All states · Alabama
Licensing in Alabama
In Alabama, each profession has its own state board: beauty and barbers are licensed by the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, nurses by the Board of Nursing, massage therapists by a board under the Department of Public Health, and builders by separate boards for homes and commercial projects.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Or apprenticeship | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours | Every 2 years, in birth month |
| Esthetician | 1,000 hours | 2,000 hours | Every 2 years, in birth month |
| Manicurist | 750 hours | 1,200 hours | Every 2 years, in birth month |
| Natural Hair Stylist | 210 hours | 420 hours | Every 2 years, in birth month |
| Barber | 1,000 hours | 2,000 hours | Every 2 years, in birth month |
- All beauty and barber licenses are issued by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Training is followed by the board exam.
- Cosmetologists, estheticians and manicurists renew in odd-numbered years, barbers in even-numbered years. Shop and school licenses renew by October 31 of odd-numbered years.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 650 hours | Board-approved exam | Every 2 years | 16 |
- Licenses are issued by the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board under the Alabama Department of Public Health. Practicing or advertising massage without a license is not allowed.
- Training must be at a board-approved school. Since June 1, 2024, new applicants undergo a fingerprint background check.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Alabama Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Alabama Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nursing AssistantCNA | State Nurse Aide Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Alabama is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Home Builder | Home Builders Licensure Board | Jobs over $10,000; roofing over $2,500 |
| General Contractor | Licensing Board for General Contractors | Projects of $100,000 or more |
| Journeyman Electrician, Electrical Contractor | Board of Electrical Contractors | State licenses |
| Journeyman / Master Plumber, Gas Fitter | Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board | State licenses |
- The home builder license renews annually from January 1. It can be limited (one trade, no structural work) or unlimited.
- The general contractor threshold rose from $50,000 to $100,000 on October 1, 2024.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | Board of Cosmetology and Barbering | Establishment license, renewed by October 31 of odd years |
| LLC | Alabama Secretary of State | Registration — file a Certificate of Formation |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Alabama specifics
- School or apprenticeship. Every beauty license can be earned through an apprenticeship, but it takes about twice the hours.
- Natural hair stylist. A separate license for braiding and locs — just 210 school hours.
- Renewal in your birth month. Beauty licenses in odd years, barbers in even years.
- Massage — 650 hours. Renewal every 2 years with 16 CE hours.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- Two construction boards. Homes over $10,000 — Home Builders Board; projects from $100,000 — General Contractors Board.
What professionals earn in Alabama
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours, then the board exam.
How many hours does a barber need?
1,000 school hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours.
When do beauty licenses renew?
Every 2 years in your birth month: cosmetologists in odd years, barbers in even years.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate license is valid.
*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: Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Alabama Board of Nursing, Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board, Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Alabama Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.