There is no fee to enter the Miss California International. The organizer and sponsors covered all expenses.

There are three conditions to qualify: age, marital status, and geographical region. All contestants must live in the United States, be between 18 and 28 years of age, be single, never have been married, and never have given birth to a child.

The finalists will meet with organizers and event sponsors at a VIP Reception prior to the show. The actual stage performance has four acts: the teaser, the choreography, the solo walk, and the interview. Ten judges will evaluate the finalists' performances and choose Miss California International, First Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up. The finalists themselves will choose Miss Congeniality. Miss People's Choice will be determined through interactive online voting. Miss AI will be selected by an AI algorithm.

Participants receive professional hair & make-up at absolutely no cost as a courtesy of Miss California International organizer and sponsors. The finalists get to shine on stage in designer gowns, by admired fashion designers who are highly acclaimed in such fashion hubs as LA, San Francisco, and beyond.

The first place winner receives a prize package valued at more than $20,000. The package includes a custom jewelry set from the renowned and highly respected Sharif Fine Jewelers, a certificate for a luxury limousine experience courtesy of the award winning Majesty Enterprises, an exclusive interview on the California Live Podcast, a professional photo shoot, and featured coverage in prestigious print and digital publications, including New Times Magazine and Red Hot Monde Magazine. The winner will also receive gift certificates to upscale restaurants and invitations to prestigious local and international events. Additional prizes will be added as the show approaches.

The finalists participate in an intensive six week training program designed to prepare them for every aspect of the competition. They meet once a week with professional choreographers and experienced pageant coaches to develop their stage presence, posture, movement, presentation, and confidence. Throughout the program, contestants learn valuable communication skills, public speaking techniques, runway choreography, and professional stage etiquette. They also practice working with an audience, presenting themselves with confidence, and expressing their unique personalities. The preparation goes far beyond the final show. The skills participants develop help them feel beautiful, confident, and empowered both on stage and in everyday life.