Our 1,000-hour program covers every area of the California cosmetology license curriculum:
Hair Services You'll develop hands-on proficiency in haircuts, blowouts, updos, and braiding. You'll learn the chemistry behind permanent waves and relaxers, and master the color theory and application techniques behind single-process color, highlights, balayage, and color correction.
Skin Care Fundamentals Cosmetologists in California are licensed to perform skincare services. You'll learn facial cleansing, exfoliation, skincare analysis, waxing, and more so you can offer add-on services to salon clients.
Nail Services Your license covers manicure and pedicure services as well as acrylic and Gel-X services. You'll learn proper sanitation procedures, nail shaping, and polish application — a valuable add-on service set for any salon professional.
Business & Client Skills Beyond the technical work, you'll learn how to build a clientele, manage appointments, understand salon retail, and present yourself as a professional.
State Board Exam Preparation We have an excellent California State Board passing rate. From your first week, our instructors build exam preparation into the entire program.
Federal financial aid — including Pell Grants — is available to those who qualify. Because Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy is NACCAS-accredited and approved by the U.S. Department of Education, our cosmetology program qualifies for Title IV aid. Our FAFSA school code is 041482.
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Our cosmetology school draws students from across southeast Los Angeles County and north Orange County. If you live in Downey, Norwalk, Whittier, Pico Rivera, La Mirada, La Habra, Cerritos, Fullerton, Paramount, or Bellflower, we’re likely one of your closest accredited cosmetology schools — just off the 5 and 605 freeways on Imperial Highway. See full directions for your city.
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Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy was founded in 1997 by Miss Maria, whose career spans more than 47 years in the beauty industry. Today, we continue her foundation by pairing a strong foundation with the latest techniques and brands. We are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
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We built a free California cosmetology state board practice exam anyone can use — over 125 questions across all 10 topic areas of the April 2026 PSI/BBC content outline
For the full picture, see our breakdown of what a licensed cosmetologist can legally do in California.
See our 600-hour esthetician program.
Our 400-hour nail tech program is the fastest path to a California license.
A: California requires 1,000 hours of training for the cosmetology license. At Beyond, full-time students (30 hours per week) finish in about 8.3 months; part-time students (20 hours per week) finish in about 12½ months. Classes run Tuesday through Saturday during the day.
A: Our cosmetology program costs $17,560 total — $16,340 tuition, $1,100 kit and books, $75 registration, and $45 STRF. That includes everything you need to train and test for your license. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
A: Yes. Beyond is NACCAS-accredited and approved for federal Title IV aid, including Pell Grants for students who qualify. Our FAFSA school code is 041482. Learn more on our financial aid page.
A: Our cosmetology program runs days only, Tuesday through Saturday — so Saturday is included, but there is no night cosmetology track. If you need evenings, our esthetician program and nail tech program both offer evening schedules.
A: It's the broadest beauty license in California — hair cutting, coloring, and chemical services, plus skin and nail services. See our complete scope-of-practice guide for what's in and out of scope.
A: New cohorts begin almost every month. Contact admissions for the next open start date.
A: Yes — accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and approved by the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
A: A high school diploma or equivalent, a California ID or driver's license, and a Social Security card or ITIN. New classes start almost every month — schedule a tour to learn more and lock in your date.
Cosmetology School - 1000 hours scheduled completion:
Full Time — 30 hours per week, completes in approximately 8.3 months
Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Part Time — 20 hours per week, completes in approximately 12.5 months
Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Classes run Tuesday through Saturday. Day schedule. Contact us to discuss which track works best for your situation.
Course: Cosmetology
Tuition: $16,340
Reg. Fees(non refundable): $75
Kit/Books(non refundable): $1,100
STRF: $45
Total: $17,560
If cosmetology isn't the right fit, explore our other programs:
Esthetician School — 600 hours, focuses on skincare. Completes in as few as 5 months.
Nail Tech School — 400 hours, includes Aprés Gel-X Certification. The fastest path to licensure.
