diff --git a/backend/handlers/admin/today_test.go b/backend/handlers/admin/today_test.go
index f041d67..e936a72 100644
--- a/backend/handlers/admin/today_test.go
+++ b/backend/handlers/admin/today_test.go
@@ -9,12 +9,11 @@ package admin
 //   - GetCurrentAndNextHandler: GET /api/admin/today/current-next - Get current & next booking
 //   - GetTodayAppointmentsHandler: GET /api/admin/today/appointments - Get today's bookings
 //   - GetPendingApprovalsHandler: GET /api/admin/today/pending-approvals - Get pending bookings
-//   - GetNotifications: GET /api/admin/notifications - List notifications (WIP - skipped)
-//   - AcknowledgeNotification: POST /api/admin/notifications/{id}/ack - Acknowledge (WIP - skipped)
+//   - Auto-status transitions: Silent background updates on GET requests
 //
 // Authentication: All endpoints require admin role (403 for non-admins).
-// WIP: Notification tests are skipped pending handler implementation.package admin
-
+//
+// Note: Notification tests are in handlers/notifications/notifications_test.go
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
@@ -255,6 +254,310 @@ func TestAdminToday_PendingApprovals(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// =============================================================================
+// Auto-Status Transition Tests
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestAdminToday_AutoTransition_ConfirmedToInProgress verifies that a confirmed booking
+// that has started but not yet ended is automatically transitioned to in_progress
+// when fetching today's appointments.
+//
+// The transition happens silently in the background during GET requests, not via cron.
+func TestAdminToday_AutoTransition_ConfirmedToInProgress(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'testuser@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create service with 30 minute duration
+	var serviceID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO services (name, description, price, duration_minutes, is_active)
+		VALUES ('Manicure', 'Basic manicure', 25.00, 30, true)
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create service: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create CONFIRMED booking that started 15 minutes ago (should be in progress)
+	// Start time = NOW - 15 minutes, duration = 30 minutes, so still ongoing
+	var bookingID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO bookings (user_id, start_time, status, created_at)
+		VALUES ($1, NOW() - INTERVAL '15 minutes', 'confirmed', NOW())
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&bookingID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Add service to booking
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO booking_services (booking_id, service_id)
+		VALUES ($1, $2)
+	`, bookingID, serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to add service to booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Call the handler - this should trigger auto-transition
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(today.GetTodayAppointmentsHandler)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/today/appointments", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	// Verify the booking status was changed to in_progress
+	var status string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		SELECT status FROM bookings WHERE id = $1
+	`, bookingID).Scan(&status)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to query booking status: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if status != "in_progress" {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 'in_progress' after auto-transition, got '%s'", status)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestAdminToday_AutoTransition_InProgressToCompleted verifies that an in_progress
+// booking that has ended is automatically transitioned to completed when fetching
+// today's appointments.
+//
+// The transition happens silently in the background during GET requests, not via cron.
+func TestAdminToday_AutoTransition_InProgressToCompleted(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'testuser@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create service with 30 minute duration
+	var serviceID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO services (name, description, price, duration_minutes, is_active)
+		VALUES ('Manicure', 'Basic manicure', 25.00, 30, true)
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create service: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create IN_PROGRESS booking that ended 10 minutes ago
+	// Start time = NOW - 40 minutes, duration = 30 minutes, so ended 10 mins ago
+	var bookingID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO bookings (user_id, start_time, status, created_at)
+		VALUES ($1, NOW() - INTERVAL '40 minutes', 'in_progress', NOW())
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&bookingID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Add service to booking
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO booking_services (booking_id, service_id)
+		VALUES ($1, $2)
+	`, bookingID, serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to add service to booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Call the handler - this should trigger auto-transition
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(today.GetTodayAppointmentsHandler)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/today/appointments", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	// Verify the booking status was changed to completed
+	var status string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		SELECT status FROM bookings WHERE id = $1
+	`, bookingID).Scan(&status)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to query booking status: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if status != "completed" {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 'completed' after auto-transition, got '%s'", status)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestAdminToday_NoAutoTransition_BeforeStartTime verifies that a confirmed
+// booking that hasn't started yet is NOT transitioned to in_progress.
+func TestAdminToday_NoAutoTransition_BeforeStartTime(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'testuser@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create service
+	var serviceID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO services (name, description, price, duration_minutes, is_active)
+		VALUES ('Manicure', 'Basic manicure', 25.00, 30, true)
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create service: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create CONFIRMED booking that starts in 1 hour (should NOT transition)
+	var bookingID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO bookings (user_id, start_time, status, created_at)
+		VALUES ($1, NOW() + INTERVAL '1 hour', 'confirmed', NOW())
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&bookingID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Add service to booking
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO booking_services (booking_id, service_id)
+		VALUES ($1, $2)
+	`, bookingID, serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to add service to booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Call the handler
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(today.GetTodayAppointmentsHandler)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/today/appointments", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+
+	// Verify the booking status is still 'confirmed' (not changed)
+	var status string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		SELECT status FROM bookings WHERE id = $1
+	`, bookingID).Scan(&status)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to query booking status: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if status != "confirmed" {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 'confirmed' (no auto-transition before start), got '%s'", status)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestAdminToday_AutoTransition_CurrentNextHandler verifies that auto-transition
+// also works when calling GetCurrentAndNextHandler (not just appointments handler)
+func TestAdminToday_AutoTransition_CurrentNextHandler(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'testuser@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create service
+	var serviceID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO services (name, description, price, duration_minutes, is_active)
+		VALUES ('Manicure', 'Basic manicure', 25.00, 30, true)
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create service: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create CONFIRMED booking that's currently in progress
+	var bookingID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO bookings (user_id, start_time, status, created_at)
+		VALUES ($1, NOW() - INTERVAL '10 minutes', 'confirmed', NOW())
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&bookingID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Add service to booking
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO booking_services (booking_id, service_id)
+		VALUES ($1, $2)
+	`, bookingID, serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to add service to booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Call GetCurrentAndNextHandler - should trigger auto-transition
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(today.GetCurrentAndNextHandler)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/today/current-next", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	// Verify auto-transition happened
+	var status string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		SELECT status FROM bookings WHERE id = $1
+	`, bookingID).Scan(&status)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to query booking status: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if status != "in_progress" {
+		t.Errorf("expected 'in_progress' after current-next handler, got '%s'", status)
+	}
+
+	// Verify the response includes the booking as 'current'
+	var response today.CurrentNextResponse
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(w.Body.Bytes(), &response); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to unmarshal response: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if response.Current == nil {
+		t.Error("expected current booking in response")
+	} else if response.Current.ID != bookingID {
+		t.Errorf("expected current booking ID %s, got %s", bookingID, response.Current.ID)
+	}
+}
+
 // TestAdminNotifications_List is skipped (WIP) - tests that an admin
 // can list all their notifications.
 func TestAdminNotifications_List(t *testing.T) {
diff --git a/backend/handlers/auth/auth_test.go b/backend/handlers/auth/auth_test.go
index c5c0e07..32c4cde 100644
--- a/backend/handlers/auth/auth_test.go
+++ b/backend/handlers/auth/auth_test.go
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
 	"net/http/httptest"
+	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
@@ -910,5 +911,103 @@ func TestVerifyCheck_RoleChangeToVerified(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// =============================================================================
+// Password Length Tests (Registration)
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestRegister_PasswordLength_NoMinimum verifies that registration accepts passwords
+// of any length (no minimum). The business decision is to not enforce a minimum.
+// bcrypt handles passwords up to 72 chars internally (truncates longer ones).
+func TestRegister_PasswordLength_NoMinimum(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(RegisterHandler)
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name        string
+		password    string
+		expectError bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:        "1_char_password",
+			password:    "x",
+			expectError: false, // No minimum enforced
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "5_char_password",
+			password:    "short",
+			expectError: false, // No minimum enforced
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "72_char_password_exact_bcrypt_limit",
+			password:    strings.Repeat("a", 72),
+			expectError: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "73_char_password_exceeds_limit",
+			password:    strings.Repeat("a", 73),
+			expectError: true, // Exceeds bcrypt limit
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "100_char_password_exceeds_limit",
+			password:    strings.Repeat("a", 100),
+			expectError: true, // Exceeds bcrypt limit
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			body := RegisterRequest{
+				FirstName:      "Test",
+				LastName:       "User",
+				Email:          fmt.Sprintf("test-%s@test.com", tt.name),
+				Password:       tt.password,
+				Phone:          "07123456789",
+				DateOfBirth:    "1990-01-15",
+				AgreedToPolicy: true,
+			}
+
+			w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/register", body)
+
+			if tt.expectError {
+				if w.Code == http.StatusCreated {
+					t.Errorf("expected non-201 status for password '%s', got 201", tt.password)
+				}
+			} else {
+				if w.Code != http.StatusCreated {
+					t.Errorf("expected status 201 for password len=%d, got %d. body: %s", len(tt.password), w.Code, w.Body.String())
+				}
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestRegister_EmptyPassword verifies that an empty password is rejected
+// because it's a required field (not because of minimum length).
+func TestRegister_EmptyPassword(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(RegisterHandler)
+
+	body := RegisterRequest{
+		FirstName:      "Test",
+		LastName:       "User",
+		Email:          "empty@test.com",
+		Password:       "", // Empty - should fail as required field
+		Phone:          "07123456789",
+		DateOfBirth:    "1990-01-15",
+		AgreedToPolicy: true,
+	}
+
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/register", body)
+
+	// Empty password fails because it's a required field
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 400 for empty password, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+}
+
 // Ensure test compilation - import pgxpool to avoid unused import
 var _ = func() *pgxpool.Pool { return nil }
diff --git a/backend/handlers/auth/local.go b/backend/handlers/auth/local.go
index f72c90c..0f1c8ec 100644
--- a/backend/handlers/auth/local.go
+++ b/backend/handlers/auth/local.go
@@ -92,11 +92,16 @@ func RegisterHandler(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	req.DateOfBirth = strings.TrimSpace(req.DateOfBirth)
 
 	// Check required fields
-	if req.FirstName == "" || req.LastName == "" || req.Email == "" || req.Phone == "" || req.DateOfBirth == "" {
+	if req.FirstName == "" || req.LastName == "" || req.Email == "" || req.Phone == "" || req.DateOfBirth == "" || req.Password == "" {
 		http.Error(w, "all fields are required", http.StatusBadRequest)
 		return
 	}
 
+	// Password must not exceed bcrypt's 72-byte limit
+	if len(req.Password) > 72 {
+		http.Error(w, "password must be 72 characters or less", http.StatusBadRequest)
+		return
+	}
 	// Validate name (unicode letters, spaces, hyphen, apostrophe, dot)
 	nameRegex := regexp.MustCompile(`^[\p{L}\p{M}\s\-'\.]+$`)
 
diff --git a/backend/handlers/bookings/bookings_test.go b/backend/handlers/bookings/bookings_test.go
index 697b19d..d032c61 100644
--- a/backend/handlers/bookings/bookings_test.go
+++ b/backend/handlers/bookings/bookings_test.go
@@ -2254,3 +2254,552 @@ func TestBookings_RequestEdit_AlreadyHasPending(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("expected notes 'Please change to a different day', got '%s'", notes)
 	}
 }
+
+
+// =============================================================================
+// Patch Test Validation Tests
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_NoRecord verifies that a user without a patch test record
+// cannot book a service that requires a patch test. The booking should be rejected with 400.
+func TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_NoRecord(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	// Create user and service with patch test requirement
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	// Set deposits_required=0 to avoid 48h requirement
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 0 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, patchTestID, err := fixtures.CreateTestServiceWithPatchTest(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service with patch test: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+	_ = patchTestID // We don't delete patch tests, they cascade with service
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Try to book service requiring patch test - user has no patch test record
+	futureTime := time.Now().Add(72 * time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	futureTime = time.Date(futureTime.Year(), futureTime.Month(), futureTime.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, futureTime.Location())
+	req := CreateBookingRequest{
+		StartTime:  futureTime,
+		ServiceIDs: []string{serviceID},
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(CreateBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/bookings", req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 400 for missing patch test, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	if !bytes.Contains(w.Body.Bytes(), []byte("patch test")) {
+		t.Errorf("expected error message about patch test, got: %s", w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_WithinNoticePeriod verifies that a user
+// cannot book within the notice period after completing a patch test (e.g., 24h wait).
+func TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_WithinNoticePeriod(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 0 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, patchTestID, err := fixtures.CreateTestServiceWithPatchTest(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service with patch test: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	// Create patch test record with tested_at only 1 hour ago (notice is 24h)
+	testedAt := time.Now().Add(-1 * time.Hour).Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05")
+	err = fixtures.CreateUserPatchTest(db.DB, userID, patchTestID, testedAt)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user patch test: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Try to book within notice period (24h required, but only 1h passed)
+	futureTime := time.Now().Add(12 * time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	futureTime = time.Date(futureTime.Year(), futureTime.Month(), futureTime.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, futureTime.Location())
+	req := CreateBookingRequest{
+		StartTime:  futureTime,
+		ServiceIDs: []string{serviceID},
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(CreateBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/bookings", req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 400 for within notice period, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	if !bytes.Contains(w.Body.Bytes(), []byte("wait")) {
+		t.Errorf("expected error message about waiting, got: %s", w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_Expired verifies that a user
+// with an expired patch test cannot book services requiring patch test.
+func TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_Expired(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 0 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, patchTestID, err := fixtures.CreateTestServiceWithPatchTest(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service with patch test: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	// Create patch test record from 7 months ago (expiry is 6 months)
+	testedAt := time.Now().AddDate(0, -7, 0).Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05")
+	err = fixtures.CreateUserPatchTest(db.DB, userID, patchTestID, testedAt)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user patch test: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Try to book with expired patch test
+	futureTime := time.Now().Add(72 * time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	futureTime = time.Date(futureTime.Year(), futureTime.Month(), futureTime.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, futureTime.Location())
+	req := CreateBookingRequest{
+		StartTime:  futureTime,
+		ServiceIDs: []string{serviceID},
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(CreateBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/bookings", req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 400 for expired patch test, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	if !bytes.Contains(w.Body.Bytes(), []byte("expired")) {
+		t.Errorf("expected error message about expiry, got: %s", w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_ValidRecord verifies that a user
+// with a valid patch test record can successfully book services requiring patch test.
+func TestBookings_Create_PatchTestRequired_ValidRecord(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 0 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, patchTestID, err := fixtures.CreateTestServiceWithPatchTest(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service with patch test: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	// Create patch test record from 48 hours ago (notice is 24h, so valid now)
+	testedAt := time.Now().Add(-48 * time.Hour).Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05")
+	err = fixtures.CreateUserPatchTest(db.DB, userID, patchTestID, testedAt)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user patch test: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Book with valid patch test record (after notice period)
+	futureTime := time.Now().Add(72 * time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	futureTime = time.Date(futureTime.Year(), futureTime.Month(), futureTime.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, futureTime.Location())
+	req := CreateBookingRequest{
+		StartTime:  futureTime,
+		ServiceIDs: []string{serviceID},
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(CreateBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/bookings", req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusCreated {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 201 for valid patch test, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	// Verify booking was created
+	var count int
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(),
+		"SELECT COUNT(*) FROM bookings WHERE user_id = $1", userID).Scan(&count)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("failed to query bookings: %v", err)
+	}
+	if count != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 1 booking, got %d", count)
+	}
+}
+
+// =============================================================================
+// Deposit Requirement Tests
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestBookings_Create_DepositRequired_Within48Hours verifies that a user with deposits_required > 0
+// cannot book within 48 hours notice. They must complete more appointments to remove this restriction.
+func TestBookings_Create_DepositRequired_Within48Hours(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	// Set deposits_required=3 to trigger 48h advance booking requirement
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 3 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, err := fixtures.CreateTestService(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Try to book within 48 hours (should be blocked)
+	within48h := time.Now().Add(24 * time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	within48h = time.Date(within48h.Year(), within48h.Month(), within48h.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, within48h.Location())
+	req := CreateBookingRequest{
+		StartTime:  within48h,
+		ServiceIDs: []string{serviceID},
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(CreateBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/bookings", req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 400 for within 48h booking with deposit requirement, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	if !bytes.Contains(w.Body.Bytes(), []byte("48 hours")) {
+		t.Errorf("expected error message about 48 hours, got: %s", w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// TestBookings_Create_DepositRequired_After48Hours verifies that a user with deposits_required > 0
+// CAN book if the start time is at least 48 hours in the future.
+func TestBookings_Create_DepositRequired_After48Hours(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	// Set deposits_required=3 to trigger 48h advance booking requirement
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 3 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, err := fixtures.CreateTestService(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Book more than 48 hours in advance (should succeed)
+	after48h := time.Now().Add(72 * time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	after48h = time.Date(after48h.Year(), after48h.Month(), after48h.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, after48h.Location())
+	req := CreateBookingRequest{
+		StartTime:  after48h,
+		ServiceIDs: []string{serviceID},
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(CreateBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/bookings", req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusCreated {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 201 for booking after 48h, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	// Verify booking was created
+	var count int
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(),
+		"SELECT COUNT(*) FROM bookings WHERE user_id = $1", userID).Scan(&count)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("failed to query bookings: %v", err)
+	}
+	if count != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 1 booking, got %d", count)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestBookings_Create_NoDepositRequired_Within48Hours verifies that a user with deposits_required=0
+// can book at any time (no 48h restriction).
+func TestBookings_Create_NoDepositRequired_Within48Hours(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	// deposits_required=0 means no 48h restriction
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 0 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, err := fixtures.CreateTestService(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Book within 48 hours (should succeed since no deposit required)
+	within48h := time.Now().Add(24 * time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	within48h = time.Date(within48h.Year(), within48h.Month(), within48h.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, within48h.Location())
+	req := CreateBookingRequest{
+		StartTime:  within48h,
+		ServiceIDs: []string{serviceID},
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(CreateBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/bookings", req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusCreated {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 201 for booking within 48h with no deposit required, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// =============================================================================
+// Holiday/Closed Day Booking Tests
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestBookings_Edit_ClosedDay_UserBlocked verifies that a regular user cannot edit a booking
+// to fall on a closed day (exceptional hours marked as is_open=false).
+func TestBookings_Edit_ClosedDay_UserBlocked(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 0 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, err := fixtures.CreateTestService(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	bookingID, err := fixtures.CreateTestBooking(db.DB, userID, serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test booking: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteBooking(db.DB, bookingID)
+
+	// Create exceptional hours group for holiday
+	var groupID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(),
+		"INSERT INTO exceptional_working_hours_groups (name, description) VALUES ($1, $2) RETURNING id",
+		"Holiday Closure", "Closed for holiday").Scan(&groupID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create exceptional hours group: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Calculate week start for the booking target date
+	targetDate := time.Now().Add(96 * time.Hour)
+	weekday := int(targetDate.Weekday())
+	daysToMonday := weekday
+	if daysToMonday == 0 {
+		daysToMonday = 7
+	}
+	weekStart := targetDate.AddDate(0, 0, -daysToMonday+1).Truncate(24 * time.Hour)
+
+	// Apply group to this week
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(),
+		"INSERT INTO exceptional_group_applications (group_id, week_start) VALUES ($1, $2)",
+		groupID, weekStart)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to apply exceptional hours group: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create closed exceptional hours for that weekday
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(),
+		`INSERT INTO exceptional_working_hours (group_id, weekday, start_time, end_time, is_open)
+		VALUES ($1, $2, '08:00:00', '20:00:00', false)`,
+		groupID, weekday)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create closed exceptional hours: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Try to edit booking to closed day
+	newStartTime := targetDate.Truncate(time.Second)
+	newStartTime = time.Date(newStartTime.Year(), newStartTime.Month(), newStartTime.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, newStartTime.Location())
+	req := EditBookingRequest{
+		StartTime: newStartTime,
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(EditBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "PUT", "/api/bookings/"+bookingID, req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 400 for closed day edit, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	if !bytes.Contains(w.Body.Bytes(), []byte("closed day")) {
+		t.Errorf("expected error message about closed day, got: %s", w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// TestBookings_Edit_OpenDay_UserAllowed verifies that a user CAN edit a booking
+// to a day that is marked as open in exceptional hours.
+func TestBookings_Edit_OpenDay_UserAllowed(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	seedDefaultWorkingHours(t)
+
+	userID, err := fixtures.CreateTestUser(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test user: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteUser(db.DB, userID)
+
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), "UPDATE users SET deposits_required = 0 WHERE id = $1", userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to set deposits_required: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	serviceID, err := fixtures.CreateTestService(db.DB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test service: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteService(db.DB, serviceID)
+
+	bookingID, err := fixtures.CreateTestBooking(db.DB, userID, serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test booking: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer fixtures.DeleteBooking(db.DB, bookingID)
+
+	// Create exceptional hours group with OPEN hours (is_open=true)
+	var groupID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(),
+		"INSERT INTO exceptional_working_hours_groups (name, description) VALUES ($1, $2) RETURNING id",
+		"Special Opening", "Extended hours").Scan(&groupID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create exceptional hours group: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Calculate week start for the booking target date
+	targetDate := time.Now().Add(96 * time.Hour)
+	weekday := int(targetDate.Weekday())
+	daysToMonday := weekday
+	if daysToMonday == 0 {
+		daysToMonday = 7
+	}
+	weekStart := targetDate.AddDate(0, 0, -daysToMonday+1).Truncate(24 * time.Hour)
+
+	// Apply group to this week
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(),
+		"INSERT INTO exceptional_group_applications (group_id, week_start) VALUES ($1, $2)",
+		groupID, weekStart)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to apply exceptional hours group: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create OPEN exceptional hours for that weekday
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(),
+		`INSERT INTO exceptional_working_hours (group_id, weekday, start_time, end_time, is_open)
+		VALUES ($1, $2, '08:00:00', '20:00:00', true)`,
+		groupID, weekday)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create open exceptional hours: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	token := jwt.GenerateUserToken(userID)
+
+	// Edit booking to open day (should succeed)
+	newStartTime := targetDate.Truncate(time.Second)
+	newStartTime = time.Date(newStartTime.Year(), newStartTime.Month(), newStartTime.Day(), 10, 0, 0, 0, newStartTime.Location())
+	req := EditBookingRequest{
+		StartTime: newStartTime,
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(EditBookingHandler)
+	w := makeRequest(handler, "PUT", "/api/bookings/"+bookingID, req, token)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200 for open day edit, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/backend/handlers/notifications/notifications.go b/backend/handlers/notifications/notifications.go
index bd0bfcf..0d55213 100644
--- a/backend/handlers/notifications/notifications.go
+++ b/backend/handlers/notifications/notifications.go
@@ -19,8 +19,8 @@ import (
 type AdminNotification struct {
 	ID        int       `json:"id"`
 	Reason    string    `json:"reason"`
-	BookingID *int      `json:"booking_id,omitempty"`
-	UserID    *int      `json:"user_id,omitempty"`
+	BookingID *string   `json:"booking_id,omitempty"`
+	UserID    *string   `json:"user_id,omitempty"`
 	CreatedAt time.Time `json:"created_at"`
 }
 
@@ -95,9 +95,9 @@ func GetNotifications(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	notifications := []AdminNotification{}
 
 	for rows.Next() {
-		var n AdminNotification
-		var bookingID sql.NullInt32
-		var userID sql.NullInt32
+	var n AdminNotification
+		var bookingID sql.NullString
+		var userID sql.NullString
 
 		err := rows.Scan(
 			&n.ID,
@@ -113,12 +113,10 @@ func GetNotifications(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		}
 
 		if bookingID.Valid {
-			id := int(bookingID.Int32)
-			n.BookingID = &id
+			n.BookingID = &bookingID.String
 		}
 		if userID.Valid {
-			id := int(userID.Int32)
-			n.UserID = &id
+			n.UserID = &userID.String
 		}
 
 		notifications = append(notifications, n)
diff --git a/backend/handlers/notifications/notifications_test.go b/backend/handlers/notifications/notifications_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6cc620f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/handlers/notifications/notifications_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,600 @@
+//go:build test
+// +build test
+
+package notifications
+
+// Package notifications contains tests for admin notification endpoints.
+//
+// Test Coverage:
+//   - GetNotifications: GET /api/admin/notifications - List unacknowledged notifications
+//   - AcknowledgeNotification: POST /api/admin/notifications/{id}/acknowledge - Acknowledge a notification
+//
+// Features tested:
+//   - Pagination (page, per_page)
+//   - Filtering by reason
+//   - Acknowledging notifications (idempotent, not found cases)
+
+import (
+"bytes"
+"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+"net/http"
+"net/http/httptest"
+"testing"
+"time"
+
+	"crussell/db"
+	"crussell/mw"
+	"crussell/testutils/jwt"
+	"crussell/testutils/testdb"
+
+	"github.com/go-chi/chi/v5"
+	"github.com/jackc/pgx/v5/pgxpool"
+)
+
+// setupTestDB replaces the global db.DB with a test pool and returns a cleanup function
+func setupTestDB(t *testing.T) func() {
+	t.Helper()
+
+	pool := testdb.Pool(t)
+	testdb.Migrate(t, pool)
+	testdb.TruncateTables(t, pool)
+
+	originalDB := db.DB
+	db.DB = pool
+
+	jwt.Init()
+
+	return func() {
+		db.DB = originalDB
+		pool.Close()
+	}
+}
+
+// makeAdminRequest creates a request with admin context
+func makeAdminRequest(handler http.Handler, method, path string, body interface{}) *httptest.ResponseRecorder {
+	return makeRequestWithContext(handler, method, path, body, "admin001", "admin")
+}
+
+// makeUserRequest creates a request with regular user context
+func makeUserRequest(handler http.Handler, method, path string, body interface{}) *httptest.ResponseRecorder {
+	return makeRequestWithContext(handler, method, path, body, "user001", "verified_email")
+}
+
+// makeRequestWithContext creates a request with specific user context
+func makeRequestWithContext(handler http.Handler, method, path string, body interface{}, userID, role string) *httptest.ResponseRecorder {
+	var req *http.Request
+	if body != nil {
+		bodyBytes, _ := json.Marshal(body)
+		req = httptest.NewRequest(method, path, bytes.NewReader(bodyBytes))
+		req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
+	} else {
+		req = httptest.NewRequest(method, path, nil)
+	}
+
+	// Set up chi routing context for path params
+	rctx := chi.NewRouteContext()
+	if id, paramName := extractIDFromPath(path); id != "" {
+		rctx.URLParams.Add(paramName, id)
+	}
+	ctx := context.WithValue(req.Context(), chi.RouteCtxKey, rctx)
+	ctx = context.WithValue(ctx, mw.UserIDKey, userID)
+	ctx = context.WithValue(ctx, mw.UserRoleKey, role)
+	req = req.WithContext(ctx)
+
+	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+	handler.ServeHTTP(w, req)
+	return w
+}
+
+// extractIDFromPath extracts the ID from URL paths
+func extractIDFromPath(path string) (string, string) {
+	prefix := "/api/admin/notifications/"
+	if len(path) > len(prefix) && path[:len(prefix)] == prefix {
+		// Extract ID after prefix, up to next / or end
+		remainder := path[len(prefix):]
+		for i, c := range remainder {
+			if c == '/' {
+				return remainder[:i], "id"
+			}
+		}
+		return remainder, "id"
+	}
+	return "", ""
+}
+
+// =============================================================================
+// GetNotifications Tests
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestNotifications_List tests that an admin can list all unacknowledged notifications
+func TestNotifications_List(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user for notification reference
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'test@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create a notification
+	var notificationID int
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, user_id)
+		VALUES ('pending_booking', $1)
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&notificationID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create notification: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(GetNotifications)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/notifications", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	var resp AdminNotificationListResponse
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(w.Body.Bytes(), &resp); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to unmarshal response: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 1 notification, got %d", len(resp.Notifications))
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) > 0 {
+		if resp.Notifications[0].Reason != "pending_booking" {
+			t.Errorf("expected reason 'pending_booking', got %s", resp.Notifications[0].Reason)
+		}
+		if resp.Notifications[0].ID != notificationID {
+			t.Errorf("expected notification ID %d, got %d", notificationID, resp.Notifications[0].ID)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_ListEmpty tests that an empty list is returned when no notifications exist
+func TestNotifications_ListEmpty(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(GetNotifications)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/notifications", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+
+	var resp AdminNotificationListResponse
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(w.Body.Bytes(), &resp); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to unmarshal response: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 0 notifications, got %d", len(resp.Notifications))
+	}
+
+	// Total should be 0
+	if resp.Total != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("expected total 0, got %d", resp.Total)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_ListFilterByReason tests that notifications can be filtered by reason
+func TestNotifications_ListFilterByReason(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'test@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create notifications with different reasons
+	reasons := []string{"pending_booking", "cancelled_booking", "edit_request"}
+	for _, reason := range reasons {
+		_, err := db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), `
+			INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, user_id)
+			VALUES ($1, $2)
+		`, reason, userID)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("failed to create notification: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(GetNotifications)
+
+	// Filter by pending_booking
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/notifications?reason=pending_booking", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+
+	var resp AdminNotificationListResponse
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(w.Body.Bytes(), &resp); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to unmarshal response: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 1 notification with reason=pending_booking, got %d", len(resp.Notifications))
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) > 0 && resp.Notifications[0].Reason != "pending_booking" {
+		t.Errorf("expected reason 'pending_booking', got %s", resp.Notifications[0].Reason)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_ListPagination tests that pagination works correctly
+func TestNotifications_ListPagination(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'test@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create 25 notifications
+	for i := 0; i < 25; i++ {
+		_, err := db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), `
+			INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, user_id)
+			VALUES ('pending_booking', $1)
+		`, userID)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("failed to create notification: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(GetNotifications)
+
+	// Get first page (default 20 items)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/notifications?page=1&per_page=10", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+
+	var resp AdminNotificationListResponse
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(w.Body.Bytes(), &resp); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to unmarshal response: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) != 10 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 10 notifications on page 1, got %d", len(resp.Notifications))
+	}
+
+	if resp.Total != 25 {
+		t.Errorf("expected total 25, got %d", resp.Total)
+	}
+
+	if resp.Page != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected page 1, got %d", resp.Page)
+	}
+
+	if resp.PerPage != 10 {
+		t.Errorf("expected per_page 10, got %d", resp.PerPage)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_ListExcludesAcknowledged tests that acknowledged notifications are not returned
+func TestNotifications_ListExcludesAcknowledged(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'test@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create acknowledged notification
+	_, err = db.DB.Exec(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, user_id, acknowledged_at)
+		VALUES ('pending_booking', $1, NOW())
+	`, userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create acknowledged notification: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create unacknowledged notification
+	var unackID int
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, user_id)
+		VALUES ('cancelled_booking', $1)
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&unackID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create unacknowledged notification: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(GetNotifications)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/notifications", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+
+	var resp AdminNotificationListResponse
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(w.Body.Bytes(), &resp); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to unmarshal response: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Should only return the unacknowledged notification
+	if len(resp.Notifications) != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 1 unacknowledged notification, got %d", len(resp.Notifications))
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) > 0 && resp.Notifications[0].ID != unackID {
+		t.Errorf("expected unacknowledged notification ID %d, got %d", unackID, resp.Notifications[0].ID)
+	}
+}
+
+// =============================================================================
+// AcknowledgeNotification Tests
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestNotifications_Acknowledge tests that an admin can acknowledge a notification
+func TestNotifications_Acknowledge(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'test@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create notification
+	var notificationID int
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, user_id)
+		VALUES ('pending_booking', $1)
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&notificationID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create notification: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(AcknowledgeNotification)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "POST", fmt.Sprintf("/api/admin/notifications/%d/acknowledge", notificationID), nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d. body: %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+
+	// Verify the notification is acknowledged
+	var acknowledgedAt *time.Time
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		SELECT acknowledged_at FROM admin_notifications WHERE id = $1
+	`, notificationID).Scan(&acknowledgedAt)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to query notification: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if acknowledgedAt == nil {
+		t.Error("expected acknowledged_at to be set, got nil")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_AcknowledgeNotFound tests that acknowledging a non-existent notification returns 404
+func TestNotifications_AcknowledgeNotFound(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(AcknowledgeNotification)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "POST", "/api/admin/notifications/99999/acknowledge", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusNotFound {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 404 for non-existent notification, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_AcknowledgeAlreadyAcknowledged tests that acknowledging an already-acknowledged notification returns 404
+func TestNotifications_AcknowledgeAlreadyAcknowledged(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'test@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create already-acknowledged notification
+	var notificationID int
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, user_id, acknowledged_at)
+		VALUES ('pending_booking', $1, NOW())
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&notificationID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create notification: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(AcknowledgeNotification)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "POST", fmt.Sprintf("/api/admin/notifications/%d/acknowledge", notificationID), nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusNotFound {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 404 for already acknowledged notification, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_AcknowledgeInvalidID tests that invalid notification IDs are handled
+func TestNotifications_AcknowledgeInvalidID(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(AcknowledgeNotification)
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name        string
+		id          string
+		expectCode  int
+	}{
+		{"non_numeric_id", "abc", http.StatusBadRequest}, // Invalid format
+		{"negative_id", "-1", http.StatusNotFound},     // Valid int, not found
+		{"zero_id", "0", http.StatusNotFound},           // Valid int, not found
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			// Create a custom request to test invalid ID handling
+			req := httptest.NewRequest("POST", "/api/admin/notifications/"+tt.id+"/acknowledge", nil)
+
+			// Set up chi routing context with the invalid ID
+			rctx := chi.NewRouteContext()
+			rctx.URLParams.Add("id", tt.id)
+			ctx := context.WithValue(req.Context(), chi.RouteCtxKey, rctx)
+			ctx = context.WithValue(ctx, mw.UserIDKey, "admin001")
+			ctx = context.WithValue(ctx, mw.UserRoleKey, "admin")
+			req = req.WithContext(ctx)
+
+			w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+			handler.ServeHTTP(w, req)
+
+			if w.Code != tt.expectCode {
+				t.Errorf("expected status %d for ID '%s', got %d", tt.expectCode, tt.id, w.Code)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNotifications_AcknowledgeMissingID tests that missing ID returns 400
+func TestNotifications_AcknowledgeMissingID(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create a custom request with no ID in path
+	req := httptest.NewRequest("POST", "/api/admin/notifications//acknowledge", nil)
+
+	// Set up chi routing context without ID
+	rctx := chi.NewRouteContext()
+	ctx := context.WithValue(req.Context(), chi.RouteCtxKey, rctx)
+	ctx = context.WithValue(ctx, mw.UserIDKey, "admin001")
+	ctx = context.WithValue(ctx, mw.UserRoleKey, "admin")
+	req = req.WithContext(ctx)
+
+	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(AcknowledgeNotification)
+	handler.ServeHTTP(w, req)
+
+	// Should return 400 for missing ID
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 400 for missing ID, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+}
+
+// =============================================================================
+// Notification with Booking Reference Tests
+// =============================================================================
+
+// TestNotifications_WithBookingReference tests that notifications include booking_id when applicable
+func TestNotifications_WithBookingReference(t *testing.T) {
+	cleanup := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Create test user
+	var userID string
+	err := db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO users (n_first_name, n_last_name, email, phone, date_of_birth, password_hash, account_role, account_type)
+		VALUES ('Test', 'User', 'test@test.com', '+1234567890', '1990-01-01', 'hash', 'verified_email', 'email')
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&userID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create user: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create a service
+	var serviceID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO services (name, description, price, duration_minutes, is_active)
+		VALUES ('Manicure', 'Test service', 25.00, 30, true)
+		RETURNING id
+	`).Scan(&serviceID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create service: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create a booking
+	var bookingID string
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO bookings (user_id, start_time, status)
+		VALUES ($1, NOW() + INTERVAL '1 day', 'pending')
+		RETURNING id
+	`, userID).Scan(&bookingID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create booking: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create notification with booking reference
+	var notificationID int
+	err = db.DB.QueryRow(context.Background(), `
+		INSERT INTO admin_notifications (reason, booking_id, user_id)
+		VALUES ('pending_booking', $1, $2)
+		RETURNING id
+	`, bookingID, userID).Scan(&notificationID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create notification: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	handler := http.HandlerFunc(GetNotifications)
+	w := makeAdminRequest(handler, "GET", "/api/admin/notifications", nil)
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Errorf("expected status 200, got %d", w.Code)
+	}
+
+	var resp AdminNotificationListResponse
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(w.Body.Bytes(), &resp); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to unmarshal response: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if len(resp.Notifications) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("expected 1 notification, got %d", len(resp.Notifications))
+	}
+
+	// Note: booking_id in DB is stored as bigint, but our struct uses int
+	// The booking_id should be present
+	if resp.Notifications[0].BookingID == nil {
+		t.Error("expected booking_id to be set, got nil")
+	}
+}
+
+// Ensure test compilation - import pgxpool to avoid unused import
+var _ = func() *pgxpool.Pool { return nil }