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Rhode Island Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Barber

Licensing authority: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing · Application information

Licensure by examination after registered barber apprenticeship
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Application
Department application and fee, photo ID, birth certificate or proof of lawful entry, high-school documentation and official qualifying transcript sent directly by the school; foreign high-school credentials require equivalency evaluation. Applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application training conflict
The Department application revised 12/19/2025 states: "You must have completed the necessary hours of training: Barber, 1000; Esthetician, 600; Hairdresser, 1000; Manicurist, 300 and those hours must be verified by the receipt of a transcript directly from your school." The statute and the school-plus-apprenticeship rule determine the route training requirement.
Character
Good moral character.
Examination timing
Complete the required training before scheduling the NIC written examination with PSI.
General education
High-school graduation or equivalent combination of education and experience under § 5-10-8(b); the general twenty-five-year experience alternative does not override that barber-specific requirement.
Legal entry
U.S. citizenship or lawful entry.
Military expedition
Eligible active-duty members, reservists, spouses or honorably discharged veterans may request expedited processing with the specified military documentation.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years of age.
Practical examination
Pass a practical examination approved and prescribed by the Department with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. The official licensing sources do not identify the practical slot as a particular currently offered registered examination; it remains an applicant condition under this contract.
Training
Hold a Rhode Island apprentice barber registration in full force for at least two years and document actual barber apprenticeship during those years by employer affidavits or other satisfactory evidence under § 5-10-9(5)(ii).
Written passing score
At least 70 percent under 216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.5.2(B)(1).
Case by case licensure of an applicant licensed elsewhere
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Application
Department application, fee, schooling and official license verifications.
Discretion
The Department may license with or without examination under § 5-10-8(c). The registered NIC Barber Styling Theory examination is retained when the Department exercises examination discretion; a waiver is an applicant condition.
Non equivalent credit
Under § 4.5.3(A)(3)(a), the Department may allow 100 instructional hours for each three months of licensed active practice, up to 500 hours; remaining education must be completed.
Other license
Existing barber license from another jurisdiction whose standards the Department considers substantially equivalent.
Practical examination
Any Department-prescribed practical examination and its waiver remain applicant conditions because the licensing sources do not identify a particular currently offered practical examination.
Licensure by examination after school and apprenticeship
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Application
Department application and fee, photo ID, birth certificate or proof of lawful entry, high-school documentation and official qualifying transcript sent directly by the school; foreign high-school credentials require equivalency evaluation. Applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application training conflict
The Department application revised 12/19/2025 states: "You must have completed the necessary hours of training: Barber, 1000; Esthetician, 600; Hairdresser, 1000; Manicurist, 300 and those hours must be verified by the receipt of a transcript directly from your school." The statute and the school-plus-apprenticeship rule determine the route training requirement.
Character
Good moral character.
Examination timing
Complete the required training before scheduling the NIC written examination with PSI.
General education
High-school graduation or equivalent combination of education and experience under § 5-10-8(b); the general twenty-five-year experience alternative does not override that barber-specific requirement.
Legal entry
U.S. citizenship or lawful entry.
Military expedition
Eligible active-duty members, reservists, spouses or honorably discharged veterans may request expedited processing with the specified military documentation.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years of age.
Practical examination
Pass a practical examination approved and prescribed by the Department with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. The official licensing sources do not identify the practical slot as a particular currently offered registered examination; it remains an applicant condition under this contract.
Training
1,000 hours of approved barber instruction plus at least 840 hours of on-the-job training over at least six months as a registered barber apprentice.
Written passing score
At least 70 percent under 216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.5.2(B)(1).
Licensure by examination for applicants licensed in another country
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Application
Department application and fee, photo ID, birth certificate or proof of lawful entry, high-school documentation and official qualifying transcript sent directly by the school; foreign high-school credentials require equivalency evaluation. Applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application training conflict
The Department application revised 12/19/2025 states: "You must have completed the necessary hours of training: Barber, 1000; Esthetician, 600; Hairdresser, 1000; Manicurist, 300 and those hours must be verified by the receipt of a transcript directly from your school." The statute and the school-plus-apprenticeship rule determine the route training requirement.
Character
Good moral character.
Examination timing
Complete the required training before scheduling the NIC written examination with PSI.
Foreign credentials
Department acceptance of a foreign license and essentially equivalent education. For non-equivalent foreign education, the Department may grant up to 1,000 instructional hours credit for foreign training and at least thirty months of active practice.
Foreign exams
Another country’s examination is an applicant condition. The application states that a missing written or practical examination must be taken in Rhode Island; the rules require the general examination qualifications.
General education
High-school graduation or equivalent combination of education and experience under § 5-10-8(b); the general twenty-five-year experience alternative does not override that barber-specific requirement.
Legal entry
U.S. citizenship or lawful entry.
Military expedition
Eligible active-duty members, reservists, spouses or honorably discharged veterans may request expedited processing with the specified military documentation.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years of age.
Practical examination
Pass a practical examination approved and prescribed by the Department with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. The official licensing sources do not identify the practical slot as a particular currently offered registered examination; it remains an applicant condition under this contract.
Written passing score
At least 70 percent under 216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.5.2(B)(1).
Military member or spouse license recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Department military expedition form, license application, military-status documentation, transfer orders and proof of good standing; criminal background check as specified by the form.
Equivalency
Board determination that the other jurisdiction’s licensing requirements are substantially equivalent.
Existing license
Licensed or certified elsewhere for at least one year.
Good standing
Good standing in the original jurisdiction, no disqualifying criminal record, no revocation or surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, no pending professional complaint, allegation or investigation, and payment of applicable fees.
Military status
Armed-forces member or spouse relocating under military change-of-station orders; spouse must have left employment to accompany the member.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement or reissuance after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department discretion
Section 5-10-27 permits reinstatement or reissuance under any lawful individualized terms the Department requires. Those case-specific terms are applicant conditions; the complete statutory reinstatement provision identifies no examination. This no_exam record describes the published route, not a guarantee that the Department will impose no further individualized condition.
Source confirmation
The thin-warning artifact was opened and contains the entire substantive reinstatement provision; it is a short statute, not a shell.
Status
A license, permit or registration suspended or revoked under § 5-10-26.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Pay the current renewal fee under § 5-10-10(b).
Implementation additional fee
The Department rule § 4.6(D) requires the current renewal fee plus an additional fee under the fee schedule.
Status
Applies to a license lapsed through nonrenewal, rather than revocation or suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the duly executed renewal application and renewal fee.
Implementation timing quote
216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.6(B) requires the application and fee to be "submitted to the Department on or before the thirtieth (30 th ) day of September in each renewal year."
Timing
§ 5-10-10(a) states an October 15 filing deadline and contains inconsistent expiration language; the current rule § 4.6(B) directs submission by September 30. Renewal takes effect October 1 and expires two years later on September 30.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocal credentials
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed Department application, fee and supporting documents; approval is case-specific.
Implementation prior exams
216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.5.3(A)(2) states: "The applicant must have satisfactorily passed a written and practical examination acceptable to the Department of the theory and practice of barbering, hairdressing/cosmetic therapy, manicuring or esthetics, depending on the licensure classification which the applicant is seeking." This unnamed prior-examination slot and other-jurisdiction examinations are conditions; the statute grants this route upon acceptance of reciprocal credentials.
Other license
Current barber licensure in a jurisdiction with equivalent requirements and reciprocal privileges; Department acceptance of credentials under § 5-10-11(a).
Verification
License verification in good standing from every jurisdiction of current or previous licensure, including original licensure and verification of written and practical examination passage.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after approved barber school
National Barber Styling Theory Examination
Application
Department application and fee, photo ID, birth certificate or proof of lawful entry, high-school documentation and official qualifying transcript sent directly by the school; foreign high-school credentials require equivalency evaluation. Applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application training conflict
The Department application revised 12/19/2025 states: "You must have completed the necessary hours of training: Barber, 1000; Esthetician, 600; Hairdresser, 1000; Manicurist, 300 and those hours must be verified by the receipt of a transcript directly from your school." The statute and the school-plus-apprenticeship rule determine the route training requirement.
Character
Good moral character.
Examination timing
Complete the required training before scheduling the NIC written examination with PSI.
General education
High-school graduation or equivalent combination of education and experience under § 5-10-8(b); the general twenty-five-year experience alternative does not override that barber-specific requirement.
Legal entry
U.S. citizenship or lawful entry.
Military expedition
Eligible active-duty members, reservists, spouses or honorably discharged veterans may request expedited processing with the specified military documentation.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years of age.
Practical examination
Pass a practical examination approved and prescribed by the Department with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. The official licensing sources do not identify the practical slot as a particular currently offered registered examination; it remains an applicant condition under this contract.
Training
At least 1,500 hours of continuous study and practice in an approved barber school under § 5-10-9(5)(i).
Written passing score
At least 70 percent under 216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.5.2(B)(1).

National Barber Styling Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply principles of infection control: Sanitation/Cleansing; Disinfection; Sterilization; Contamination and cross-contamination
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies (e.g., CDC, OSHA, EPA)
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify bones related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Understand the functions of body systems: Nervous system; Circulatory system; Endocrine system; Integumentary system
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to skin: Types; Treatments
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to hair: Types; Treatments
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand the chemical pH scale
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand purpose and effects of products, ingredients, and their interactions
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand interactions among chemicals
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn, inhalation)
  • Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering (10% of items) (10%)
    • Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drape, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g. clippers, blow dryers)
    • Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
  • Hair Care Services (40% of items) (40%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Analyze condition of client’s hair and scalp (i.e., assessment)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Determine hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Document and maintain client records for hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, hair cutting)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for scalp treatments and scalp massage/manipulation
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair cutting: Shaping; Outlining; Neck shave
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures and safety of hair styling: Wet styling; Blowdry styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding, locks)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair enhancements
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of preparation, procedures, and safety for head shaving
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Understand preliminary tests (e.g., purposes, uses, applications): Predisposition; Strand test
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair coloring (including facial hair)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair lightening
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Foiling
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical hair relaxing/restructuring and curl reduction: Hydroxide; Thio; Keratin
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical waving/texturizing: Alkaline; Acid; Non-thio
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15% of items) (15%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Evaluate client’s skin (e.g., type, condition)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Identify contraindications: Disorders; Diseases
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Determine facial hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Document and maintain client records for facial hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Apply knowledge of draping for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Complete shave service with required strokes
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial hair design
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial (e.g., cleansing, steaming, mask)
    • Electrotherapy and light therapy — Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Examination sources