StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Rhode Island

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
300 hrs
Upfront cost
$100
Exam
Nail Technician Theory Exam, Practical Exam
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Hairdressing and Barbering

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, High school diploma or GED equivalent. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 300 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of at least 300 hours of training in manicuring from a board-approved school under 216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.4.3. [1]

  3. 3

    Nail Technician Theory Exam

    Pass the Nail Technician Theory Exam (fee: $75). Written theory examination administered by PSI Exams. [2]

  4. 4

    Practical Exam

    Pass the Practical Exam. A practical examination is required to be passed at seventy percent (70%) or higher, conducted in a manner prescribed by the Department. There is no separate fee published for the state-administered practical exam. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Hairdressing and Barbering with the $25 application fee. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Hairdressing and Barbering issues your Manicurist for Rhode Island.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $25
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $25
Nail Technician Theory Exam [2] $75
Practical Exam [1] None specified
90-Day Temporary Permit [3] $25

There is no separate license issuance fee beyond the initial application fee of $25.00.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses expire biennially on September 30 of odd-numbered years. Rhode Island does not currently require continuing education hours for manicurists.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Applicants licensed in another state may apply for licensure by endorsement. The applicant must have their home state board submit verification directly to the Rhode Island board, and must have passed equivalent written and practical examinations.

1 state-approved training provider in Rhode Island — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $25
  • $75
Total$100

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours are required for a manicurist license in Rhode Island?

You must complete a minimum of 300 hours of training at a board-approved manicuring school.

What is the examination vendor for Rhode Island manicurists?

The written theory exam is administered by PSI. The practical exam is administered in a manner prescribed by the Department.

What are the fees associated with obtaining a manicurist license?

The initial application fee is $25.00, and the PSI written exam fee is $75.00. There is no separate license fee.

How often do I need to renew my manicurist license in Rhode Island?

The manicurist license must be renewed every two years on September 30 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $25.00.

Are there continuing education requirements for manicurists in Rhode Island?

No, Rhode Island does not currently require any continuing education hours to renew a manicurist license.

Sources

  1. [1] rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-40-05-4 — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-10-05-2 — accessed 2026-07-12