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Alabama barber license — 1,000 training hours, exam details, fees ($255), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Most information on this page has been verified.
89% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$255
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (even-numbered years, 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
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 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
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.
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 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($75) + practical exam ($130) | $205 |
License Fee Original license fee | $50 |
Total Government Fees Written exam ($75) + practical exam ($130) + license ($50) | $255 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
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.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (even-numbered years, birth month)
Renewal Fee
$100
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$54
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $200 (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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#4 of 36
Salary
#33 of 36
Cost
#35 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$26,790
25th percentile
Median
$27,850
-29% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$28,350
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
90 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Barber income often includes tips and booth rental arrangements not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Barbers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+3,100
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,400
per year (avg.)
76,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 40–66 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-23
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PSI administers exams
Accessed 2026-03-09
Alabama requires 1,000 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.