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Alabama cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($285), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Most information on this page has been verified.
86% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get your personalized Alabama Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$75
Exam application fee
Exam Fee
$205.00
Written exam ($75 application) + Practical exam ($130) combined
License Fee
$80
Original license fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000-$15,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Renewal Fee
$80
Every 2 years (odd-numbered years during birth month)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (odd-numbered years during birth month)
Renewal Fee
$80
Be 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
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade or higher (diploma, transcript, or GED)
Residency
Must be legally permitted to work in the United States
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
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
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Alabama or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Alabama.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetologists 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.
Alabama Cosmetology Written Exam
Email notification from PSI once ABOCB approves the Written Exam Application; 2 years from program completion date to complete both exams.
Alabama Cosmetology Practical Exam
Hands-on practical exam. If candidate does not pass, retake costs another $130.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Exam application fee | |
Exam Fee Written exam ($75 application) + Practical exam ($130) combined | |
License Fee Original license fee | |
Total Government Fees Written exam ($75) + Practical exam ($130) + Original license ($80). Excludes education costs. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Alabama 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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
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.
Cosmetologist Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Alabama compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Alabama
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Moving to Alabama? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Alabama →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Alabama to: Florida → | Georgia → | Mississippi → | Tennessee →