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). Professional Credential Services (PCS) is the professional testing organization that administers the written and practical examinations. Beginning May 23, 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.
The application and examination process remain unchanged. Learn more about the examination information.
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.
Provisional Licenses
In November 2021, the Arizona Cosmetology Board extended the Governor’s Executive Order for the distribution of provisional licenses due to the testing capabilities from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provisional license holders with a provisional license expiration date of May 9, 2022 through June 17, 2022 will receive an expiration date extension to June 30, 2022. During this time, license holders need to go through the adequate steps to obtain a license.
The Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board will not be printing new provisional licenses for the extension through June 30, 2022.
After May 20, 2022, no new provisional license requests will be issued. However, provisional license requests that were submitted to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology by May 20, 2022 will be processed and issued with the standard 6-month expiration date. We encourage those with provisional licenses to obtain their individual license as soon as they can.
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
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-4302, A a person shall be granted an occupational or professional license or certificate if the person has been licensed or certified in another state for at least twelve months, the license or certificate is in the same discipline and at the same practice level as the license or certificate for which the person is applying in this state and the person meets other conditions prescribed by A.R.S. § 32-4302.
Fee Changes
Effective February 1, 2021, application fees have changed for the following applications:
- Examination application fee-$60.00. (Apply online)
- Reciprocity application fee-$60 plus $25 class fee to complete the Infection Protection/Law review class. (Apply online)
- Universal application fee-$60.00. (Apply online)
- School Renewal fee-$250.00. (mail renewal fee and School application)
- Delinquent School Renewal fee-$350.00 ($250 renewal & Delinquent fee $100). (mail renewal and delinquent fee with School application)
- Duplicate License request fee-$10.00. (Apply online)
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
1740 W Adams #4400
Phoenix, AZ 85007
**Please make sure to fill out the class registration form and pay the $25.00 class fee.
Non-Applicability Exemption of Individuals Who Blow Dry Hair
Senate Bill 1401, A.R.S.§ 32-506 (14) provides as follows:
"Persons who dry, style, arrange, dress, curls, hot iron or shampoo and condition hair if the service does not include applying reactive chemicals to permanently straighten, curl or alter the structure of the hair and if the person takes and completes a class relating to sanitation, infection protection and law review that is provided by the Board or its designee. This paragraph does not apply if a person is engaging in the practice of Aesthetics or Cosmetology. A person who is exempt pursuant to this paragraph shall post a sign in a conspicuous location in the person's place of business notifying the public the person's services are not regulated by the Board."
In order to qualify for the exemption, individuals are required to do the following:
- Take and complete a class relating to sanitation, infection protection and law review that is provided by the Board or its designee pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-506 (14).
- Individuals are required to post out services in a conspicuous location in the person's place of business notifying the public that the person's services are not regulated by the Board. A.R.S. § 32-506 (14) and A.A.C. R4-10-111 (F).
Substantive Policy Statement - Non Applicability Exemption of Individuals who Blow Dry Hair
Arizona Apprenticeship Program
Arizona offers a "Cosmetology Apprenticeship" program. The program is hosted through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).
- Occupation terms: One and a half (1.5) years with 3000 hours - minimum 250 to 288 hours of related instruction. Arizona State Board of Cosmetology examination is required to become licensed.
For more information, visit the DES Apprenticeship Program website or email [email protected].
Public Records Request
The Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board is in compliance with A.R.S.§ 32-4404 (c); The public may contact the Board to request any licensee's public records, including dismissed complaints, nondisciplinary actions and board orders.
Submit a public records request.
Scam Alert!
The Board of Cosmetology Urges Licensees to Beware of Fake Calls and Emails
The Board of Cosmetology is aware of individuals targeting licensees by phone and email regarding payment of money for license related fines and penalties. These individuals are posing as Board Members and are very convincing. Please be aware that a Board Member will never contact a licensee or applicant. If you have any question about a fee or fine either come to the Board office in person or contact Board of Cosmetology Compliance Office, at (480) 889-2954 or (480) 784-4961. This matter has been referred to the Arizona Attorney General's Office for criminal investigation and prosecution. Please contact the office if you have any information regarding this scam.
AZ Attorney General's Online Complaint portal: Any victim can file a complaint by visiting this website: https://gateway-sis.azag.gov/PublicComplaint/begin.aspx
