How to Become a Cosmetologist in Alabama

Who can apply

• You must be at least 16 years old to take the exams.
• You must have completed at least 10 grades of school or the equivalent (diploma, transcript or GED).
• You must complete 1,500 clock hours in a licensed school of cosmetology, or 3,000 apprentice hours under a sponsor.

Step by step

1. Complete 1,500 clock hours at a licensed Alabama cosmetology school, or 3,000 hours as a registered apprentice within three years.
2. Your teacher or sponsor helps you fill out the Written Exam Application after you finish the program.
3. Mail the application with proof of 10th grade or higher, government photo ID, a copy of your Social Security card, a 2x2 photo, an official transcript of program hours and the $75 written exam fee.
4. The Board issues a 6-month Pending Exam Permit, so you can work while you test.
5. After the Board approves you, PSI emails you. Schedule and pass the written exam.
6. Pay the $130 practical exam fee, then schedule and pass the PSI practical exam.
7. Print the 'Congrats' letter PSI sends and pay the $50 original license fee online or by mail.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Alabama requires 1,500 clock hours in a licensed or registered cosmetology school (credit-hour programs must be approved by the Board), or 3,000 apprentice hours completed within three years under a sponsor licensed at least five years. School hours and apprentice hours may not be combined. Since a rule change effective May 15, 2026, students may take up to 50% of total course work through a school's hybrid distance learning program; other states may not accept those hours.

Exam: PSI gives Alabama's written exam and practical (hands-on) exam. You can schedule only after the Board approves your Written Exam Application. The written exam fee is $75 and the practical exam fee is $130; each retake costs the same fee again. Since May 15, 2026, you must pass all required exams within 24 months of your original exam application date, or reapply to test and lose credit for any exam already passed. You may retake as soon as prior results are released; the old rule requiring 375 extra school hours after a third failure was removed.

What it costs in Alabama

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Cosmetology licenses are renewed every two years, in odd-numbered years during your birth month. Renewal costs $100. Renewals postmarked after the last day of your birth month owe a $54 late fee. A license expired up to four years can be reinstated by paying the missed renewal fees, the current renewal fee and a late fee; after more than four years you must show proof of prior licensure, pay the exam fee, pass the appropriate examination and pay back renewal fees (up to $300) plus the current renewal and late fees. The Board lists no continuing education requirement for cosmetologists.

Good to know in Alabama

Pending Exam Permit: Once the Board receives your completed written exam application, you get one Pending Exam Permit good for 6 months. It cannot be extended. If it expires before you are licensed, you must stop working.

Apprenticeship rules: Your sponsor must have been licensed at least five years, may sponsor only one apprentice at a time and must be present while you work. Hours must reach the Board by the 15th of the next month or they are not credited.

Transferring from another state: Have your current state send a certification of licensure directly to the Board, then file the Application for Reciprocity with a $100 fee. The Board will tell you if you must take the practical exam, or both exams. Out-of-country applicants pay $175 and need a credential evaluation.

Military spouses: Under Code of Alabama 31-1-6, spouses of active-duty military transferring to Alabama can get an expedited reciprocal license and request a fee waiver.

First license period: Your original license runs until the end of your birth month in the current odd year (if your birthday has not passed yet) or the next odd year. You then renew every two years.

Cosmetology Licensure Compact: Alabama has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Code of Alabama Title 34, Chapter 7B, Article 2), which is meant to create a multistate license for cosmetologists in member states.

Sources

• ABOCB - Exam Requirements & Fees
• ABOCB - Fees
• ABOCB - Apprentices
• ABOCB - Pending Exam Permits and Original License
• ABOCB - Transfer A License
• ABOCB - FAQs
• ABOCB - Rule Changes Effective May 15, 2026
• ABOCB - Statutory Laws and Administrative Rules (Oct 15, 2026)