Cosmetologist
Alabama
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (odd-numbered years during birth month)
Renewal Cycle
$285
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe at least 16 years old with at least 10th grade education
Complete 1,500 clock hours at a licensed cosmetology school OR 3,000 hours through an approved apprenticeship
Submit exam application with $75 fee, 10th grade documentation, photo ID, Social Security card copy, and 2x2 photo
Receive email notification from PSI after ABOC approves your application
Schedule and pass the Written Exam through PSI with 70% or higher
Schedule and pass the Practical Exam with 70% or higher
Receive your 6-month pending exam permit (allows supervised work while preparing for exams)
Pay the $80 original license fee upon passing both exams
Receive your Alabama cosmetologist license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade or equivalent
Residency
Must be legally permitted to work in the United States
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Alabama offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 3,000 hours through an approved apprenticeship program. School hours and apprentice hours cannot be combined; you must complete training entirely through one pathway.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at a licensed cosmetology school or through apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetologists in Alabama are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, skin care, facials, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and related beauty services.
Examination
Written Exam
Alabama Cosmetology Written Exam
- Administered by
- PSI
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $75
Written exam scheduled through PSI after ABOC approves your application. You have 2 years from program completion to pass both written and practical exams.
Practical Exam
Alabama Cosmetology Practical Exam
- Administered by
- PSI
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $130
Hands-on practical exam. If candidate does not pass, retake costs another $130.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Exam application fee | $75 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($75 application) + Practical exam ($130) combined | $205 |
License Fee Original license fee | $80 |
Total Government Fees Written exam ($75) + Practical exam ($130) + Original license ($80). Excludes education costs. | $285 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Alabama cosmetology school tuition estimates.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years (expires during birth month in odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (odd-numbered years during birth month)
Renewal Fee
$80
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$54
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedAlabama offers endorsement for out-of-state cosmetologists. Those licensed 5+ years with board-approved exams may not need additional testing. Those licensed less than 5 years must pass both written and practical exams.
Additional Requirements: Licensed 5+ years: no additional testing. Licensed less than 5 years: must pass both written and practical exams.
Related Licenses in Alabama
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Alabama is one of the few states that offers an apprenticeship alternative (3,000 hours vs 1,500 school hours), but specifically prohibits combining school and apprenticeship hours. The state also issues a 6-month pending exam permit for supervised work.
Alabama offers a 6-month pending exam permit allowing supervised work while preparing for exams.
Candidates have 2 years from program completion to pass both written and practical exams.
Apprenticeship pathway requires 3,000 hours (double the school hours), and cannot be combined with school hours.
If license expires 3+ years, must retake the practical exam.
Exams were formerly administered by Prometric but have transitioned to PSI.
Renewal is in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) during birth month.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Schedule through PSI at (800) 211-2754 or psiexams.com
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Alabama
Alabama requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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