Rhode Island licenses barbers 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 barber license to perform hair cutting, shaving, and grooming services for compensation.
Rhode Island requires 1,500 training hours (school only) or 1,000 school hours plus 840 apprenticeship hours. Barber is the only beauty license type in Rhode Island with an apprenticeship pathway. PSI exams with a 70% passing score. State fees are just $25. No CE required. Here is exactly how to get your Rhode Island barber license.
Rhode Island Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| 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(5)); 216-RICR-40-05-4 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours (school only) or 1,000 school + 840 apprenticeship |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 1,000 school + 840 on-the-job (or 2-year apprentice-only pathway) |
| 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
Rhode Island offers multiple pathways to a barber license:
- School only: 1,500 hours of continuous study and practice at an approved barbering school.
- School + Apprenticeship: 1,000 hours at an approved barber school plus 840 hours of on-the-job training as a registered barber apprentice (minimum 6 months as a registered apprentice).
- Apprenticeship only: Hold a certificate of registration as a registered apprentice barber for at least 2 years with documented work experience and employer affidavits.
Full-time students in the school-only pathway typically complete in 10 to 14 months. The school + apprenticeship combination can be faster depending on scheduling.
Apprenticeship requirements: Apprentices must register with RIDOH before beginning on-the-job training. A licensed barber must be present on premises at all times. One barber may supervise a maximum of one apprentice in general public shops.
The barbering curriculum covers hair cutting, trimming, shaving, beard grooming, shampooing, styling, chemical waving, relaxing, hair coloring, scalp treatments, sanitation, and Rhode Island laws and rules. Rhode Island barbers have a broader scope than many states — chemical services are included.
For a comparison of barber licensing across all states, see our barber license guide and barber vs cosmetology comparison.
Exam Requirements
Rhode Island uses PSI exams — not NIC exams used by most states:
- Written Exam: “Barber Stylist Theory” administered by PSI. Available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and styling.
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 barber training through one of the approved pathways
- 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 barber 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 barbers licensed in states with equivalent requirements, provided reciprocal privileges exist. Out-of-state applicants must pass both written and practical exams. Endorsement fee: $25.
Credit for out-of-state experience: 100 hours per 3 months of licensed practice, up to a maximum of 500 hours toward meeting the training requirement.
A 90-day temporary permit ($25) is available while the permanent application is processed. Out-of-state licensees may practice for up to 3 months while applying for Rhode Island licensure.
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 barber license in Rhode Island?
1,500 hours at an approved school, or 1,000 school hours plus 840 apprenticeship hours, or a 2-year apprenticeship-only pathway. Barber is the only beauty license type in Rhode Island with an apprenticeship option.
How much does it cost to get a barber 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.
Can a Rhode Island barber do hair coloring?
Yes. Rhode Island barbers have a broad scope of practice that includes chemical services — coloring, perming, relaxing, and dyeing hair. This is more expansive than many states.
Does Rhode Island require continuing education for barbers?
No. Rhode Island does not require CE for barber license renewal.
What is the difference between a barber and cosmetologist in Rhode Island?
A barber (1,500 hours) performs hair cutting, shaving, chemical hair services, and facial/scalp treatments. A cosmetologist or “Hairdresser and Cosmetician” (1,000 hours) performs hair, skin, and nail services. The cosmetologist license has fewer hours but a broader scope.
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