Barber · Cosmetology | Multi-state | State law exams
Beauty Licensing Exams Changed in Alabama, California, Hawaii, and Kentucky
Current 2026 examination rules and operations now differ across four states, including new PSI outlines, vendor changes, eligibility windows, and a…
- Use the state-specific current bulletin rather than a generic national outline.
- Track Alabama's 24-month eligibility period and the loss of passed-section credit after it expires.
- For Hawaii, wait for Board approval, then allow up to 24 hours before PSI registration; do not let the 12-month approval expire.
- For Kentucky, pass theory before applying for the practical and monitor the Board for the end of the shampoo-stylist hold.
Published: 2026-09-04 · Reviewed: 2026-09-04
Official context
Alabama adopted Rule 250-X-6-.01 on February 23, published it March 31, and made it effective May 15, 2026. California's Board announced on November 21, 2025 that PSI's 2025 national theory outlines would be implemented April 1, 2026. Hawaii changed its barbering and cosmetology examination vendor from Prometric to PSI effective January 1, 2026. Kentucky implemented new PSI Test Taker Guides on March 19, moved all practical examinations to PSI's Lexington center effective June 1, and currently places the Shampoo Styling Examination on hold through November 2026.
What this means
Alabama candidates must pass every required section within 24 months of the original examination application or reapply and lose prior section credit; the pass mark is 70%, or 80% for instructor examinations. California candidates and schools should use the 2025 PSI outlines: safety and infection control now carries 31% of barber, 30% of cosmetologist, and 40% of esthetician theory. Hawaii requires Board approval before PSI registration and makes eligibility valid for 12 months from the approval letter. Kentucky requires theory passage before a practical application and fee may be submitted, treats theory scores as valid for six months, and says shampoo-stylist scheduling information will follow when PSI completes its update. Each item is effective or operational now; the Kentucky hold is not an exam waiver.
Official sources
- https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/filing/691ca00cf68312b2498d23eb/filing
- https://www.aboc.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/Rules%20and%20Regs%20Document%205.15.2026.pdf
- https://barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/psi_exam_update.pdf
- https://barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml
- https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/barber/application-deadline-examination-dates/
- https://kbc.ky.gov/exams/Pages/default.aspx
Licensing & Industry Updates is an educational summary of official public communications. It is not legal advice, and filing decisions should be checked against the current board page or rule text.