Rhode Island licenses nail technicians as Manicurists through the Department of Health (RIDOH), Division of Professional Regulation. An advisory Board of Barbering and Hairdressing exists, but RIDOH holds licensing authority directly. You need a Rhode Island manicurist license to perform nail care services for compensation.
Rhode Island requires only 300 training hours — among the lowest nationally — plus written and practical exams administered by PSI. State application fees are just $25. No continuing education is required. Biennial renewal. Here is exactly how to get your Rhode Island nail technician license.
Rhode Island Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | RIDOH, Division of Professional Regulation |
| Advisory Board | Board of Barbering and Hairdressing |
| Statutory Authority | R.I. Gen. Laws Title 5, Chapter 10 (§5-10-9(3)); 216-RICR-40-05-4 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 300 hours at an approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No |
| Exam Required | Written + Practical (PSI) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fees | ~$75 (PSI) |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$100 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires September 30) |
| Renewal Fee | $25 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | RIDOH License Portal |
| Board Website | health.ri.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 300 hours of professional training in manicuring at an approved school. The curriculum covers manicuring, pedicuring, nail anatomy and disorders, artificial nail application, sanitation and infection control, product chemistry, and Rhode Island laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 to 3 months.
No apprenticeship alternative: Rhode Island does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for manicurists. Only barber licensing has an apprenticeship option.
Prohibited substances: Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is specifically prohibited in Rhode Island nail shops.
At 300 hours, Rhode Island has one of the lowest nail technician hour requirements in the country. For a comparison of nail technician requirements across all states, see our nail technician license guide.
Exam Requirements
Rhode Island uses PSI exams — not NIC exams used by most states:
- Written Exam: “Nail Technician Theory” administered by PSI. Available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of manicuring and nail application skills.
Passing score: 70% (lower than the 75% standard used by most states). Contact PSI at 800-733-9267 for exam registration.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 300 hours of nail technology training
- Register for exams through PSI
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through RIDOH ($25 application fee)
Total state fees: $25. PSI exam fees are additional. Processing time: 6 to 8 weeks.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Rhode Island manicurist licenses renew biennially, expiring September 30. Renewal fee: $25. No continuing education required. Online renewal available at healthri.mylicense.com. Reinstatement fee: $25 per lapsed cycle (maximum $100).
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Rhode Island offers endorsement for manicurists licensed in other states. Out-of-state applicants must pass both written and practical exams. Endorsement fee: $25.
Credit for out-of-state experience: 20 hours per 3 months of licensed practice, up to a maximum of 100 hours toward meeting the training requirement.
A 90-day temporary permit ($25) is available while the permanent application is processed.
Military Provisions
RIDOH expedites license applications for active-duty military members, reservists, and their spouses. Required documentation includes Leave Earning Statement (LES), Letter from Command, Copy of Orders, or DD-214 showing honorable discharge. Temporary licenses may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a nail technician license in Rhode Island?
300 hours at an approved school. Full-time students complete training in about 2 to 3 months.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Rhode Island?
State fees total just $25 (application fee). PSI exam fees are additional. Rhode Island has among the lowest state licensing fees in the country.
Does Rhode Island require continuing education for nail technicians?
No. Rhode Island does not require CE for manicurist license renewal.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Rhode Island?
Yes. A cosmetology license (1,000 hours) includes manicuring within its scope of practice.
Official Resources
- RIDOH Barbering, Hairdressing, and Cosmetology Licensing (official website)
- RIDOH License Portal (renewal and verification)
- RIDOH Licensing Unit: 401-222-5960 | doh.elicense@health.ri.gov
- Address: 3 Capitol Hill, Room 105, Providence, RI 02908