Alabama License Requirements
To ensure that licensed professionals can provide excellent service to customers, Alabama students must complete the training hour requirements listed below from the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. When getting an Alabama cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school or complete an apprentice program and complete the state of Alabama's minimum required training hours.
Once you have successfully graduated from your program and completed the appropriate amount of training hours, you can take the written and practical exams required for licensure. Alabama is one of a handful of states that does not require cosmetology professionals to earn any continuing education hours for renewal. You may find that continuing education is still a worthwhile investment in your career.
For specific questions and further information on licensure, please contact the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering directly. Alabama uses PSI to provide the cosmetology exam and PCS for the practical exam, and only allows applicants to take the practical and written exams in English. You must pay a $120 fee to take your practical exam and $75 to take your written exam.
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
Alabama Board of Cosmetology License Requirements (2017)
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours (3000 Apprenticeship)
- BARBER LICENSE: 1000 hours (2000 Apprenticeship)
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 1000 Hours (2000 Apprenticeship)
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 750 hours
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: 3000 Hours
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 650 Hours
- NATURAL HAIRSTYLIST: 210 Hours
Alabama Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and natural hair styling licenses in Alabama must be renewed every two years during odd-numbered years by the last day of your birth month. Barbers must renew by the last day of their birth month during even-numbered years. Alabama recently began allowing online renewals.
The master license requires eight hours of continuing education and the Instructor license requires 16 hours. No continuing education hours are required for other standard beauty practitioner licenses in Alabama as long as your cosmetology license is renewed on time. If your license is expired for three or more years, you must re-take the practical exam. The cost is $80 to renew on time, or $130 if you are renewing late.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Alabama
The Alabama Cosmetology Board does accept reciprocity from other states. This does depend on the training, testing and length of licensure in your home state. You must request that certification of your licensure and education be sent to the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering from the state you are currently licensed in. The process begins when the office receives your certification. You may need to take licensing exams, depending on which state your license is from. This service comes with a $100 fee.
Alabama State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Alabama Board of Cosmetology
100 N. Union St., Suite 324
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone Number: 334-242-1918 or 1-800-815-7453
Fax Number: 334-242-1926
E-mail: cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov
The Alabama State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining an Alabama state cosmetology license.