StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in Rhode Island

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1500 hrs
Upfront cost
$25
Exam
Barber Stylist Theory (written) examination, Practical examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing (Center for Professional Licensing)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, High school graduate or equivalent (for barbers, high school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience per § 5-10-8(b)). R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-10-8(a): at least 18 years of age, U.S. citizen or legal entry, good moral character, completion of an approved course, and passage of written and practical exams. The general 25-years-experience substitute for the education requirement does not apply to barbers post-1997 (§ 5-10-8(b)). No criminal background check requirement appears in the chapter or the licensing regulation. webserver.rilegislature.gov blocks automated access; verified via Wayback snapshot (closest capture 2025-04-02). [5]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1500 hours of training at a state-approved program. R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-10-9(5): 1,500 hours of continuous study and practice in an approved school; OR two years as a registered apprentice barber (with employer affidavits); OR a combination path defined in regulation 216-RICR-40-05-4.4.3(D): 1,000 hours of barber school instruction plus a minimum of 840 hours of on-the-job training as a registered barber apprentice over at least six months. Students may enter work-study after 1,000 classroom hours. Statute pages verified via archive snapshots 2025-04-01/02 (webserver.rilegislature.gov blocked direct automated fetch). [1]

  3. 3

    Barber Stylist Theory (written) examination

    Pass the Barber Stylist Theory (written) examination. Written/computer-based theory exam; minimum passing score 70%; available online and in Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese The DOH licensing page states that since November 1, 2015 written exams are given by PSI, including the 'Barber Stylist Theory' exam. PSI's exam fee is not published on the DOH page, so it is recorded as null. DOH page verified via archive snapshot 2026-03-07 (health.ri.gov 403s automated fetches). [2]

  4. 4

    Practical examination

    Pass the Practical examination. Practical examination; minimum passing score 70% R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-10-8(a)(6) and 216-RICR-40-05-4 require passing 'a written and a practical examination' approved by the division (the regulations permit use of nationally recognized exams such as NIC). No separate practical exam fee is published by the Department; the $25 application-by-examination fee is the state charge. [3]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing (Center for Professional Licensing) with the $25 application fee. [4]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing (Center for Professional Licensing) issues your Barber License for Rhode Island.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [4] $25
License fee [4] None specified
Renewal fee [4] $25
Barber Stylist Theory (written) examination [2] None specified
Practical examination [3] None specified
Application by verification/endorsement [4] $25
Reexamination [4] $25
90-day temporary permit [4] $25
Reinstatement (added to renewal fee, per lapsed cycle, max $100) [4] $25

Per the RI Department of Health fee structure regulation (216-RICR-10-05-2): Barber application by examination $25, renewal $25. No separate initial license issuance fee is listed — the application fee covers licensure. Exam vendor (PSI) fees are paid separately to the vendor and are not listed in the state fee schedule.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Licenses expire on September 30 of every other year following issuance (216-RICR-40-05-4); renewal is $25 and renewal notices are sent 60 days before expiration. The regulation contains no continuing-education requirement for barbers.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

§ 5-10-8(c): the division may license, case-by-case and with or without examination, barbers licensed in states maintaining substantially equivalent standards ($25 application by verification/endorsement). If the other state's requirements are not equivalent, the regulation grants 100 hours of instructional credit per three months of licensed active practice, up to 500 hours (216-RICR-40-05-4). No interstate compact covers barbering. webserver.rilegislature.gov blocks automated access; verified via Wayback snapshot (closest capture 2025-04-02).

Cost calculator

  • $25
Total$25

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Rhode Island require for a barber license?

1,500 hours at an approved school — or, alternatively, two years as a registered apprentice barber, or the hybrid path of 1,000 school hours plus at least 840 hours of on-the-job training as a registered apprentice over six or more months.

Who licenses barbers in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Department of Health's Center for Professional Licensing, advised by the Board of Barbering and Hairdressing — Rhode Island has no standalone barber board.

Who gives the barber exams?

PSI has administered the written theory exams (including Barber Stylist Theory) since November 1, 2015, with online delivery and Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese versions. A division-approved practical exam is also required; the passing score for each is 70%.

What are the state fees?

$25 to apply by examination (and $25 for endorsement applications, reexaminations, or a 90-day temporary permit), then $25 renewal every two years — licenses expire September 30 of every other year. No continuing education is required.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

Be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or have legal entry, be of good moral character, be a high school graduate (or hold an equivalent combination of education and experience), complete approved training, and pass the written and practical exams.

Sources

  1. [1] webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-10/5-10-9.htm — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] health.ri.gov/licensing/barbering-hairdressing-and-cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-40-05-4 — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-10-05-2 — accessed 2026-07-11
  5. [5] webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-10/5-10-8.htm — accessed 2026-07-11