Examination Information

Provisional License Update

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.

 

Effective April 1, 2021:

 

If you require special accomodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please submit a request form when you register to take the examination with Virtual Inc., (PCS) at www.pcshq.com​

 

Pre-register Information for Candidates for Examination:

 

Students can pre-register with greater ease and faster results!

To pre- register for examination, students must meet following statutory requirements (R4-10-108)
The hours below are not the hours a student is required to attend school. These hours are for ONLY pre-registering for examination after they attended school. 

1450 hours of Cosmetology training
  750 hours for Hairstyling training
 500 hours of Aesthetic training
 500 hours of Nail Technology training
 350 hours for all Instructor training types

 

 

How to apply for Examinations:

STEP 1: Register online with Virtual Inc. (PCS) to take the examination.

  • Registration website: www.pcshq.com 
    • Click "Applicants & Candidates",
    • Click "Cosmetology & Barbering",
    • Click "Arizona",
    • Click "On type of Examination",
    • Click "Create an account"
  • Pay $177.00 by credit card to Virtual Incorporated for both the written & practical exam.

 

Virtual Inc. Account Benefits:

  • Check Status 24/7 - this includes viewing assigned test dates if approved by Board Office.
  • In Addition to ATT Letter (Authorization to Test), an Official Admission Notice for Practical will be e-mailed (10 business days prior to examination date)
  • All Scores Notices will be emailed (10 business days after the exam date)
  • Reprint Admission Letters, ATT Letters, Score Notices

*Any concerns or problems with the website - contact Virtual Inc. (PCS) @ 1-888-822-3272 (do not call the state board)

 

Step 2: Submit Examination Application to Arizona State Board of Cosmetology

  • COMPLETE, Online the Examination application; 
  • Attach a 2X2 PASSPORT PHOTO to your application,
  • Certification of Graduation (must be on School's Letterhead)
  • Lawful presence to include supporting document that shows proof of presence in the United States is authorized under the Federal Law;
  • Proof of High School Education & proof of age (16 years old) or Proof of age (over 18 years old)
  • Pay the initial, non-refundable fee of $60.00 plus $3.00 convenient fee
  • Student Instructor only: proof of current license & proof of work experience form (1-Year minimum).
  • Examination Application 

 

Note: 

  • Once the board office receives a COMPLETED Examination Application, the board will notify Virtual Inc. (PCS). Virtual Inc. will NOTIFY you by EMAIL of the practical examination date and give the instructions on scheduling the written exam. (The Arizona State Board does not notify candidates fo any examination date).
  • If you do not qualify for the examination or additional information is required, the Board will notify you by e-mail or by phone.
  • If you have questions, please contact Suzi or Mimi: (480) 784-4539 - Examinations

Important Reminders:

  • It is up to the candidate to make sure they have applied with Virtual Incorporated and the AZ Board of Cosmetology. If you do not complete either applications, you will not be scheduled for the examinations. 
  • Individuals must register with Virtual Incorporated under their full legal name as it appears on their government issue photo I.D. card. All names must match.
  • Individuals should expect an ATT letter for the theory examination within 2 business days of the Board's approval and an Admission Notice for the practical examination within 2- 5 business days of approval.
  • Practical Examination dates can not be rescheduled once assigned unless a rescheduling fee is paid.
  • Individuals who have not received emails within 5 business days of the Board's approval should contact Virtual Incorporated to ensure they do not miss their scheduled examination. Always check junk/spam e-mail folder.
  • Any e-mail changes or name changes must be submitted to Virtual Incorporated via email to [email protected]. These changes can not be made over the phone.
Related Terms: 
Examination Information