Loading...
Loading...
Barber
Exam: Yes
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
1 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$255.00 ($75 written + $130 practical + $50 original license)
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years; barbers renew in even-numbered years during birth month
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade or GED
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2 hours required
Must complete 2,000 clock hours under the immediate supervision of a licensed barber who has held a license for at least 5 years and has worked in a licensed shop for at least 2 years.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact the board for details
Curriculum Includes
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Alabama Barber Written Examination (NIC)
The theoretical exam covers laws, regulations, and barbering theory. Administered by PSI Services using NIC examinations.
Alabama Barber Practical Examination (NIC)
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation procedures.
Ready to pass the Barber State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Barber licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overall licensing difficulty: 27/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Barber State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Barber Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Barber State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Shaving or trimming the beard, cutting or dressing the hair, giving facial or scalp massages with or without preparations, and hair care with the use of chemicals for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee No separate application fee; exam fees paid directly | N/A (no separate application fee listed) |
Exam Fee Written exam ($75) + practical exam ($130) | $205.00 ($75 written + $130 practical) |
License Fee Original license fee | $50.00 |
Total Government Fees Written exam ($75) + practical exam ($130) + license ($50) | $255.00 ($75 written + $130 practical + $50 original license) |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Alabama accepts out-of-state barber licenses by reciprocity. Applicants must hold a valid license and meet Alabama's training requirements.
Additional Requirements: Must submit a $100 reciprocity application fee and provide verification of out-of-state license.
Alabama maintains separate barber and cosmetology licenses under the same board (ABOC). Class 2 barbers may perform chemical treatments but cosmetologists and barbers have distinct scopes.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alabama with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years; barbers renew in even-numbered years during birth month
Renewal Fee
$100.00
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$54.00
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $200 (new shop); $150 (renewal) (New barbershop license fee; renewals cost $150)
Barbershops must be separately licensed. New shop license is $200, renewals are $150. Shops must pass health and safety inspections.
Alabama uniquely distinguishes between Class 1 and Class 2 barbers. Class 1 barbers are not regulated by the state board and perform only basic services (trimming hair and beards), while Class 2 barbers are fully licensed and may perform shaving, chemical treatments, and facial massages.
Class 1 barbers (shave/trim only) are NOT regulated by the board. Class 2 barbers are the licensed category.
Apprenticeship supervisor must have 5+ years experience and 2+ years in a licensed shop.
Barber licenses renew in EVEN years; cosmetology licenses renew in ODD years.
If license expired 3+ years, must retake practical exam.
Barber Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
See how Alabama compares: Barber License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare barber requirements across all states →
Barber licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure barber is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Alabama compare to other states for barber? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your barber license →
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Other professional licenses in Alabama
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Barber requirements in Alabama verified against Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
PSI administers exams
Accessed 2026-03-09
Moving to Alabama? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to Alabama →
Transfer your Barber license from Alabama to: Florida → | Georgia → | Mississippi → | Tennessee →