FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I want to become an Apprentice, what do I need to do?
A: The first thing you need to do is find a program sponsor and complete a 39 hr. Pre Apprentice Course.
Q: Will it cost me anything to become an Apprentice?
A:The CABBC requires a $25 licensing fee your apprentice license and a $125 to take you Barber or Cosmo exam.
Q: Is the Apprentice Program available for Manicurist or Esthetician?
A:No. At this time the Apprentice program is for Barbering and Cosmetology only. If you're interested in becoming a Manicurist or esthetician you'll need to contact the BBC for approved Schools of Cosmetology.
Q: If I am presently attending a Board approved school of Barbering or Cosmetology and would like to become an apprentice, may I apply my school hours towards the hours required by the Apprentice Program?
A: No. Your clock-hours and operations accumulated in a Board approved school of Barbering or Cosmetology are non-transferable to the Apprentice Program, you would start at zero hours
Q: Is the Related Training part of my 3,200 hours of on-the-job training?
A: No. The related Training (220 hours for both Barbering and Cosmetology) is in seperate from your 3200 shop hours. These hours are given in a classroom environment and cover the health and safety laws of California as well as topics the Program Sponsor has included their curriculum.
Q: I have been told that I need identification but I don’t drive. What can I do?
A: All licensed individuals, including apprentices, must have a current and valid and government issued photo ID with them while they are in an establishment. If you don't drive you can receive a a state issued ID at your local DMV.
Q: Do I need a social security number to apply to be an apprentice.
A: NO, The Board requires all applicants have either a valid social security number (SSN) or a valid tax payer identification number (TIN) or (ITIN)
Q. Will I be working on paying clients as an apprentice?
A. Yes, However, all work that you perform on clients must be done under the direct supervision of your trainer in the approved establishment listed on your license.
Q: Does the trainer that I choose need to have any special education prior to becoming a trainer?
A: No. Anyone who is currently licensed by the Board as a Barber or Cosmetologist my become a trainer. A trainer may be the owner or employee of a licensed establishment and must be in good standing with the Board. Your trainer must be licensed in the course of study (i.e., same scope of practice).
Q: What if my trainer becomes sick or takes a leave of absence?
A: The Board requires that each apprentice only work under the direct supervision of their approved trainer. If your trainer must take a day or two off due to illness, etc., you may not continue to work without your trainer present. If your trainer must take an extended leave of absence, it may become necessary for you to transfer to another trainer.
Q: If I decide to quit the program or need to take a leave of absence, what can I do?
A: If you decide to leave the program permanently or for an extended period of time which would prevent you from completing the required curriculum (on-the-job-training and related training ) hours within the years that your apprentice license is valid, you Program Sponsor must fill out a Verification of Training. This completed and signed verification must be submitted along with your apprentice license to the Board. Your earned on-the -job-training hours and operations, related training and pre-apprentice training are retained for three (3), should you decide to re-enroll.
Q: Do I need to be an apprentice for a full two years before I can take the licensing examination?
A: Under apprenticeship laws, with a twenty-four(24) month apprentice program no apprentices will be completed earlier than twenty-one (21) month s, pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Regulation 224. Regulation 224(e) states in part the following: (e) The local apprenticeship program sponsor in recognition of unusual ability and progress in mastering the skills of the occupations and the related and supplemental education program may decrease the apprenticeship period for individual apprentices by not more than twelve and one-half (12 1/2) percent. A twenty-four month program multiplied by twelve and a half percent (12.5%) equals three months. Subtract three months from the twenty-four month program and the minimum time the apprentice can be in the program is twenty-one (21) months.
Q: If I finish my requirements in 21 months, may I still continue to work until my apprentice license expires?
A: Yes, as long as you apply for the license examination. You may continue to work for three months after you have completed the program requirements or until your license expires, whichever comes first.