LicenseCompass

Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist License in Rhode Island

Quick Answer

Rhode Island requires 600 hours of esthetics training and passing a third-party exam, licensed through the Department of Health Office of Facilities Regulation.

Education Required
600 hours
Exam
NIC Esthetics Examination
Timeline
4-8 months
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Every 2 years

Requirements

Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license in Rhode Island

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

RI Department of Health~Office of Facilities Regulation

Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist Salary in Rhode Island

Entry Level

$29,120

Median

$38,310

Experienced

$48,550

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist in Rhode Island.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NIC Esthetics Examination

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-8 months.

Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist Licensing in Rhode Island: What to Know

Rhode Island licenses estheticians through the Department of Health, Office of Facilities Regulation. The COS data returned a combined listing for Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, and Manicurist, making esthetician-specific data extraction limited. Rhode Island requires 600 hours of approved esthetics training, a high school degree or equivalent, and passing a third-party examination. No continuing education is required for license renewal. Rhode Island does not have specific criminal record prohibitions for esthetician licensure, and the state does not list any special military provisions in the COS data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license in Rhode Island?
The process typically takes 4-8 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license in Rhode Island?
You need to pass the NIC Esthetics Examination. Third-party exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.