Updated: 11/30/2023
Requirements for Examination in Alabama
| Barber | 1,000 school clock hours/2,000 apprentice clock hours |
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 school clock hours/3,000 apprentice clock hours |
| Esthetician | 1,000 school clock hours/2,000 apprentice clock hours |
| Natural Hair Stylist | 210 school clock hours/420 apprentice clock hours |
| Manicurist | 750 school clock hours/1,200 apprentice clock hours |
School hours and apprentice hours MAY NOT BE COMBINED.
Exam Fees
Written Exam: $75.00
Practical Exam: $130.00
Registering for Exams
Once you have completed either an apprenticeship or school program, your teacher or sponsor will assist you in filling out the Written Exam Application. You will not receive a copy of this application until you have completed a program. When mailing in this application you are required to attach documentation that you completed 10th grade or higher (diploma, transcript, or GED), a government-issued photo ID, a copy of your Social Security card, a 2x2 photograph and your $75.00 exam fee. Enclose an Official Transcript of completed Program Hours. You must be 16 years or older to take exams in Alabama. You will receive an email notification from PSI once ABOCB has approved your Written Exam Application and you are ready to schedule with PSI. You will be able to schedule once ABOCB approves you, not before.
What if I need ADA accommodations?
If you need testing accommodations, there is a link in your exam's Test Taker's Guide document to begin that process. You must be logged in to your account on PSI's website to use that link, so that the request is tracked to your account. We have attached a brief overview for your convenience here.
Please make sure that you read PSI's instructions for examination. https://test-takers.psiexams.com/alcos
You are able to schedule your examination by phone at 1(800)211-2754, email examschedule@psionline.com, or by creating an account on PSI's website at https://test-takers.psiexams.com/alcos/auth/login once ABOCB has approved your examination.
Test Candidates will have 2 years to complete both the Written and Practical exams from the date they completed their program.
Due to system requirements, no Chromebooks can be used for virtual testing.