Experience You 1st University
This portal supports newly licensed stylists and provides Continuing Education Unit (CEU) skill upgrades for seasoned professionals.
1. State of Alabama Cosmetology Board (ABOCB) Requirements
Licensure Qualifications
- Age & General Education: Minimum 16 years old; completion of at least the 10th grade (or equivalent).
- School Pathway: 1,500 clock hours at an ABOCB-licensed school.
- Apprenticeship Pathway: 3,000 clock hours under an active licensed salon sponsor (minimum 5 years licensed) over approximately 3 years.
- Exam Passing Requirements: Passing score of 70% or higher on both the PSI computer-based written exam (90 mins) and hands-on practical exam (approx. 2 hours).
- Permit Window: Upon completing hours, candidates receive a 6-month non-renewable Pending Exam Permit allowing them to work under supervision while completing exams.
Continuing Education & Renewal Rules
- Mandatory Hours: Alabama does not require continuing education (0 CE hours) for standard 2-year personal license renewals.
- Renewal Cycle & Fee: $100 fee every 2 years during the licensee's birth month (odd-numbered years for cosmetologists/estheticians/manicurists).
- Experience You 1st CEUs: While not mandated by the state, advanced CE courses keep stylists updated on contemporary techniques (silk presses, knotless braid tension management, color theory, advanced sanitation) to maintain client safety and salon excellence.
2. Exam Locations & Scheduling Details
Examinations are administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOCB).
Registration & Scheduling
- Online Booking: Schedule directly via the PSI Exam Portal.
- Phone Scheduling: Call PSI Candidate Services at 1-800-211-2754.
- Fees: Written Exam: $75 | Practical Exam: $130.
Testing Centers in Alabama
PSI testing facilities host computer-based written exams on rolling business-day schedules (Monday–Saturday):
- BirminghamPSI Assessment Center
- HuntsvillePSI Testing Site
- MobilePSI Examination Hub
- MontgomeryPSI Testing Center
Note: Dates and time slots are selected dynamically upon Board approval through your personal PSI candidate account.
3. Complete Training Modules Across All Cosmetology Areas
Our core modules cover all major focus areas:
- Module 1
Safety, Sanitation & State Laws
Barbicide disinfection protocols, SDS compliance, blood exposure procedures, and Alabama Code regulations.
- Module 2
Textured Hair Care & Styling
Ergonomic blow-drying, silk press techniques, loc retwists, natural hair density analysis, protective styles, and knotless tension management.
- Module 3
Chemical Services & Color Theory
Permanent color formulas, lighteners, relaxers, perm wrap methods, neutralizing chemistry, and strand testing.
- Module 4
Haircutting & Anatomy
Elevation angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 180°), facial structure mapping, and razor/clipper techniques.
- Module 5
Esthetics & Nail Care
Facial massage steps, waxing safety, manicuring, pedicuring, and acrylic/gel structure.
- Module 6
Salon Business & Chairside Operations
Rebooking strategies, retail product upselling, client consultation workflows, and deposit collection systems.
4. Board Preparation: Pre-Test & Study Q&A
Test your readiness with these representative written exam questions. Answer in your head, reveal the answer key and explanation, then mark yourself.
1.What is the minimum contact time required for an EPA-registered disinfectant to achieve full hospital-grade efficacy on hard tools?
2.When performing a chemical hair relaxing service, which test must be performed to assess hair elasticity and porosity prior to application?
3.What is the correct angle for a 90-degree uniform layered haircut?
4.According to Alabama Board regulations, when must salon tools and implements be disinfected?
Answered 0 of 4. Reveal and mark every question to see your score.
5. Video Training Resources
Use these educational video resources on YouTube to supplement written and practical study:
Infection Control & Disinfection
Search YouTube for Milady Chapter 5 Infection Control or Barbicide Certification Training to master sanitation procedures.
PSI Cosmetology Practical Prep
Search YouTube for PSI Cosmetology Practical Examination Setup to view full mannequin prep, kit setup, and station disinfection demonstrations.
Textured Hair & Silk Press Techniques
Search YouTube for Professional Silk Press Technique on Textured Hair to study heat control and moisture balance.
Haircutting Fundamentals
Search YouTube for 90 Degree Layered Haircut Tutorial Step by Step to visualize elevation angles.
6. Certificate of Completion (Template)
Upon completing the Experience You 1st University Advanced Refresher & Board Prep Program, stylists are issued the official certificate below:
EXPERIENCE YOU 1ST UNIVERSITY
HUB OF BEAUTY & CULTURE
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This is to certify that
[Stylist Name]
has successfully completed the comprehensive training course in:
ADVANCED COSMETOLOGY, SANITATION & STYLING PRACTICE
(15 Hours)
Covering State Board Safety Standards, Chemical Services, Textured Hair Management, and Salon Operations.
Date: October 18, 2026
Location: Huntsville, AL
License/Apprentice #: _______________
Certificate ID: EY1U-2026-______
Joselyn Jones, Master Educator
Experience You 1st University Director
Fill in & print
Next Steps for Enrollment
- Review the module requirements against your current training hours.
- Practice the Pre-Test questions until scoring 90%+ consistently.
- Register on the PSI Testing Portal once your training hours are verified by ABOCB.