Rhode Island licenses cosmetologists — officially called Hairdressers and Cosmeticians — 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 cosmetology license to perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation.
Rhode Island requires only 1,000 training hours — reduced from 1,500 in 2017 — 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 cosmetology license.
Rhode Island Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Hairdresser and Cosmetician |
| Governing Agency | RIDOH, Division of Professional Regulation |
| Advisory Board | Board of Barbering and Hairdressing |
| Statutory Authority | R.I. Gen. Laws Title 5, Chapter 10; 216-RICR-40-05-4 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 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 1,000 hours of continuous study and practice at an approved cosmetology school. Rhode Island reduced this from 1,500 hours in 2017 — students enrolled before June 22, 2017 were grandfathered at the higher requirement. The curriculum covers hair cutting, coloring, styling, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, facials, skin care, makeup application, manicuring, sanitation, and Rhode Island laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 7 to 10 months.
No apprenticeship alternative: Rhode Island does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology. Only barber licensing has an apprenticeship option.
Student work-study: After completing 1,000 hours of classroom instruction, students may participate in a supervised work-study program. Students must wear name tags and receive no classroom credit for work-study hours.
At 1,000 hours, Rhode Island has one of the lowest cosmetology hour requirements in the country. For a comparison of cosmetology requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
Rhode Island uses PSI exams — not NIC exams used by most states:
- Written Exam: “Cosmetologist Theory” administered by PSI. Available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese. Available online and at test centers.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology 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 1,000 hours of cosmetology 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 cosmetology 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 cosmetologists 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 also 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.
Recent Legislative Changes
2019: Natural hair braiding exemption enacted (H 5677A / S 0260A). Hair braiding is explicitly excluded from the definition of hairdressing, so braiders do not need a cosmetology license.
2017: Training hours reduced from 1,500 to 1,000 for cosmetologists (effective June 22, 2017).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a cosmetology license in Rhode Island?
1,000 hours at an approved school. This was reduced from 1,500 hours in 2017. Full-time students complete training in about 7 to 10 months.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology 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 cosmetologists?
No. Rhode Island does not require CE for cosmetology license renewal.
What exams does Rhode Island use for cosmetology?
Rhode Island uses PSI exams, not NIC exams used by most states. The passing score is 70%, lower than the 75% standard in most other states.
Why does Rhode Island call it “Hairdresser and Cosmetician”?
Rhode Island statute uses “Hairdresser and Cosmetician” rather than “Cosmetologist.” The license covers the same scope of practice — hair, skin, and nail services.
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