Rhode Island State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Rhode Island Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Rhode Island, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Rhode Island State Board of Cosmetology. When getting a Rhode Island cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Rhode Island's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams.

After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Rhode Island State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Rhode Island cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Rhode Island. Keep in mind, even though Rhode Island may not require continuing education to renew some licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology continuing education hours in Rhode Island annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the RI Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. The state of RI does allow apprenticeship for some specialties, but not all, to get your training hours. RI allows you to take board exams in the English or Spanish language.

Find Rhode Island beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the State of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours
• BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours (2 Year Apprenticeship)
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 300 Hours
• PERMANENT MAKEUP LICENSE: Cosmetology License + Tattoo License
• ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 650 Hours (650 Hours Apprenticeship)
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 3 Years Work Experience + 300 Hours
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours

Rhode Island Cosmetology License Renewal

Cosmetology license renewal in Rhode Island happens every 2 years, except your first year of licensure must be renewed after just 1 year. Practitioner licenses cost $50 to renew. Cosmetology continuing education hours are not currently required to renew licenses in RI, but cosmetology CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity, but instead licensure by endorsement. Applicants to transfer their licenses to the state must meet RI requirements. If you don't meet those criteria, you must get the additional training hours at a school. For cosmetology, 15 months of work experience can be equivalent to 500 training hours. For esthetics, 15 months of work experience can be equivalent to 200 training hours. For nail technicians, 15 months of work experience can be equivalent to 100 training hours.

RI State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Rhode Island Dept. of Health - Division of Hairdressing & Barbering
3 Capitol Hill, Room 104
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone Number: 401-222-2828
Fax Number: 717-705-5540
E-mail Address: emely.castillo@health.ri.gov

The Rhode Island State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining a Rhode Island state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• Connecticut
• New York
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts