Occupational licensing · Alabama · burden rank #33 of 51
Alabama Occupational Licensing Requirements
Alabama's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Alabama sits in the low-burden band (#33 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Missouri; Wisconsin; Mississippi; Utah. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #33 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,923
- Avg initial fee
- $127
Alabama vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
54 Around the middle more restrictive than 35% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Missouri; Wisconsin; Mississippi; Utah. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Alabama, Psychologist lists 5,622 education hours with an exam and a $224 initial fee. Compare the same license in Missouri on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Alabama, Electrician lists 5,243 education hours with an exam and a $98 initial fee. Compare the same license in Missouri on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Alabama's higher initial fees at $254 after 20 education hours. Open Wisconsin for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Alabama's higher initial fees at $224 after 4,622 education hours. Open Wisconsin for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Alabama against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Alabama already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Alabama: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#33 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Mississippi · burden #34/51
- Utah · burden #34/51
- Wisconsin · burden #32/51
- West Virginia · burden #34/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($127 here).
- Wisconsin · avg $127 initial fee
- Missouri · avg $128 initial fee
- Minnesota · avg $132 initial fee
- Mississippi · avg $120 initial fee
Agriculture in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Animal Care in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 4,622 | Yes | $224 | $193 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,811 | Yes | $112 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Construction in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| 5,243 | Yes | $98 | $79 | 1 yr | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 5,243 | Yes | $143 | $128 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $207 | $176 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 3,243 | Yes | $79 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 12 | Yes | $79 | $72 | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 5,243 | Yes | $114 | $98 | 1 yr | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Cosmetology in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,155 | Yes | $74 | $42 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,186 | Yes | $82 | $45 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 425 | Yes | $79 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 538 | Yes | $90 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Design in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $143 | $112 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $176 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
Education in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 37 | No | $79 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $102 | $71 | 5 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $117 | $86 | 5 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $102 | $71 | 5 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Engineering in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $207 | $176 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
Finance in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $190 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 39 | Yes | $91 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 20 | Yes | $254 | $176 | 1 yr | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
Food & Hospitality in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 5 | Yes | $23 | $16 | 3 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| 5 | Yes | $16 | $12 | 3 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
Healthcare in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 2,811 | Yes | $112 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 2,811 | Yes | $160 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 145 | Yes | $72 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| 1,155 | Yes | $114 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 3,311 | Yes | $145 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 4,311 | Yes | $207 | $176 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,449 | Yes | $112 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 4,466 | Yes | $178 | $162 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 3,311 | Yes | $160 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 3,466 | Yes | $193 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 2,018 | Yes | $112 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| - | Yes | $128 | $112 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 2,311 | Yes | $129 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,811 | Yes | $112 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 3,311 | Yes | $160 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Legal & Security in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 30 | No | $95 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,892 | Yes | $159 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Mental Health in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 3,311 | Yes | $129 | $114 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 2,811 | Yes | $119 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 2,811 | Yes | $145 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 5,622 | Yes | $224 | $193 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Miscellaneous in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 117 | Yes | $110 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
Real Estate in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 90 | Yes | $159 | $128 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| 84 | Yes | $114 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 125 | Yes | $159 | $135 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Transportation in Alabama
| AL profession | AL edu hrs | AL exam | AL initial $ | AL renew $ | AL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 12 | Yes | $60 | $45 | 4 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 210 | Yes | $76 | $45 | 4 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 65 | Yes | $60 | $45 | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Alabama ranks #33 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Alabama directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Alabama
NCSL and state-board extracts for Alabama. Burden peers on this ladder include Missouri, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Utah; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Alabama render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.