6.41 Rhode Island Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Rhode Island requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the Rhode Island licensing board before scheduling.
Rhode Island Cosmetology License Requirements
Rhode Island requires 1,500 training hours and uses state examinations.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $75-100 |
| License Fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Related License Hours
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours |
| Esthetician | 600 hours |
| Nail Technician | 200 hours |
Examination Details
Rhode Island administers both written and practical examinations.
Reciprocity
Rhode Island offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists from states with equivalent requirements.
State Board Contact
Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing and Barbering
- Website: health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=228
- Phone: (401) 222-2827
Exam Focus
For Rhode Island, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license.
Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.