Alabama licenses barbers through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOCB). You need an Alabama Class 2 barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in Alabama.
Alabama requires 1,000 hours of approved training (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI. At 1,000 hours, Alabama’s barber training requirement is below the national average. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $255. Here is exactly how to do it.
Alabama Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOCB) |
| Official License Title | Class 2 Barber |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of at least 10th grade (or equivalent) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a licensed barbering school OR 2,000 apprenticeship hours |
| State Board Exam | Written + Practical exams (PSI) |
| Passing Score | 70% on both exams |
| Exam Fees | Written: $75 | Practical: $130 | Total: $205 |
| License Application Fee | $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$255 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (even-numbered years, during birth month) |
| Renewal Fee | $100 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | ABOCB Forms & Applications |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a Class 2 barber license in Alabama, you must be at least 16 years old and have completed at least the 10th grade or equivalent.
Note on Barber Classification: Alabama distinguishes between Class 1 and Class 2 barbers. Class 1 barbers (limited to basic hair trimming and beard trimming) are not regulated by ABOCB. Class 2 barbers perform the full range of barbering services and must be licensed through the Board.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, Alabama requires 1,000 hours for barbers and 1,500 hours for cosmetologists. Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and grooming, while cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nails. For a full comparison, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours at a Licensed School
You must complete 1,000 clock hours of instruction at a barbering school licensed by ABOCB. Full-time programs typically take 6 to 8 months. The curriculum covers:
- Hair cutting and clipper techniques
- Shaving and facial hair grooming
- Hair coloring and chemical services
- Scalp and facial massage
- Disinfection, sanitation, and safe work practices
- Alabama laws and rules
Apprenticeship Alternative: Alabama offers a 2,000-hour apprenticeship pathway over approximately 2 years. Your sponsor must be a licensed Class 2 barber with at least 5 years of active licensure and can train only one apprentice at a time. Registration fee: $75. School hours and apprenticeship hours may not be combined.
Cosmetologist-to-Barber Conversion: ABOCB has a specific conversion pathway for licensed cosmetologists wishing to obtain a barber license.
Alabama’s 1,000-hour barber requirement is below the national average. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your training, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam administered by PSI.
Register through the PSI Exams portal. The written exam fee is $75 and the practical exam fee is $130.
Written Exam: Computer-based, multiple-choice format. A passing score of 70% is required.
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Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills. A passing score of 70% is required. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies.
Retake Policy: You have 3 attempts each for the written and practical exams within 2 years of completing your program.
Pending Exam Permit: After completing training, you receive a 6-month non-renewable permit allowing you to work while completing your exams.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both exams, pay the $50 original license fee to ABOCB. Your Class 2 barber license authorizes you to perform all barbering services in Alabama.
Alabama Barber License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | $75 | PSI |
| Practical Exam | $130 | PSI |
| Original License | $50 | ABOCB |
| Total Initial Cost | $255 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $100 | ABOCB |
| Late Renewal Fee | $54 | ABOCB |
| Reciprocity (Out of State) | $100 | ABOCB |
License Renewal
Alabama barber licenses expire biennially in even-numbered years during the licensee’s birth month. This is different from cosmetology, esthetician, and manicurist licenses, which renew in odd-numbered years.
To renew:
- Renew online through the ABOCB website
- Pay the $100 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Late Renewal: A $54 late fee applies. If expired over 4 years, you must pass the practical exam again and pay accumulated back fees.
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Alabama
Alabama offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states. The reciprocity fee is $100 (non-refundable). Your current state must send a certification of licensure directly to ABOCB. The Board determines whether additional exams are required.
ABOCB also has a separate reciprocity option for holders of historical Alabama county barber board licenses (from before 2013 state regulation).
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Alabama provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act (Code of Alabama, Section 31-1-6). Military spouses transferring from out of state may qualify for a fee waiver on the initial license fee and expedited reciprocal licensure.
What Can You Do with an Alabama Barber License?
An Alabama Class 2 barber license authorizes you to perform:
- Shaving or trimming the beard
- Cutting or dressing the hair
- Giving facial or scalp massages with oils, creams, or other preparations
- Singeing and shampooing the hair
- Dyeing the hair
- Permanently waving or straightening the hair
These services may be performed on living or deceased persons for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Alabama?
Most people complete the process in 7 to 10 months. A full-time 1,000-hour school program typically takes 6 to 8 months. After graduation, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 6 weeks. The apprenticeship pathway takes approximately 2 years.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Alabama?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $255: $205 in exam fees paid to PSI ($75 written + $130 practical) and $50 for the original license paid to ABOCB.
Does Alabama require continuing education to renew a barber license?
No. Alabama does not require any continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $100 renewal fee every two years during your birth month in even-numbered years.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Alabama?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). Your current state must send a certification of licensure directly to ABOCB. The Board determines whether additional exams are required based on your qualifications.
Does Alabama offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering?
Yes. Alabama offers a 2,000-hour apprenticeship over approximately 2 years. Your sponsor must be a licensed Class 2 barber with at least 5 years of active licensure.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 barbers in Alabama?
Class 1 barbers are limited to basic hair trimming and beard trimming and are not regulated by ABOCB. Class 2 barbers perform the full range of barbering services including shaving, coloring, chemical treatments, and scalp massage, and must be licensed through the Board.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Alabama?
Yes. ABOCB offers a specific Cosmetologist-to-Barber conversion pathway for licensed cosmetologists wishing to obtain a barber license.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
- Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- License Application Forms
- Official Fee Schedule
- PSI Exam Registration
- Reciprocity / License Transfer Information
- Military Families Information
- Board Contact: (334) 242-1918 | Toll-free: 1-800-815-7453 | cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov
- Board Address: RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Suite 324, Montgomery, AL 36104