Alabama licenses estheticians through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOCB). You need an Alabama esthetician license to perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
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 requirement is significantly higher than the national average of approximately 600 hours. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $255. Here is exactly how to get your Alabama esthetician license.
Recent Legislation Affecting Alabama Esthetician Licensing
Esthetics Licensure Compact (SB 163, introduced January 14, 2026): Alabama is considering adoption of the Esthetics Licensure Compact, a multistate licensing pathway designed to improve mobility for estheticians across state lines. The bill passed the Alabama Senate 33-0 in late January 2026 and awaits consideration in the Alabama House. If enacted, Alabama would be among the early adopters of this compact.
Proposed Rule Changes (comment deadline January 5, 2026): ABOCB has proposed allowing students to earn up to 50% of total coursework through distance learning. A separate proposed rule would eliminate the 375-hour additional training requirement for candidates who fail the third exam attempt.
Alabama Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOCB) |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of at least 10th grade (or equivalent) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a licensed school OR 2,000 apprenticeship hours |
| Licensing 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 (state fees) | Approximately $255 (excluding tuition) |
| License Term | Biennial (odd-numbered years, during birth month) |
| Renewal Fee | $100 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | ABOCB Forms & Applications |
| Board Website | aboc.alabama.gov |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in an Alabama esthetics program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Education: Completed at least the 10th grade or equivalent
Alabama does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. The Board evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis.
Step 2: Complete Your Education
You must complete at least 1,000 hours of esthetics training at a school licensed by ABOCB. Full-time students typically complete the program in 6 to 8 months. The curriculum covers:
- Facials and skin care treatments
- Body waxing and hair removal
- Makeup application
- Skin anatomy, disorders, and conditions
- Sanitation and infection control
- Alabama laws and rules
Apprenticeship Alternative: Alabama also offers a 2,000-hour apprenticeship pathway. Your sponsor must hold an active Alabama esthetician license for at least 5 years and can train only one apprentice at a time. The registration fee is $75. School hours and apprenticeship hours may not be combined.
At 1,000 hours, Alabama’s esthetician requirement is higher than most states. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
After completing your training, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam administered by PSI. You must pass the written exam before taking the practical.
How to register: Apply through the PSI Exams portal or call 1-800-211-2754. Pay the exam fees ($75 written + $130 practical).
Written Exam: Computer-based, multiple-choice format. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Topics include skin science, sanitation, Alabama laws and rules, and professional practices.
Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetician skills on a mannequin. The exam takes approximately 2 hours. A passing score of 70% is required. You must bring your own 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 your 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 license authorizes you to perform esthetic services in Alabama.
Alabama Esthetician 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 esthetician licenses expire biennially in odd-numbered years during the licensee’s birth month.
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 for renewals postmarked after the last day of your birth month. If your license has been expired for more than 4 years, you must pass the practical exam again and pay accumulated back fees.
Transferring Your License to Alabama
Alabama offers reciprocity for estheticians 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 you need to take additional exams based on your qualifications.
Out-of-Country Applicants: International applicants pay $175, must use a NACES/AICE foreign credential evaluator, and must pass both written and practical exams.
Military Service Members and 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.
Scope of Practice
Under Alabama Code Section 34-7B-1, esthetics is defined as “the practice of performing acts of skin care including, but not limited to, facials, body waxing, and skin care.” The broad “including, but not limited to” language allows a range of esthetic services.
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Alabama also offers a combined Esthetician/Manicurist license for those wanting both scopes of practice.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete esthetician licensing guide. To understand how an esthetician license compares to a full cosmetology license, see can you be an esthetician with a cosmetology license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Alabama?
You need 1,000 hours of esthetics training at a school licensed by ABOCB. This is higher than most states, which typically require 600 to 750 hours. Full-time students usually complete the program in 6 to 8 months. An apprenticeship pathway is also available at 2,000 hours.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Alabama?
State fees total approximately $255: $75 for the written exam, $130 for the practical exam (both paid to PSI), and $50 for the original license (paid to ABOCB). School tuition is additional.
How often do I need to renew my esthetician license in Alabama?
Every two years, during your birth month in odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $100. No continuing education is required.
What is the passing score for the Alabama esthetician exam?
You must score at least 70% on both the written exam (90-minute computer-based test) and the practical exam (approximately 2-hour hands-on demonstration).
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state 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.
Can I work while waiting for my Alabama esthetician license?
Yes. After completing your training program, you receive a 6-month non-renewable Pending Exam Permit that allows you to work while completing your exams.
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