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Rhode Island cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($100), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
67% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get your personalized Rhode Island Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$25
License fee
Exam Fee
$75
Combined written and practical exam fee
License Fee
$0
Included in application fee
Education / Training Cost
$10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
Renewal Fee
$25
Every 2 years (biennial)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$25
Complete 1,500 hours of continuous instruction at an approved cosmetology school
Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
Submit official transcript from cosmetology school
Submit recent passport-style photo and copy of high school diploma/GED
Register with PSI Services for written and practical exams
Pass both NIC Written Exam and NIC Practical Exam with 70% or better
Submit license application with $25 fee and $75 exam fee
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Rhode Island or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Rhode Island.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetologists in Rhode Island are licensed to perform hair styling, cutting, coloring, chemical texturing, permanent waving, manicuring and pedicuring, artificial nails, facials, and skin care.
NIC Written Exam
NIC written exam administered by PSI Services. Minimum passing score is 70%.
NIC Practical Exam
Hands-on practical exam demonstrating competency in cosmetology services.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Cosmetology State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee License fee | |
Exam Fee Combined written and practical exam fee | |
License Fee Included in application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($25) + exam ($75) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires September 30 of every even-numbered year)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Rhode Island considers reciprocity on a case-by-case basis. Granted to applicants with credentials equal to or greater than Rhode Island's requirements (1,500 hours). Must have high school diploma, and may need to pass written and practical exams.
Additional Requirements: Out-of-state license must be active and in good standing; training must be equivalent to RI's 1,500-hour standard
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Rhode Island is one of the few states that does not allow an apprenticeship alternative for cosmetology. The passing score is 70% (lower than the typical 75% in most states). Licensing is under the Department of Health rather than a dedicated cosmetology board.
Rhode Island does not allow apprenticeships for cosmetology licensure.
The Board of Hairdressing and Barbering falls under the Department of Health, not a separate cosmetology board.
The passing score in RI is 70%, which is lower than many states that require 75%.
Cosmetologist Schools in Rhode Island
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (you) | $100 | 56–93 wks | |
| Connecticut | $165 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $291 | 40–68 wks | → |
See how Rhode Island compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare cosmetologist requirements across all states →
Cosmetologist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure cosmetologist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Rhode Island
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-03-08
Moving to Rhode Island? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Rhode Island →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Rhode Island to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts →