Arizona
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Candidate Information
Arizona State Licensure Requirements for Eligibility
Cosmetology
To receive a Cosmetology License in the state of Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Submits to the board an application for a cosmetologist license on a form supplied by the board. (Apply with the state after passing all required examinations)
2. Does either of the following:
(a) Completes and receives appropriate credits for at least two years of high school education or its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules and submits satisfactory evidence that the person is at least sixteen years of age.
(b) Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least eighteen years of age.
3. Submits to the board satisfactory evidence of any of the following:
(a) That the person is a graduate of a cosmetology course consisting of at least one thousand five hundred hours of training in a school licensed by the board.
(b) That the person is a graduate of a cosmetology school in another state or country that had at the time of the person’s graduation substantially the same requirements as this state for schools licensed by the board.
(c) That the person completed a United States department of labor-approved or a department of economic security-approved apprenticeship program in cosmetology that includes at least two hundred fifty hours of infection protection and law review instruction. The person shall complete the instruction prescribed by this subdivision through either:
(i) A school that is licensed pursuant to this chapter or a school or program in another state that has, in the board’s opinion, licensure requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this state.
(ii) A department of economic security-approved apprenticeship program.
4. Passes the examinations for a cosmetologist license.
5. Pays the prescribed fees for a cosmetologist license.
Hairstylist
To receive a Hairstylist License in the state of Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Submits to the board an application for a hairstylist license on a form supplied by the board. (Apply with the state after passing all required examinations)
2. Does either of the following:
(a) Completes and receives appropriate credits for at least two years of high school education or its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules and submits satisfactory evidence that the person is at least sixteen years of age.
(b) Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least eighteen years of age.
3. Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person either:
(a) Graduated from a hairstyling school in another state or country that had at the time of the person’s graduation substantially the same requirements as this state for schools licensed by the board.
(b) Completed a hairstylist course consisting of at least one thousand hours of training in a school licensed by the board.
4. Pays the prescribed fees for a hairstylist license.
5. Passes the examinations for a hairstylist license.
Barber
To receive a Barber License in the state of Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Submits to the board an application for a Barber license on a form supplied by the board. (Apply with the state after passing all required examinations)
2. Evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant possesses the necessary qualifications.
3. One signed photograph.
B. Each applicant shall:
1. Be at least sixteen years of age.
2. Complete and receive appropriate credits for at least two years of high school education or its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules and submit satisfactory evidence that the person is at least sixteen years of age.
3. Passes the examinations for a Barber license.
4. Pays the prescribed fees for a Barber license.
Aesthetician
To receive an Aesthetician License in the state of Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Submits to the board an application for an aesthetician’s license on a form supplied by the board. (Apply with the state after passing all required examinations)
2. Does either of the following:
(a) Completes and receives appropriate credits for at least two years of high school education or its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules and submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least sixteen years of age.
(b) Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least eighteen years of age.
3. Submits to the board satisfactory evidence of either of the following:
(a) That the person is a graduate of an aesthetician school in another state or country that has substantially the same requirements as this state for schools licensed by the board.
(b) That the person is a graduate of an aesthetician course consisting of at least six hundred hours of training in a school licensed by the board.
4. Passes the examinations for an aesthetician license.
5. Pays the prescribed fees for an aesthetician license.
Nail Technology
To receive a Nail Technology License in the state of Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Submits to the board an application for a nail technician license on a form supplied by the board. (Apply with the state after passing all required examinations)
2. Does either of the following:
(a) Completes and receives appropriate credits for at least two years of high school education or its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules and submits satisfactory evidence that the person is at least sixteen years of age.
(b) Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least eighteen years of age.
3. Submits to the board satisfactory evidence of either of the following:
(a) That the person graduated from a nail technology school in another state or country that had at the time of the person’s graduation substantially the same requirements as this state for schools licensed by the board.
(b) That the person completed a nail technician course consisting of at least six hundred hours of training in a school licensed by the board.
4. Pays the prescribed fees for a nail technician license.
5. Passes the examinations for a nail technician license.
Instructors (Cosmetology Related)
To receive a Cosmetology Related Instructor License in the state of Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Submits to the board an application for an instructor license on a form prescribed by the board. (Apply with the state after passing all required examinations)
2. Does either of the following:
(a) Holds a diploma from a high school or its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules and submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least sixteen years of age.
(b) Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is at least eighteen years of age.
3. Is a licensed cosmetologist, aesthetician, nail technician or hairstylist, is applying for an instructor license to teach a subject in which the person is licensed and has practiced for at least one year in the profession for which the person is applying for an instructor license and has received the following hours of instructor training:
(a) For a cosmetologist instructor, three hundred fifty hours.
(b) For an aesthetics instructor, three hundred fifty hours.
(c) For a nail technician instructor, three hundred fifty hours.
(d) For a hairstylist instructor, three hundred fifty hours.
4. Passes the examinations for an instructor license.
5. Pays the prescribed instructor fees.
Barber Instructor
To receive a Barber Related Instructor License in the state of Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
A. An applicant for an instructor license shall file the following with the board:
1. A written application on a form prescribed by the board. (Apply to the state after passing all required examinations)
2. Evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant possesses the necessary qualifications.
B. An applicant shall:
1. Be at least nineteen years of age.
2. Hold a diploma from a high school or its equivalent as prescribed by the board in its rules.
3. Passes the examinations for a barbering instructor license.
4. Pay the prescribed Barber instructor fees.
5. Have practiced barbering for at least two years.
General Applicant Information (Scheduling, Approval Process, Status, Fees, Scores)
Create an online account (Before you apply)
You must register as a user before completing an online application with PCS. Step-by-step instructions to create an online account: CLICK HERE.
- Click HERE to create your personal account.
Exam Fees and Refund Policy (How much do I pay?)
Examination Fees
| Examination Type | First Time Fees | Re-Exam Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Theory & Written Practical | $ 177.00 | $ 177.00 |
| Theory only | $ 100.00 | $ 100.00 |
| Written Practical only | $ 77.00 | $ 77.00 |
Refund Policy (EXAMINATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE OR TRANSFERABLE. THE EXAMINATION FEE IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF PAYMENT.)
Please carefully review the eligibility requirements above and your state laws, rules, and regulations before making a payment.
Apply online (schedule an exam) Or Log in to your Account
Once you have created your PCS account, you can complete the online application.
For step-by-step instructions to apply online, click HERE.
To apply, click HERE.
Special Accommodations
If you require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you must submit an ADA Request Form and supporting medical documentation. Click HERE to download a copy of this form.
Application Status and Reprinting Your Documentation
You may check your application status or reprint your scores, invoices/receipts, and any other documents by logging in to your account and then clicking Details next to your active application at the bottom of the screen in the applications box.
Application Approval Process (How long does it take to get approved?)
Once you have completed your online application and made the payment, the PCS coordinator will receive a notification to review it. The coordinator will then evaluate your application and identify any additional requirements that may be outstanding, such as a 2×2 Color Passport Type Photo or your AZ School Verification Form.
After reviewing the online application and any uploaded documents, the coordinator will notify you via email of any pending requirements. Your application will remain in pending status until all necessary information has been received.
Examination Notification (When will I know if I am approved?)
Once your registration has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an Eligibility Confirmation for the examination(s) you selected via email. This confirmation verifies that you meet the requirements to test and may proceed to scheduling.
Examination Scheduling (How to select an examination location and date)
NEW: After your eligibility is established, Authorization to Test (ATT) notifications will be issued directly by Prometric. This authorization will include instructions for scheduling your examination appointment, along with any applicable exam-day information. If you are unable to access the authorizations, you must contact Prometric at smt-operationsteam@prometric.com or call 866-773-1114
Please monitor your email regularly and follow the scheduling instructions provided by Prometric to secure your preferred testing date and location.
Theory and Written Practical Rescheduling Policy with Prometric
You may reschedule your written practical and/or theory examination without forfeiting your fee by contacting Prometric at least five business days before your scheduled date. Fees will be forfeited if you attempt to reschedule within five days or fewer before your scheduled examination.
How to Reschedule or Cancel Online
- Visit: Prometric’s website at www.IQTTesting.com
- Select: “Schedule/Reschedule an Exam”.
- Log in: with your UserID and Password from your Authorization to Test email.
- Navigate: to the Registration page and select “edit or cancel”.
- Follow: the on-screen instructions to complete your change.
Otherwise, please call 866-773-1114 to cancel or reschedule your examination. If you cancel your exam, the fees will be forfeited.
Examination Rescheduling (Failed or No Show for my scheduled exam)
If you miss or do not pass your examination, you must log in to your PCS account. You will need to go to your application and select “Purchase an Examination” in the upper-right corner of your screen. Once your payment has been successfully processed, you will receive an updated authorization from Prometric within 1–2 business days.
Please monitor your email regularly and follow the scheduling instructions provided by Prometric to secure your preferred testing date and location.
Exam No Shows: If you fail to show up for your theory and written practical examination at the scheduled time, do not have the proper identification (first and last name must match your admission letter), or do not have your PRINTED admission document, you will not be allowed to take your exam. You will be considered a “No-Show,” your examination fees will be forfeited, and you will be required to re-register and pay all fees prior to taking the exam.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather or a similar emergency, a scheduled examination may be canceled or delayed. However, this decision is made only in rare instances and at Prometric’s discretion. If a test center is open for testing, and you choose not to appear for your scheduled examination, your fee will be forfeited. You will have to reschedule your appointment and resubmit the appropriate fee to PCS. If you have reason to believe a center will be closed due to an emergency, please call Prometric for inquiries about the examinations. –Examinees whose exams are canceled by Prometric due to weather emergencies/unforeseen circumstances will automatically receive an authorization email to reschedule from Prometric within five business days of the original scheduled exam date.
Examination Day ID Requirements (What do I take to the exam)
What do I need to bring to the examination?
- An Admission Letter provided by Prometric for your written practical and theory exams.
- Government-issued photo ID with signature.
If you fail to bring these items, you will not be permitted to test, and a rescheduling fee will be required. No exceptions.
Acceptable Form of Identification
Identification must be listed under the name to which you applied, and the photo must be current and recognizable as the applicant.
- State-issued Driver’s License
- State-issued Identification Card
- US Government-issued Passport
- US government-issued Military Identification Card
- US government-issued Alien Registration Card
Student ID, temporary IDs, and employment ID are NOT acceptable forms of Identification. If you fail to bring proper identification, the ID is damaged, or your names do not match, you will not be permitted to test, and a rescheduling fee will be required. No exceptions.
Arrival Time: You must arrive at the test center at least thirty (30) minutes before your examination start time for registration. If you arrive past your examination time, you will not be permitted to test, and a rescheduling fee will be required.
General Examination Policies
Security Policy
Failure to follow the candidate instructions will result in your application being voided and forfeiture of your application fee. Conduct that results in a violation of security or disrupts the administration of the examination could result in cancellation of your examination and dismissal from the testing center. In addition, your examination will be considered void and will not be scored. Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following: writing on anything other than the IQT Authorized Scratch Paper provided to you, looking at another candidate’s computer monitor, or talking with other candidates anytime during the entire examination period. You are particularly cautioned not to do so after you have completed the examination, as other candidates in the area might be taking a break and still not have completed the examination. You may not attend the examination only to review or audit test materials. You may not copy any portion of the examination for any reason. No examination information may leave the test room under any circumstances. No unauthorized persons will be admitted into the testing area. Please be further advised that all examination content is strictly confidential. You may only communicate about the test or questions on the test using the appropriate forms provided within the examination delivery system. At no other time, before, during, or after the examination, may you communicate orally, electronically, or in writing with any person or entity about the content of the examination or individual examination questions.
Copyrighted Examination Questions
All test questions are the express copyrighted property of NIC. It is forbidden under federal copyright law to copy, reproduce, record, distribute or display these test questions by any means, in whole or in part. Doing so may subject you to severe civil and criminal penalties, including prison incarceration and/or fined up to $250,000 for criminal violations.
Prohibited Items
No food, beverages, purses, notebooks, magazines, backpacks, briefcases, hats, caps, reference books, or electronic devices such as cameras, computers or computerized devices, iPods, radios, recording devices, portable fax machines, cellular telephones, smart watches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, or any reproduction equipment. Smoking/Vaping or the use of any tobacco product is strictly prohibited in the examination room. Failure to comply with any of these conditions will result in you being dismissed immediately and your actions reported to the proper authorities. PCS is not responsible for any personal items brought to the examination site.
Environmental Distracters
Although every attempt is made to provide a quiet and comfortable test environment, noise and room temperature may be unforeseen and unavoidable distractions. It is recommended to wear clothing suitable for adapting to the cooler or warmer climate at the testing site.
Examination Scores (When will I receive my scores)
Score Notices
An official score notice will be emailed to you at least 5 business days after your examination date. If you do not receive an email within this time frame, you may print a score notice by logging into your PCS account.
State Score Requirements
The minimum score required to pass the theory and written practical examination is 75. If you fail an examination, PCS will provide a strengths and weakness report (at the bottom of the score notice) and information on re-applying online. These are weighted and scaled scores(similar to an ACT score) and cannot be averaged from the strengths and weaknesses report, which is provided to guide examinees in areas of focus for exam study as they correspond with sections of the candidate information bulletin.
Once you pass the theory and written practical examinations, PCS will notify the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board of your scores. You will receive a Notice of Completion, including information on how to apply online with the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board for your license. See the License information below.
License (How to apply for my license)
Go to the board’s website at https://bcb.az.gov/apply/personal-license and create an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
I uploaded my documents first and submitted my application afterward, but it still shows “awaiting information” or was rejected. If your documents are uploaded before you submit your application, they will not be reviewed.
What do I need to do:
- You will need to submit your application and upload your documents again.
- Documents should be in color, a JPEG or PDF format, and non-expired. .heic files cannot currently be accepted. To prevent issues, you can change your iPhone/IPad camera to save photos as JPGs by default:
- Go to Settings > Camera.
- Tap Formats.
- Select Most Compatible.
Login Issues
I entered my login information, but the system won’t let me in. Make sure you are logging in through the current website pcshq.com (do not use old bookmarks or saved links). (Cell phone users, click the three bars at the top right)
Password Reset
I’m not receiving my password reset email.
- Be sure you are typing in the unique username that was sent in your first account creation email.
- Remember: your username is different from your email address.
To view scores in the old system:
- Click Login at the top of the page.
- Select Click Here under the Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology section.
- Use your original username and password.
If you applied through the new system:
- Click Portal Login under Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology.
- Enter the username provided in your first account creation email (this username is not your email address) and your password.
If you are applying or paying for a re-exam for the first time in the new system:
- Go to Applicants & Candidates at the top of the site.
- Under Cosmetology & Barbering, choose Arizona
Payment Problems
I can log in to my application, but I can’t pay, or I get an error during payment.
- For security, the payment processor uses a timer.
- If your application is left in payment pending or payment is delayed (for example, to retrieve a card), the system will lock up the payment section.
- After 24 hours, the system will automatically delete the incomplete application, and you will have to start a new one.
- To avoid issues, have your payment method and required documents ready before you begin.
School Verification Form
I uploaded my school verification to my application, but it was rejected.
- The Arizona School Verification form is a form sent by the AZ Board to AZ schools. We cannot accept Certificates of Graduation, Transcripts, or other forms from in-state open programs.
- If the school has a question concerning the form, they can reach out at azcos@pcshq.com
ADA Accommodations
What is ADA? ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which allows candidates to request reasonable testing accommodations due to a disability.
- To request accommodation, you must submit:
- Documentation from a licensed provider who can diagnose or treat the disability, and
- The PCS ADA form
- This must be received before the accommodation can be approved.
Still Need Help?
My question isn’t listed here. Email your coordinator at azcos@pcshq.com. You will receive a response within one business day.
Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs) (Study Guides, and References)
For the current National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Candidate Information Bulletins (CIB) for each listed profession.
To access more Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs) from the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)—including versions in foreign languages, practice exams, and an overview of the exam—please visit https://nictesting.org/examination-information/