Distance Learning, Fee, and Exam Rule Changes - Proposed Amendments

Proposed Rule Changes

Written comments about the following proposed rule changes may be made to ABOC, P.O. Box 301750, Montgomery, AL 36130 or to cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov until 5:00 PM on January 5, 2026.

Proposed Rule Change – Distance Learning Programs

This rule change is necessary to amend the administrative rules so that the distance education policy will be in compliance with the administrative rules. In all proposed changes, words with ~~strikethrough~~ are being removed, and words in italics are being added.

ABOCB Proposed Administrative Rule:

Chapter 250-X-5-.03 School Curriculum

(2) Students will receive credit ~~only for training physically conducted~~ for Theory and Practical education conducted on-site at a properly licensed school , or through hybrid distance learning programs for Theory and Practical education conducted at a properly licensed school.

(a)  Students may obtain distance learning for *up to 50% of the total course work.***

(b)  Each school offering distance learning programs should determine the number of theory and/or practical hours of instruction based on the course of study in accordance with the school’s established curriculum.

(c)  Documentation of attendance must be maintained to include distance learning hours and are subject to inspection by the Board.

(d) Students must be notified upon enrolling in a distance learning program that distance learning courses may not be accepted for reciprocity or accepted for eligibility of licensure in other states.  A signed and dated disclaimer must be included in the student file.

(e) *** If an institution offers a distance learning program, the distance learning policy must be in compliance with the NACCAS Policy on Distance Education, Policy VI.02.*

Proposed Rule Change – Open Records Request Fees

The Examiners of Public Accounts recommended that all fees charged by the Board are included in the Administrative Rules.  Under Executive Order 734, issued by Governor Ivey in January 2023, executive branch agencies are subject to standardized fee structures for Open Records Requests.  The administrative rules would be updated to include this fee structure, and also include the fee charged for the Shop Mailing List (a list of all shops licensed by the Board and the shop addresses).  This rule change does not increase or change any fees.

ABOCB Proposed Administrative Rule:

Chapter 250-X-2-.01 Fees

(p) ~~Replacement License~~ Duplicate License (updating terminology only)

(u) Initial Research Fee:  $30, plus

Labor Fees:  $20 per hour for locating, retrieving, and preparing records, with a minimum fee of $20. Legal review or redaction time will not be billed.

Copying Fees: Up to $0.50 per page for standard 8.5x11 paper copies. No per-page fee is charged for documents provided electronically.

Actual Costs:  Actual costs may be charged for tangible items like flash drives or special paper sizes, provided the requester is informed in advance.

(v) Shop Mailing List: $35

Proposed Rule Change  - 375 Hours Training Requirement

To remove the requirement that apprentices and students must complete an additional 375 hours (75 hours for Natural Hair Stylists and waxers) of training upon failure of examination after the third attempt, or if not licensed within 2 years after completion of school or apprenticeship.

ABOCB Proposed Administrative Rule:

Chapter 250-X-4-.01 Requirements

~~(14) Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetician and Manicure apprentices must become licensed within two (2) years from record of completion date of original training or complete 375 hours of school training before applying or reapplying for examination.~~

~~(15) Natural Hair Stylist apprentices must become licensed with two (2) years from record of completion date of original training or complete 75 hours of school training before applying or reapplying for examination.~~

250-X-6-.01 Candidate Examinations

~~(3) Candidates failing the prescribed written or practical examination shall be entitled to two additional attempts.~~

(3) Candidates must pass all required examinations within twenty-four months of original examination application date (eligibility period) or candidate must reapply to test.

~~(4) Candidates failing an exam on the third attempt shall take the following action:~~

~~(a) Barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists and instructors shall complete 375 hours of training in school before reapplying for examination.~~

~~(b) Natural hair stylists and waxers shall complete 75 hours of training in school before reapplying for examination.~~

(4) Candidates are eligible to retake an examination as soon as results for the prior attempt are released, unless the eligibility period has expired.  If the eligibility period has expired, then the candidate must reapply to test, and any previously passed examination credit will be forfeited.