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 BeautyCouncil examination. Once successfully passing our examination, you will receive a BeautyCouncil Certificate of Qualification.
BeautyCouncil no longer issues licenses, as the BC Government deregulated the Cosmetology Act as of December 31, 2003. The BeautyCouncil 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 BeautyCouncil Certificate of Qualification is required when applying for a business license.
BeautyCouncil 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 & Penticton | Held twice a year |
| Nanaimo & Parksville |
Held twice a year |
| Prince George |
Held 3 times a year |
| Dawson Creek, Cranbrook, Victoria, Nelson & Vernon |
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.
Out-of-Province Licensed Applicants
To obtain a BeautyCouncil 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 ($175 Non-Members) (full programs) or $65 ($100 Non-Members) (fast track programs)
Retake Examination Fee - $100 (Members & Non-Members)
*Certificate Fee - included in Examination Fee
*** Please Note Exam Fee is Non-Refundable ***
 2012 Exam Schedule 2012 Exam Application |
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Exam dates are subject to change. Please contact the BeautyCouncil for date confirmation.
Exam Instructions
*Fully Qualified HAIR: 1500 school hours or 3000 apprenticed hours or a combination of school & salon hours (1 school hour equals 2 salon hours)
Hairdressing Examination Instructions
Fast Track HAIR:
- Colour Technician: 400 school hours
- Permanent Wave Technician: 400 school hours
- Haircut & Blow Dry Technician: 400 school hours
- Barbering: 400 school hours
*Fully Qualified ESTHETICS: 800 school hours. Esthetics Examination Instructions
Fast Track ESTHETICS:
- Waxing Technician: 250 school hours
- Make Up Artist: 400 school hours
*Fully Qualified NAILS: 400 school hours Nail Examination Instructions
Fast Track NAILS:
- Gel & Manicure Technician: 250 school hours
- Acrylic & Manicure Technician: 250 school hours