All states · Alaska
Licensing in Alaska
In Alaska, professional licenses are issued by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) through state boards: the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, Board of Massage Therapists and Board of Nursing. Electricians and plumbers get certificates from the Department of Labor.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdresser | 1,650 hours | 2,000 hours (1–2 years) |
| Barber | 1,650 hours | 2,000 hours (12 months – 2 years) |
| Non-Chemical Barber | 1,350 hours | — |
| Esthetician | 350 hours | 350 hours (6–12 months) |
| Manicurist | 12 hours, no board exam | — |
| Hair Braider | 35 hours, no exam | — |
- Licenses are issued by the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers. Exams are national (National Hair Design, National Esthetician, etc.); the passing score is 75%. Licenses renew every 2 years.
- Manicurists can add an Advanced Manicurist endorsement — 250 hours and the Nail Technology exam.
- The same board licenses tattoo, body piercing and permanent cosmetic practitioners.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapy License | 625 hours | MBLEx | Every 2 years | 16 (2 in ethics) |
- Issued by the Board of Massage Therapists. CPR certification and 2 hours of bloodborne pathogens training are also required.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Alaska Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Alaska Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Board of Nursing (Nurse Aide Registry) | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Alaska is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact: nurses from other states need an Alaska license.
- To renew every 2 years, RNs and LPNs meet 2 of 3 requirements: 30 CE hours, 30 hours of unpaid professional activity, or 320 hours of employment.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | CBPL | Registration, $25,000 bond |
| Residential Endorsement | CBPL | 16-hour cold climate course and exam |
| Specialty Contractor, Handyman | CBPL | Handyman — projects up to $10,000 |
| Electrician, Plumber | Department of Labor | Certificate of fitness |
| Electrical / Mechanical Administrator | CBPL | State license |
- Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Business License | CBPL | $50 a year, expires December 31 |
| LLC | Alaska Division of Corporations | Articles of Organization — $250; biennial report — $100 |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
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Alaska specifics
- A business license for everyone. Annual, $50, expires December 31.
- Apprenticeship — 2,000 hours. An alternative to school for hairdressers and barbers.
- Manicurist — 12 hours. No board exam; the advanced endorsement takes 250 hours.
- Tattoo and piercing — same board. The Board of Barbers and Hairdressers.
- Not in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses need an Alaska license.
- Cold climate course. 16 hours for the residential endorsement.
What professionals earn in Alaska
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS does not publish barber data for Alaska.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a hairdresser need?
1,650 school hours or a 2,000-hour apprenticeship, then the National Hair Design exam.
Which exam do massage therapists take?
The MBLEx, after 625 hours of training.
Is a multistate nursing license valid in Alaska?
No. Alaska is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Does an LLC need a business license?
Yes. Besides LLC registration ($250), you need a business license — $50 a year.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, Alaska Board of Nursing, Alaska Department of Labor, Mechanical Inspection, Alaska Statutes. Wage data — BLS.