Updated Cosmetology Examination Information
Professional Credential Services (PCS) is the professional testing organization that administers the written and practical examinations pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-514(A). Beginning May 24, PCS will begin scheduling and testing practical examinations for cosmetology, aesthetics and nail technology.
In April 2022, PCS started offering a Computer Based Test (CBT) for both the written theory and practical examinations. The use of CBT examinations will increase testing capacity for candidates. Hairstylists and instructors will continue to do practical tests until PCS/Prometric offers a CBT at a later date.
PCS is utilizing the services of Prometric Testing Centers to administer the CBT examinations. Eight (8) Prometric Testing Centers are currently operating in Arizona. To find the location closest to you, visit pcshq.com.
Graduating students will apply with PCS first and then will be approved to take the test for both the Practical and Theory examinations. When the student passes both tests and has the passing score results, will then be able to submit an application with the Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology Board.
If you have questions regarding the examinations, please contact pcshq.com or (888) 822-3272. For non-testing questions, please call the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board at 480-784-4539.
Board Meetings
For all current Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology Board meeting agendas and minutes, please visit bcb.az.gov.
Applications
To all individuals who are submitting an application online, you must have all of the required documents ready to upload. If you timeout from the link, do not go back to the payment portal and pay twice. Call 480-784-4539 for further instructions. The current time frame to process an application is 8 to 12 weeks.
*NOTE: Not all phones/iPads are compatible to submit applications. Please use a desktop/laptop computer.
Once you get confirmation of payment; an application link is at the bottom of your confirmation page. If you do not see this, please check your spam folder in the email you provided.
Online Services:
As of January 4, 2021, all individual and salon licenses are required to renew online. If you are not sure if you are renewing a salon or individual license, please call the office for clarification. Do not submit any type of application. If you need to renew your individual/salon license, please visit the license renewal link. Please do not mail in your renewal as we will return any mail received and instruct you to renew online.
Licenses & Renewals
If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one by clicking on the ‘Create Account’ on the bottom left on the renewal page.
If you need to reactivate your personal or salon license, please call the main office number for instructions. To make a payment on a civil penalty, you may mail it in or call the office.
***Please note that not all phones are compatible so we recommend you use a desktop/laptop computer to renew.
To renew your license on time, we recommend renewing on or 60 days before the expiration date.
Late to Renew?
If you are late to renew, you must pay a delinquent fee. You have 60 days before your renewal date to renew. If your license is in an "INACTIVE" status for over 2 years, you will have to call the office for procedures to reactivate.
Licensed in Another State or Country
If you are moving to Arizona and are currently licensed in another state or country, you can apply for reciprocity. If you are moving to another state and need a license certification that includes your name, type of license, license number, issue date, date of expiration, discplinary action or lack thereof, basis of licensure and licensure requirements, please fill out this form. Please note that reciprocity and license verification/certification are not the same.
Infection Protection/Law Classes
Due to the pandemic, the classes for the Infection Protection/Law classes have been canceled until further notice. For individuals who are required to attend the Infection Protection/Law class (reactivation and Board order only) you may complete it by reading the Laws and Rules section found under Licensing Information. Once you have reviewed both sections, please print the first page of each section and write the following sentence: "I have read and understood the Arizona Laws and Rules that I have reviewed" and sign your name and date it. You can either scan it and email it to [email protected] or mail it to:
Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board
ATTN: Infection Protection Class
1740 W Adams #4400
Phoenix, AZ 85007
