Licenses shall be granted only to persons of good moral character, who have an elementary school education, or its equivalent, at least 18 years of age, have practiced as an apprentice for a period of at least one year, and have passed a satisfactory examination conducted by the commission. Provided, however, any person or persons engaged in the occupation of barbering for a period of less than one year may be licensed as an apprentice barber, provided he or she is 17 years of age, and has an elementary school education, or its equivalent, upon successfully passing the commissioner's examination for licensing a barber, as herein set forth.
Ala. Code § 45-37-40.03 (1975)