PLEASE NOTE: Exam applications and related documents are available to print from the bottom of this page. Please read all relevant information, as it is important to your having a successful examination experience!
Upon completion of your training, you may apply for the Cosmetology Industry Association of British Columbia examination. Once successfully passing our examination, you will receive a Cosmetology Industry Association of British Columbia Certificate of Qualification.
The CIABC is no longer issuing licenses, as the BC Government deregulated the Cosmetology Act as of December 31, 2003. The CIABC Certificate of Qualification will be used by new industry professionals to purchase supplies from supply houses and apply for malpractice insurance. In some districts, a CIABC Certificate of Qualification is required when pplying for a business license.
CIABC Exams
Exams are held by the Association regularly throughout the province and are booked on a first-come-first-serve basis. Candidates cannot be booked for an exam until their completed forms and fees are received at the Association office. Exam instructions are mailed to each candidate with their exam notification. The instructions are also available below in the "About the Exams" section.
| Vancouver | Held every other week |
| Kamloops & Kelowna | Held every other month |
| Prince George & Nelson | Held twice a year |
| Dawson Creek | Held once a year |
Results are mailed to the candidates and will not be given over the phone.
Applicants who fail the exam three times will be required to obtain further training before attempting the exam again. Those requiring the assistance of an interpreter will be given one more try before having to obtain further training. No electronic aids are permitted in the examination.
Please note: All exams fees are non-refundable
Out-of-Province Licensed Applicants
To obtain a Cosmetology Industry Association of British Columbia Certificate of Qualification, persons with a previous license (certificate) for hairdressing, esthetics or nail technology from out of the province should register with the Association for a certification exam.
Examination Fee - $125 (full programs) or $65(fast track programs)
*Certificate Fee - included in Examination Fee
*** Please Note Exam Fee is Non-Refundable ***
 2010 Exam Schedule 2010 Exam Application |
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Exam dates are subject to change. Please contact the CIABC for date confirmation.
Exam Instructions
Hairdressing Examination Instructions Esthetics Examination Instructions Nail Examination Instructions