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Exam Review

Key Facts: AL Cosmetology Exam

100 + 10

Scored + Experimental

PSI Alabama Cosmetology Test Taker Guide

120 min

Theory Time Limit

PSI Alabama Cosmetology Test Taker Guide

70%

Passing Standard

PSI Alabama Cosmetology Test Taker Guide

30%

Safety and Infection Control

PSI May 1, 2026 content outline

$75

Theory Fee

PSI Alabama Cosmetology Test Taker Guide

Prepare for 110 delivered questions in 120 minutes: 100 scored, 10 experimental, and a 70% passing standard. The May 1, 2026 PSI outline assigns 30% to safety and infection control and 19% to consultation and analysis.

Sample AL Cosmetology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the AL Cosmetology exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 356+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Alabama law, what is the minimum number of training hours required to obtain a cosmetology license?
A.1,000 hours
B.1,200 hours
C.1,500 hours
D.2,000 hours
Explanation: Alabama requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of training at an approved cosmetology school to qualify for licensure. This training must cover hair, skin, and nail services as specified by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
2What is the name of the regulatory body that oversees cosmetology licensing in Alabama?
A.Alabama Department of Health
B.Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
C.Alabama Professional Licensing Commission
D.Alabama Department of Labor
Explanation: The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering is the state agency responsible for regulating and licensing cosmetologists, barbers, and related professionals in Alabama. The board sets standards for education, examinations, and practice.
3What is the minimum age requirement to apply for an Alabama cosmetology license?
A.16 years old
B.17 years old
C.18 years old
D.21 years old
Explanation: Alabama allows individuals who are at least 16 years of age to apply for a cosmetology license, provided they have completed the required training hours and meet all other board requirements including passing the licensing examination.
4How often must an Alabama cosmetology license be renewed?
A.Every year
B.Every 2 years
C.Every 3 years
D.Every 5 years
Explanation: Alabama cosmetology licenses must be renewed every two years. Licensees must submit a renewal application and fee before the expiration date to maintain active status and continue practicing legally.
5What type of examination must Alabama cosmetology candidates pass to obtain licensure?
A.Written examination only
B.Practical examination only
C.Both written and practical examinations
D.Portfolio review only
Explanation: Alabama requires cosmetology candidates to pass both a written (theory) examination and a practical (hands-on) examination. The written exam tests knowledge of cosmetology theory, safety, and state regulations, while the practical exam evaluates technical skills.
6In Alabama, what education requirement must be met in addition to cosmetology school training hours?
A.Associate degree in any field
B.Completion of 10th grade or equivalent
C.High school diploma or GED
D.No additional education requirement
Explanation: Alabama requires cosmetology applicants to have completed at least the 10th grade or hold an equivalent education credential. This is a minimum educational prerequisite in addition to completing the required 1,500 hours of cosmetology training.
7What happens if an Alabama cosmetology license expires and is not renewed within the grace period?
A.The license is automatically renewed with a penalty
B.The licensee must retake the practical exam only
C.The licensee must pay a late fee and may need to meet additional requirements
D.The license is permanently revoked
Explanation: If an Alabama cosmetology license expires beyond the grace period, the licensee must pay a late renewal fee and may be required to meet additional reinstatement requirements set by the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Practicing on an expired license is a violation of Alabama law.
8Under Alabama regulations, what must a salon owner obtain before opening a cosmetology establishment?
A.Only a business license from the city
B.A salon license from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
C.Approval from the state health department only
D.A federal business permit
Explanation: Alabama requires all cosmetology establishments to obtain a salon license from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before opening for business. The salon must meet specific requirements regarding equipment, sanitation, and facilities as outlined in state regulations.
9Which statement correctly describes when an Alabama cosmetology student may perform services for the public during training?
A.Yes, without any restrictions or public notice
B.A licensed school may offer disclosed student services, and a student who completes 70% of training may receive a permit to work in a licensed shop when school is not in session
C.No, students cannot perform any services on clients
D.Yes, but only after completing exactly 750 hours and without a permit
Explanation: Alabama Rule 250-X-5-.06 allows licensed schools to charge for student services when advertising and service areas clearly disclose that students perform the work. Code of Alabama §34-7B-15(c) and Rule 250-X-5-.12 also allow a student who has completed 70% of required training to receive a permit to work in a licensed shop in the appropriate field when school is not in session; those shop hours do not count toward required training.
10What is the reciprocity policy for out-of-state cosmetologists seeking an Alabama license?
A.Alabama does not accept any out-of-state licenses
B.Applicants must complete full Alabama training requirements
C.Applicants with a valid license from another state may apply for licensure by endorsement
D.Only licenses from bordering states are accepted
Explanation: Alabama offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists holding a valid, current license from another state. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet Alabama's training hour requirements and may need to provide verification of their out-of-state license and examination scores.

About the AL Cosmetology Exam

The current PSI National Cosmetology Theory exam for Alabama contains 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored experimental questions. Its ten published domains emphasize safety and infection control, client consultation and analysis, and hair, skin, hair-removal, and nail services.

Exam sponsor: Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering for eligibility; PSI for delivery. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

110 questions

Time Limit

120 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$75 theory; $130 practical

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Safety and Infection Control

Infection control, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, exposure incidents, chemical safety, ventilation, and electrical safety

19%

Client Consultation and Analysis

Intake, consent, contraindications, patch tests, adverse reactions, and hair, skin, and nail analysis

2%

Hairstyling

Textured styling, additions, blowdrying, thermal curling, and thermal-tool precautions

3%

Haircutting

Cutting different hair types and safely using cutting tools and implements

10%

Haircoloring

Application, strand testing, lightening, color theory, formulation, products, and chemical safety

12%

Chemical Texture Services

Virgin and treated hair, relaxers, permanent waving, results, products, and precautions

4%

Skin Care

Massage, preparation, products, exfoliation, tools, hot towels, and callus removal

4%

Eyelash and Eyebrow

Enhancement safety, chemical services, tinting, adhesives, and removers

8%

Hair Removal

Depilatories, waxing, sugaring, tweezing, threading, infection control, and contraindications

8%

Nail Care

Nail safety, manicure, pedicure, ventilation, infection control, and enhancements

Preparing for the AL Cosmetology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 110 questions
  • Time limit: 120 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $75 theory; $130 practical Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 356 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Alabama cosmetology exam?

The current PSI theory exam delivers 110 questions: 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored experimental questions.

What score do I need to pass?

You must score at least 70% to pass the PSI National Cosmetology Theory exam in Alabama.

How long is the exam?

You have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the theory exam.

What is the largest Alabama cosmetology theory domain?

Safety and Infection Control is 30% of the current PSI theory blueprint, followed by Client Consultation and Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis at 19%.

Is the theory exam open book?

No. The current PSI Test Taker Guide states that the theory exam is closed book.