How many training hours are required for an Alabama cosmetology license?

Alabama requires 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school. There is no apprenticeship alternative — all hours must be completed through a licensed school program.

What exams does Alabama require for a cosmetology license?

Alabama requires two PSI-administered exams: a written theory exam ($75) and a practical exam ($130). Both are scheduled through PSI at test-takers.psiexams.com/alcos or by calling 1-800-733-9267. Both must be passed before a license is issued.

Does Alabama require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?

No. Alabama does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology license renewal. Licensees simply pay the $100 renewal fee before their license expires during their birth month in odd-numbered years.

How much does it cost to get an Alabama cosmetology license?

The application fee is $50. The PSI written exam is $75 and the PSI practical exam is $130, for a minimum total of approximately $255 before school tuition. Biennial renewal is $100.

How do I renew my Alabama cosmetology license?

Renew online every two years at albocprod.glsuite.us. Your license expires during your birth month in odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $100. No CE is required.

Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Alabama?

Alabama accepts reciprocity applications from licensed cosmetologists in other states. Contact the board at (334) 242-1918 or email cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov for reciprocity requirements and current application forms.

Alabama Cosmetology License Requirements

How to Get a Cosmetology License in Alabama

Earning an Alabama cosmetology license requires 1,500 hours of approved training followed by PSI written and practical examinations. Here is the step-by-step process:

Enroll in a board-approved cosmetology school. You must be at least 16 years old. Contact the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering at (334) 242-1918 or visit aboc.alabama.gov for a list of licensed schools in Alabama.
Complete 1,500 training hours. Your school tracks and certifies your hours. Alabama's curriculum covers hair design, skin care, nail technology, sanitation, and state law.
Submit your license application. Download and complete the cosmetology practitioner application from the board's website. Mail or submit the application with the $50 application fee to the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Suite 324, Montgomery, AL 36104.
Schedule and pass both PSI examinations. Once the board approves your application, register at test-takers.psiexams.com/alcos or call PSI at 1-800-733-9267. Pay the $75 written exam fee and $130 practical exam fee at scheduling. Both exams must be passed to receive your license.
Receive your license. PSI transmits passing scores to the board electronically. The board issues your Alabama cosmetology license, authorizing you to practice in Alabama.

Training Requirements

Alabama requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a board-licensed school. The curriculum covers all areas tested on the PSI examinations and prepares students for the full Alabama cosmetologist scope of practice:

Hair design services: Haircutting techniques, wet and thermal styling, chemical waving and relaxing, hair coloring, highlighting, and bleaching
Skin care: Basic facials, client preparation, skin analysis, and product application
Nail technology: Manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and nail product chemistry
Sanitation and infection control: Proper disinfection procedures, bloodborne pathogen safety, and Alabama health and safety regulations
Anatomy and physiology: Basic structure of hair, skin, and nails relevant to cosmetology services
State law and professional ethics: Alabama Cosmetology and Barbering Act, board rules, and professional conduct standards

Alabama does not permit apprenticeship as an alternative pathway to the school-hour requirement. All 1,500 hours must be completed at a board-approved cosmetology school.

Cosmetology Exam Requirements

Alabama requires two PSI-administered examinations before a cosmetology license is issued:

Written Theory Examination

Administrator: PSI Services
Fee: $75, paid at scheduling
Registration: Online at test-takers.psiexams.com/alcos or by phone at 1-800-733-9267
Format: Computer-based multiple-choice questions covering cosmetology theory, sanitation, Alabama law, and professional practices
Scoring: Pass/fail; passing scores are transmitted electronically to the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

Practical Examination

Administrator: PSI Services
Fee: $130, paid at scheduling
Registration: Same PSI portal as written exam; schedule simultaneously or separately
Format: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology services within Alabama's scope of practice, including hair, skin, and nail services
Scoring: Pass/fail; results reported to the board upon completion

Both examinations must be passed before the board will issue an Alabama cosmetology license. Candidates who fail may reschedule through PSI after paying the applicable exam fee again.

How to Renew Your Alabama Cosmetology License

$100.00

Renewal Fee

2 years (birth month, odd-numbered years)

Renewal Period

Alabama cosmetology licenses renew on a biennial (two-year) cycle. Licenses expire during the licensee's birth month in odd-numbered years. Here is what you need to know:

Renewal fee: $100 per renewal period
Renewal portal: Renew online at albocprod.glsuite.us using your board-issued credentials
Continuing education: Alabama does not require CE hours for cosmetology license renewal
Late renewals: Licenses not renewed by the expiration date are subject to late fees. Contact the board at (334) 242-1918 for current penalty schedules
License verification: Verify the status of any Alabama cosmetology license at the board's license lookup portal

The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering recommends renewing at least 30 days before your expiration date to avoid interruptions in your ability to practice.

Other Cosmetology License Types in Alabama

The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering issues several license types within its regulatory scope. Cosmetology-related license categories include:

Cosmetologist: Full-scope license covering hair design, coloring, chemical services, skin care, and nail technology. Requires 1,500 school hours and passage of PSI written and practical exams.
Esthetician: Limited to skin care services. Requires 1,000 school hours.
Nail Technician: Limited to nail services including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Requires 600 school hours.
Cosmetology Instructor: Required to teach at a licensed Alabama cosmetology school. Requires an active cosmetology license and additional instructor training hours.
Cosmetology School License: Required for any establishment providing cosmetology training in Alabama.
Cosmetology Salon License: Required for any business offering cosmetology services to the public in Alabama.

For specific hour requirements, fees, and application instructions for each license type, visit aboc.alabama.gov or call (334) 242-1918.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours are required for an Alabama cosmetology license?: Alabama requires 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school. There is no apprenticeship alternative — all hours must be completed through a licensed school program.
What exams does Alabama require for a cosmetology license?: Alabama requires two PSI-administered exams: a written theory exam ($75) and a practical exam ($130). Both are scheduled through PSI at test-takers.psiexams.com/alcos or by calling 1-800-733-9267. Both must be passed before a license is issued.
Does Alabama require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?: No. Alabama does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology license renewal. Licensees simply pay the $100 renewal fee before their license expires during their birth month in odd-numbered years.
How much does it cost to get an Alabama cosmetology license?: The application fee is $50. The PSI written exam is $75 and the PSI practical exam is $130, for a minimum total of approximately $255 before school tuition. Biennial renewal is $100.
How do I renew my Alabama cosmetology license?: Renew online every two years at albocprod.glsuite.us. Your license expires during your birth month in odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $100. No CE is required.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Alabama?: Alabama accepts reciprocity applications from licensed cosmetologists in other states. Contact the board at (334) 242-1918 or email cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov for reciprocity requirements and current application forms.