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Rhode Island barber license — 1,500 training hours, exam details, fees ($100), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Governing Authority
Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Hairdressing and Barbering
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
74% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$100
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires September 30)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
Must be lawfully eligible to work in the United States
Background Check
Applicants must be of good moral character. The Department may evaluate character and fitness.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Barber school or combined school/apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2 years full-time under a Master Barber (standalone apprenticeship path).
Online Hours Allowed
Limited; practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
RI Barber Written Examination (NIC)
Rhode Island uses the NIC (National Interstate Council) written examination for barbers.
RI Barber Practical Examination (NIC)
Hands-on NIC practical examination demonstrating barbering skills.
Shaving or trimming the beard; waving, dressing, singes, shampooing, or dyeing the hair; applying hair tonics, cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, powders, oils, clays, or lotions to the scalp, face, or neck for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for barber license | $25 |
Exam Fee NIC exam fee for written and practical | $75 |
License Fee The $25 application fee covers the initial license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($25) + exam fee ($75) | $100 |
Barber School Tuition: $8,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Limited barber schools in RI may affect pricing.
Case-by-case — no blanket agreements. Work experience credit: 100 hours per 3 months of licensure (max 500 hours). 90-day temporary license for endorsement applicants.
Additional Requirements: Must provide proof of current, active license and training equivalent to RI requirements.
Barber and cosmetology (hairdressing) are separate licenses in Rhode Island. Each requires its own training and examination. Both are regulated by the same Board of Hairdressing and Barbering under the Department of Health.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires September 30)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires September 30)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
Not required
Shop License Fee: $170 (Shop license application fee)
Barbershops must be separately licensed and pass health and safety inspections by the RI Department of Health.
Rhode Island offers three distinct training pathways to licensure: full barber school (1,500 hours), a combined school/apprenticeship (1,000 school hours + 840 apprentice hours), or a full 2-year apprenticeship. This flexibility is unusual among states. Rhode Island requires applicants to be at least 18, which is higher than many states. Licensing is handled by the Department of Health rather than a dedicated barber board, and the state uses nationally standardized NIC exams.
Three training pathways: 1,500 school only; 1,000 school + 840 OJT hybrid; 2-year full apprenticeship. Hybrid model is unusual.
Passing score is 70% — below the 75% standard.
90-day temporary license available for endorsement applicants awaiting exam.
Reciprocity case-by-case. Work experience credit: 100 hrs per 3 months (max 500).
$25 renewal fee — one of the lowest in the nation.
U.S. citizenship or legal entry required.
Exam fee details not clearly published — verify with RI Dept of Health.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Shop license requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Rhode Island requires 1,500 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.