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Barber
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Hairdressing and Barbering
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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.
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
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
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 54/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Barber State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Barber Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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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
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Rhode Island with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires September 30)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires September 30)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
Not required
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
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.
Barber Schools in Rhode Island
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (you) | — | — | |
| Connecticut | $165 | 40–66 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $200 | 40–66 wks | → |
See how Rhode Island compares: Barber License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare barber requirements across all states →
Barber licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure barber is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for barber? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your barber license →
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Rhode Island
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
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Barber requirements in Rhode Island verified against Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Hairdressing and Barbering, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
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Shop license requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Moving to Rhode Island? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to Rhode Island →
Transfer your Barber license from Rhode Island to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts →