Rhode Island License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Rhode Island, you 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 State of Rhode Island Department of Health. The state of Rhode Island revoked all beauty apprenticeship programs in 2015. Rhode Island allows you to take board exams in the English or Spanish language.
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 Cosmetology Division of Cosmetology Licensing of the Department of Health directly for more information.
You can find Rhode Island beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions throughout our site.
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
2017 Rhode Island Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours
- BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 300 Hours
- PERMANENT MAKEUP LICENSE: Cosmetology License + Tattoo License
- ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 650 Hours (650 Hours Apprenticeship)
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours
Rhode Island Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology license renewal in Rhode Island is required every two years, beginning on September 30th. Most beauty professions licenses cost $25 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 does offer you to practice in the state using licensure by endorsement. Applicants who wish to transfer their licenses and work in Rhode Island must meet RI minimum training requirements. If you don't meet the criteria for your specialty, you must get the additional training hours at an approved school.
Your original licensing board must submit proof of your licensure directly to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Cosmetologists and barbers may use 3 months of work experience to replace 100 training hours, up to 500 training hours. Three months of work experience count for 40 training hours for estheticians, up to 200 hours. Three months of nail technician work experience count for 20 training hours, up to 100 hours.
For answers to additional questions about obtaining a Rhode Island state cosmetology license, contact the board, whose information is detailed below.
RI State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Rhode Island Dept. of Health - Division of Hairdressing & Barbering
3 Capitol Hill, Room 105A
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone Number: 401-222-2828
The Rhode Island State Board of Cosmetology is your best resource for help with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating your change of name or change of address information, or for acquiring out-of-state license applications and other useful forms.