Alabama Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Alabama Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Suppose you're looking to launch a beauty career in Alabama, whether you're from the heart of Birmingham, the Gulf Shores, the backroads of the Black Belt, or out of state. In that case, you’ll need to meet specific Alabama cosmetology state requirements to offer cosmetology services legally.

The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering sets clear expectations for aspiring professionals. From clocking in your training hours at an approved cosmetology school to passing both written and practical examinations, the state prioritizes formal training and skill-based education. Whether you want to become a licensed esthetician, nail tech, or cosmetologist, Alabama’s licensing process is built to provide safe, quality service across salons statewide.

Unlike some states, Alabama does not currently require continuing education for license renewal, keeping things simple once you're licensed. However, the state does maintain firm standards for exam requirements, instructor licensure, and reciprocity, especially if you’re coming from another state and need to get certification through Alabama's board.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of getting your cosmetology license in Alabama step-by-step—so you know exactly how to submit paperwork, complete your training, and practice with confidence under a valid license.

Alabama Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In Alabama, becoming a licensed cosmetologist means following a clear path set by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Whether you're dreaming of opening your own salon in Montgomery or offering cosmetology services in Huntsville, here's everything you need to know to stay compliant with the Alabama cosmetology state requirements.

Licensing Criteria

To get a cosmetology license in Alabama, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have successfully completed the 10th grade or its equivalent from a secondary school

• Complete 1,500 hours of formal training in a licensed cosmetology school, or fulfill the required hours through an approved apprenticeship

• Pass both the written exam and practical examination

• Submit a full application with all required documentation

• Pay all fees as determined by the board

For those currently holding a barbering license, Alabama allows for crossover training through approved programs in cosmetology and barbering, offering a direct path to dual licensure.

Examination Requirements

Before scheduling the written and practical exams, applicants must:

• Complete 1,500 hours in a state-approved cosmetology course

• Pass both theory and hands-on practical exams administered by a board-sanctioned examination provider

• Submit the required paperwork and exam fees

Applicants who do not pass may retake the exams, following board guidelines for rescheduling and additional training if necessary.

Continuing Education

There are currently no continuing education requirements for cosmetology license renewal in Alabama. However, staying updated through optional education or advanced classes is highly encouraged to keep up with industry regulations and trends.

Apprenticeship Programs

In Alabama, students may pursue a cosmetology apprenticeship as an alternative to classroom-based instruction. To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have completed the 10th grade or equivalent

• Register with the Alabama Board of Cosmetology through a licensed sponsor

• Train under a current licensee who has held a valid license for at least five years

• Complete 3,000 hours of training over no more than three years

• Submit all required paperwork, fees, and work permits before beginning

• Complete training in a licensed shop approved by the board

License Reciprocity

If you’re licensed in another state, Alabama may offer reciprocity, but there are a few steps to follow:

• Have your certification sent directly from your current state to the Alabama board office

• Wait for the board to review your qualifications and notify you of any exam requirements

• Pay a reciprocity fee

• Your current license must be active and in good standing, with no disciplinary actions

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed cosmetology instructor in Alabama, applicants must:

• Have completed 12th grade or the equivalent

• Hold a current Alabama cosmetology license in the applicable area

• Meet one of the following training requirements:

• Complete 1,500 hours in a teacher’s training program at a licensed school, or

• Complete at least one year of full-time employment (active experience) in a licensed salon plus 650 additional hours of training at a licensed school

• Pass the written and practical examination for instructors

• Submit all required fees and paperwork to the board

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

If you're hoping to specialize in skin care services, whether in a spa in Mobile or a boutique salon in Tuscaloosa, you’ll need to secure your esthetician license through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. To legally practice, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have successfully completed the 10th grade or its equivalent from a secondary school

• Complete 1,000 clock hours of formal training at a licensed cosmetology school or approved esthetics program

• Or complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job apprenticeship under a licensed esthetician

• Pass both the written and practical examinations administered by a board-approved provider

• Submit documentation, pay the required fees, and file a full application with the board

Once you've successfully completed all of the above, you’ll be issued a valid license to practice esthetics anywhere in Alabama.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for licensure, esthetician applicants must:

• Complete either 1,000 hours of classroom instruction or 2,000 apprenticeship hours under a board-approved mentor

• Take and pass both the written exam and the practical exam, which test both theory and hands-on skills

• Pay the licensing and examination fees once you pass

If you don’t pass on the first try, you can reapply and reschedule, but you may be required to complete additional hours before retesting, depending on your score.

License Reciprocity

You may qualify for reciprocity in Alabama if you’re currently licensed in another state. Here’s how it works:

• Ask your current state board to send your license certification directly to the Alabama board office

• Once your paperwork is received, you’ll be notified of any exam requirements

• A fee is required for the reciprocity process

• Your license must be active, in good standing, and free of disciplinary action

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Hairstylists & Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Alabama, hairstyling falls under the broader umbrella of cosmetology and barbering. Whether you want to specialize in modern fades in Birmingham or classic cuts in Montgomery, you’ll need to follow the Alabama cosmetology state requirements to become licensed.

To practice as a Class 2 Barber or licensed hairstylist, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age

• Have completed at least 10th grade or its equivalent from a recognized secondary school

• Complete the required training hours through a licensed school of barbering or via apprenticeship under a Class 2 licensed barber with at least five years of experience

• Pass both a written and practical examination administered by a board-approved provider

• Submit the required documentation, application, and all applicable fees to the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

Licensed cosmetologists may also complete crossover training at a cosmetology school or barbering program to become dual-licensed in both fields.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for licensure in barbering, applicants must:

• Complete 1,000 hours of formal training at a licensed school, or

• Complete 2,000 apprenticeship hours under direct supervision of a Class 2 licensed barber

• Pass both the written exam and the practical exams

• Pay all required exam and licensing fees upon successful completion

Candidates who do not pass on their first attempt can reschedule exams and may be asked to complete additional hours of formal training or practice.

License Reciprocity

Alabama allows license reciprocity for out-of-state barbers who meet the following qualifications:

• Hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing with their current state

• Request that their state board send official certification directly to the Alabama board office

• Pay the reciprocity fee

• Complete any written or practical exams as required by the board

If your license has lapsed or is under review, you may need to meet Alabama’s full exam requirements before gaining licensure.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barbering instructor in Alabama, you must:

• Have completed 12th grade or an equivalent level of education

• Hold a current license in barbering or hairstyling

• Meet one of the following conditions:

• Complete 1,500 hours of teacher's training in a licensed school, or

• Complete at least one year of full-time employment (active salon experience), plus 650 hours of additional training at a licensed school

• Pass the written and practical examination for instructor certification

• Submit all required fees and documentation to the board

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Nail Technicians / Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

Suppose you're passionate about nail care and want to offer manicure and pedicure services in Alabama. In that case, you’ll need to earn your nail technician license through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. To legally practice, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have completed the 10th grade or an equivalent level of education

• Successfully finish 750 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school or approved program

• Pass both a written and practical examination

• Submit all required documentation, fees, and a completed application to the board

Once you’ve successfully completed your training and exams, you’ll be granted a valid license to practice nail technology in Alabama.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the Alabama nail technician licensing exam, applicants must:

• Complete 750 hours of training at an approved cosmetology school

• Pass both the written exam and the practical exam, demonstrating their knowledge of theory and hands-on skills

• Pay all licensing and examination fees after passing

Applicants who don’t pass may reschedule the exam and, in some cases, may be required to complete additional hours of training.

Apprenticeship Programs

Alabama allows students to gain licensure through a hands-on apprenticeship program. If you’re interested in learning on the job rather than in a traditional classroom, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have completed the 10th grade or equivalent

• Register with the Alabama board and pay all required fees

• Obtain a work permit before beginning any apprenticeship work

• Train under a licensed professional with at least five years of active experience

• Accumulate 1,200 clock hours over no more than two years in a licensed shop approved by the board

License Reciprocity

If you’re already licensed as a nail technician in another state, Alabama offers reciprocity to qualified applicants. To apply, you must:

• Request that your certification be sent directly from your current state board to the Alabama Board of Cosmetology

• Maintain a current license in good standing, with no restrictions or disciplinary actions

• Pay the reciprocity fee

• Meet any exam requirements as determined by the Alabama board

If your existing license is not in good standing, or if you’ve had disciplinary issues, you may be required to complete formal training and pass the written and practical exams.

Instructor Licensing

To teach nail technology in Alabama, you’ll need to meet the instructor license requirements set by the board:

• Be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent diploma

• Hold a valid Alabama license in nail technology or cosmetology

• Meet one of the following conditions:

• Complete 1,500 hours of teacher’s training at a licensed school, or

• Have at least one year of full-time employment in the nail tech field, plus 650 hours of additional instruction

• Pass the written and practical instructor exams

• Submit the required paperwork and fees to the board

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Makeup Artists

In Alabama, makeup artists are not licensed as a separate profession. Instead, individuals who provide makeup services must hold a valid cosmetology license or esthetician license, depending on the scope of services they offer.

If you're focusing solely on makeup application for events, photo shoots, or weddings, you may qualify under the esthetician license category. However, if your services include skin care, facials, or cosmetology services beyond makeup, you’ll need to meet the full Alabama cosmetology state requirement.

Makeup professionals must complete a licensed cosmetology or esthetics program, pass both the written and practical examination, and be issued a valid license by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

For more details on licensure paths based on the services you intend to offer, it’s best to contact the board office directly or visit their official website for the latest updates and application requirements.

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