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How to get a Cosmetologist license in Alabama

Alabama licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOC).1 For the Cosmetologist license you need at least 1,500 clock hours1 of education, at least 3,000 hours of on-the-job training2 and a passing score on the Alabama cosmetology written examination (PSI)3. The board lists $75 for the exam (Each written exam attempt)4, $130 for the exam (Each practical exam attempt)5 and $50 for the initial license6, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years1.

Last checked · 19 official sources

Who issues it

Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOC)

Training and experience

Training: at least 1,500 clock hours1
Experience: at least 3,000 hours of on-the-job training2

Exam

Alabama cosmetology written examination (PSI)3

Fees the board lists

Exam fee (Each written exam attempt): $754
Exam fee (Each practical exam attempt): $1305
Initial license fee: $506
Registration fee: $751

Renewal

Every 2 years1

From another state

License by endorsement, Temporary license or permit, Military service members and spouses and Multistate license (interstate compact)7891 Details

On this page
  1. Alabama cosmetologist licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Cosmetologist license
  4. Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
  5. How much a Cosmetologist license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Alabama with a license from another state
  9. Instructor (Cosmetologist)
  10. Check a license or report a problem
  11. Laws and rules
  12. Rule changes since January 2024
  13. Common questions
  14. Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Alabama cosmetologist licenses

Alabama issues 2 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
CosmetologistHair, nails and skin care: cutting, coloring, waving, braiding, waxing, bleaching, cosmetic preparations and massage on scalp, face, arms, legs, feet or hands, esthetics, nail technology, manicure, pedicure and desairology, for compensation.1Training 1,500 clock hours1
Experience 3,000 hours2		Yes1$506
Instructor (Cosmetologist)Teaches cosmetology in a licensed or registered school; services in school are free demonstrations only.1Training 1,500 clock hours1
Experience 1 year1		Yes1$501

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for every Alabama cosmetologist license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

Requirements

Minimum age
16 years old10
Background check
The Board may revoke or suspend a license or permit of an applicant or licensee convicted of a felony or gross immorality, among other grounds; applicants denied licensure are given a reason.1
Residency or citizenship
U.S. citizen, or legally present in the United States with federal documentation; must be legally permitted to work in the U.S.1
Social Security number
A copy of the Social Security card is required with the written exam application; the Board cites federal PRWORA 1996 and Code of Ala. § 30-3-194.3

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$5061ABOC–
License verification to another state$251ABOCPer state the certification is sent to (license transfer out of Alabama)

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years1
When it expires
Expires on the last day of the licensee's birth month in odd-numbered years; the first (original) license runs only to the next odd-year birth month, so it can be shorter than two years.1
Renewal fee
$10011 (Every 2 years)
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $5411 (renewal postmarked after the last day of the birth month)
Reinstatement fee: $45412 (license expired more than four years; plus the $130 practical exam fee)
Renew online
aboc.alabama.gov13

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Licensed 5+ years in good standing in another state: Alabama license without exam. Licensed under 5 years: license if you passed both national written and practical exams; otherwise take the Alabama practical (or both Alabama exams) under a six-month temporary work permit. Certification must come directly from the other state. Alabama has no equivalent to a "Hair Stylist" or "Hair Dresser" license, so those cannot transfer.7
Conditions
Five-year rule7
Under 5 years with national written but no national practical exam: pass the Alabama practical exam within a six-month temporary work permit.7
No national exams: pass Alabama written and practical exams within the six-month permit.7
Certification of licensure must be sent by the other state (emailed to [email protected]); the application is not processed until it arrives.8
Statutory basis1
Fee
$10014
Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
Out-of-state applicants who must test receive a six-month temporary work permit and may work while completing the exams.7
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Spouses of active-duty military transferring to Alabama get an expedited reciprocal license and can request a fee waiver (initial licensure only) under Code § 31-1-6.9

Who needs a Cosmetologist license

Hair, nails and skin care: cutting, coloring, waving, braiding, waxing, bleaching, cosmetic preparations and massage on scalp, face, arms, legs, feet or hands, esthetics, nail technology, manicure, pedicure and desairology, for compensation.1

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • No license needed for occasional unpaid hairdressing by someone not holding out to the public, emergency service without pay, licensed medical professionals, the armed services, public school programs, or cosmetics-counter demonstrations.1
  • Services must be performed in a Board-licensed shop (separate shop license: new shop $200), except for clients who are ill or incapacitated when booked through a licensed shop.16

Requirements for a Cosmetologist license

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

High school diploma or GED
Not required1
Education or training
At least 1,500 clock hours1
Cosmetology school program at a Board-licensed school (or a Board-approved credit-hour program)1
Who may teach it: Private schools licensed by ABOCB; public school programs are regulated by the Alabama Department of Education. Distance learning may cover up to 50% of coursework.1
Alternative: Apprenticeship of 3,000 hours over three years instead of school (see experience).1
Alternative: School and apprentice hours cannot be combined.3
Alternative: Students who finish 70% of school hours may work in a shop when school is not in session (hours earned there do not count).1
Experience
At least 3,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 clock hours in a Board-licensed shop under a cosmetologist sponsor licensed at least five years, completed within three years; apprentice permit $75; hours reported monthly.2
Supervision: Sponsor must hold the same type of license, be licensed at least five years, be present whenever the apprentice works, and sponsor only one person at a time (primary plus secondary sponsors allowed since Jan. 1, 2025).1
Substitute: Apprenticeship curriculum: 450 h sanitation/sterilization/allied sciences, 150 h skin/facials/make-up, 225 h manicure/nails, 150 h shampoos/rinses, 300 h coloring/bleach, 225 h haircutting, 595 h hairstyling, 525 h permanent waving, 380 h unassigned.1
Exam
Alabama cosmetology written examination (PSI)3
Given by: PSI17
Passing score: 70% or higher1
When you can take it: After finishing the school or apprenticeship hours, the instructor/sponsor helps file the Written Exam Application; PSI scheduling opens only after ABOCB approval. Minimum age 16.3
Written (computer-based) exam3
Practical (hands-on) exam; candidates bring their own supplies and implements1
Time limit: All exams must be passed within 24 months of the original exam application (rule); the Board's exam page says 2 years from program completion. Otherwise reapply, and earlier passed exam credit is lost.1
Exam waived: Exams waived for out-of-state licensees licensed 5+ years, or who passed national written and practical exams.7
Also required
Exam application must include proof of 10th grade, government photo ID, Social Security card copy, a 2x2 photo, the official transcript of program hours and the $75 fee.3

How much a Cosmetologist license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$754ABOCEach written exam attempt (retake fee is the same). Not refundable
Exam fee$1305ABOCEach practical exam attempt. Not refundable
Registration fee$751ABOCApprenticeship route only (apprentice permit)
Apprentice Change (Master, Salon, or Both)$2514ABOCApprentice changing sponsor or shop
Duplicate or replacement license$251ABOC–
Returned Check Fee$3014ABOC–

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Choose a route: enroll in a Board-licensed cosmetology school (1,500 hours; must be 16+ with 10th grade), or have a sponsor (licensed 5+ years) obtain an apprentice permit ($75) before you start a 3,000-hour apprenticeship.1 Form (PDF, aboc.alabama.gov)2
  2. Complete the hours. Your school or sponsor certifies completion to the Board (within 120 days) and gives you the Written Exam Application.1
  3. Mail the Written Exam Application with proof of 10th grade, photo ID, Social Security card copy, 2x2 photo, official hours transcript and the $75 exam fee. You then receive a six-month Pending Exam Permit to work while testing.3
  4. When PSI emails that you are approved, schedule and pass the written exam, then the practical exam ($130).17
  5. After passing the practical exam, pay the $50 original license fee online or by mail with your "Congrats" letter.5 aboc.alabama.gov5
Temporary or provisional license
Pending Exam Permit valid six months, issued once and not extendable; you cannot work after it expires until licensed.5
Processing time
After the practical exam, PSI emails the result; out-of-country applicants receive the license within 2-4 weeks after passing the practical exam.5

Renewal and continuing education

If it expires
An expired license can be reinstated within four years by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, the current renewal fee and a late fee. After four years: proof of prior licensure, pass the practical exam ($130), then pay the $454 reinstatement fee.1

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Alabama Cosmetologist license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Alabama with a license from another state

These are the routes ABOC publishes for the Cosmetologist license.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Licensed in another country: credential evaluation (NACES/AICE member) and course-by-course transcript; the Board decides whether more training is needed. Alabama written and practical exams are required. $175 fee includes the written exam; practical exam $130. Six-month pending exam permit allows work meanwhile.8
Fee
$17514
Route
Multistate license (interstate compact)
What the board says
Alabama has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Code §§ 34-7B-50 to -64), which will offer a multistate license for cosmetologists. Until the Board issues multistate licenses, apply through the regular reciprocity route.1

Instructor (Cosmetologist)

Teaches cosmetology in a licensed or registered school; services in school are free demonstrations only.1

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Required1
Education or training
At least 1,500 clock hours1
Teacher's training course at a Board-licensed school1
Who may teach it: Instructor trainees must be registered with the Board and may instruct only with a licensed instructor present; one instructor per two trainees.1
Alternative: One year of full-time shop work as a licensee plus 650 hours of instructor training.1
Experience
At least 1 year1
Current Alabama license in the area to be taught (cosmetologist); for the 650-hour route, one year of active shop experience.1
License you must hold first: Cosmetologist license required before enrolling as an instructor trainee.1
Exam
Alabama instructor examination (cosmetologist area of practice)1
Passing score: 80% or higher1
When you can take it: After completing instructor training; trainees schedule their own exams.1
Retakes: Retake as soon as results are released within the 24-month eligibility period.1
Time limit: 24 months from original exam application.1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$751ABOCNot refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$251ABOCSecond posted copy when teaching in a school and working in a shop

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Hold a current Alabama cosmetologist license and register with the Board as an instructor trainee at a licensed school.1
  2. Complete 1,500 hours of instructor training, or one year of full-time shop work followed by 650 hours.1
  3. Schedule and pass the instructor exam (80%), then pay the license fee.1

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a cosmetologist in Alabama, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Alabama is on the Alabama license lookup page.

Look up a license
albocprod.glsuite.us14

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • October 1, 2026: SB 183: natural hair styling (braiding, twisting, locking, weaving without chemicals) no longer needs a Board license; a voluntary Natural Hair Stylist license remains. Chemical services still require a cosmetology license.18
  • May 15, 2026: Rule change: removed the extra 375 school hours previously required after a third exam failure or if not licensed within 2 years; candidates now retake as soon as results are released within a 24-month eligibility period. Distance learning allowed for up to 50% of school coursework.19

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in Alabama?

The rules set at least 1,500 clock hours1 and at least 3,000 hours of on-the-job training2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: After the practical exam, PSI emails the result; out-of-country applicants receive the license within 2-4 weeks after passing the practical exam.5

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to Alabama?

ABOC publishes these routes for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement8, temporary license or permit7 and multistate license (interstate compact)1. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in Alabama?

Every 2 years1. The renewal fee is $10011.

Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. The Alabama Cosmetology Act (Code of Alabama 1975 §34-7B-1 to -94) and Administrative Rules ch. 250-X-1 to…Alabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated October 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. ApprenticesAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Exam Requirements & FeesAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated November 30, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Written Examination RetakeAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Pending Exam Permits/Original LicenseAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated November 30, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  6. FAQsAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Reciprocity Instructions and Application (2025-10)Alabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Transfer A LicenseAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Military FamiliesAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  10. License TypesAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Personal License Renewal formAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Application for License Reinstatement (expired more than four years)Alabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Changes online personal license renewalAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  14. FeesAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated August 1, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  15. Military Spouse Fee Waiver Request FormAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  16. aboc.alabama.govAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Scheduling ExamsAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated February 13, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Important Law Update natural hairstylistsAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  19. Rule Changes Effective May 15, 2026Alabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated May 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026