Rhode Island licenses estheticians 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 esthetician license to perform facials, skin treatments, makeup application, and hair removal for compensation.
Rhode Island requires 600 training hours completed over a minimum of 4 months, 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 esthetician license.
Rhode Island Esthetician 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(4)); 216-RICR-40-05-4 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours over a minimum of 4 months |
| 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 600 hours of continuous study and practice at an approved esthetics school over a minimum of 4 months — even if you complete 600 hours quickly, the program cannot be compressed below 4 months. The curriculum covers facials, skin care treatments, makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing), sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology of the skin, and Rhode Island laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
No apprenticeship alternative: Rhode Island does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for estheticians. Only barber licensing has an apprenticeship option.
Alternative school pathway: Rhode Island also accepts diplomas or certificates from state or nationally recognized skin-care schools with at least 600 hours of training that meet Division standards.
At 600 hours, Rhode Island matches the national average. See our esthetician license guide and hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
Rhode Island uses PSI exams — not NIC exams used by most states:
- Written Exam: “Esthetician Theory” administered by PSI. Available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetics skills including facials, skin analysis, and hair removal.
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 600 hours of esthetics training (minimum 4 months)
- 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 esthetician 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 estheticians licensed in other states. Out-of-state applicants must pass both written and practical exams. Endorsement fee: $25.
Credit for out-of-state experience: 40 hours per 3 months of licensed practice, up to a maximum of 200 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 to become an esthetician in Rhode Island?
600 hours at an approved school, over a minimum of 4 months. Full-time students complete training in about 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician 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 estheticians?
No. Rhode Island does not require CE for esthetician license renewal.
What exams does Rhode Island use for estheticians?
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.
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