has been active for three of the last five years, during which time the applicant has not been subject to disciplinary action or a criminal conviction.
I have requested a Certification from the State with which I hold a current license be sent directly to the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. You can find that form here APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION ANDINITIAL LICENSE FEE If I were you I would give them a call to make sure of all their laws.
California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov
P.O. Box 944226
Sacramento, CA 94244-2260
1-800-952-5210 (phone)
916-575-7281 (fax)
Michele: Thinking of moving from Hawaii to CA. I’m already a licensed cosmetologist. Whats the requirement for obtaining my license in CA?
Answer: You need to read this and follow the requirements
Maria: Hi I have a license in Missouri and I’m moving to California .
What would I need to do? Do I have to retake all the tests again?
Answer: Read the answers above.
Somer Buzzell: I have 1550 hours and I want to move to California which is 1600 I have 4 years of experience could that count for the extra 50 or what do I need to do to go about this?
Answer: Yes your experience will count. Below are 2 sources
Reciprocity Application
Out Of State Applicant
Carson: I went to cosmetology school back in 1992/3 and completed 1100 hours which I froze then. I haven’t been back since. This was in Ontario California. I was wondering do I need to start from fresh, how do I request getting back those hours if I can, and who do I contact? Please help me!!
Answer: Assuming that you don’t have a transcript from your school for the hours that were completed, I would first suggest that you get in touch with the school you attended and see if they can provide it for you.
That becomes a problem if the school no longer exists. I would then try the state board of cosmetology for California and see if they still have a transcript of your hours if they don’t then I’m afraid you would have to start all over again.
The e-mail to contact the California board barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov and the phone number to call for more information is (916) 574-7570
Casey: I know someone that just finished school in New Orleans, La. at Aveda Institute and they still need to take the state board, etc. I am trying to convince her to come out to California where I am stationed. What would she have to do in order to practice in California?
Answer: La. has 1500 hours and Ca. has 1600 so she could have her verified hours sent to a school out there to get the 100 hours more that is required and then she could take her boards there. If you need more help just leave a message.
Hi,
I currently live in arizona and received my license in september 2005. Im in good standing. But Ill be moving to california within a few months. is it possible to apply for reciprocity in California or should I wait until I renew my license in September of 2008.
Hi Karen,
Yes you can apply for reciprocity now and if you want to keep your Arizona license also just make sure you renew when they are due. Did you see the out of state app above from their state board? Just follow their directions.
But I haven’t had my license for 3 of the last 5 years. Is this a problem?
Hi Karen,
My brain wasn’t working the numbers. Yes that could be a problem with them because they are very strict, but you could possibly send them an e-mail since it will be 3 years next year and see if they will consider reciprocity without examination, but probably not unless they have made any recent changes.
The following is on their app for examination so they probably wouldn’t even consider it since they believe they have stricter training than anyone else.
This part is on their app for exam form:I hold a current license in another State, it has been active for less than 3 years. I have requested a Certification from the State with which I hold a current license be sent directly to the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
If I have a cosmetology license in CA. and move to Washingto State…will I have to repeat training for a WA. license or is my CA. license reciprocal? Thanks!
I have a CA cosmetology license & my sister has CA Manicurist license. We will move to New Jersey next month. Will we have to repeat training or take a test for New Jersey license? Are our CA license reciprocal? What we need to do? Please help us. Thanks