Rhode Island esthetician exam
Exam basis unconfirmedWhat it takes to get licensed as an esthetician in Rhode Island, from the state's official board and exam vendor.
- License
- Esthetician
- Training hours
- 600 (over not less than 4 months)
- Written exam
- Exam basis unconfirmed
- Exam vendor
- PSI (written theory, since Nov 1, 2015); practical administered through the Department of Health's Board of Barbering/Hairdressing
Exam details & notes
Licensing is under the RI Department of Health, not a standalone cosmetology board. Regulation 216-RICR-40-05-4 requires 'a nationally recognized examination, such as the National Interstate Council (NIC)... or such other examination from a recognized examination service' — so NIC content is authorized but the board does not publish whether the current PSI-delivered 'RI Esthetician Theory Examination' is NIC or PSI's own national exam (RI is not listed in PSI's own Cosmetology & Barber National Exam Program states, and most prep sources describe it as NIC). Hence usesNic marked unknown and confidence medium. Written: ~90 min, offered in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese. Passing score 70% on both written and practical (unusually low vs the NIC-standard 75%). Reciprocity: out-of-state licensees still take RI exams but can get up to 200 hours' credit for experience; 3-month temporary work permit available.
Some details for Rhode Island were ambiguous on the official board site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check the specifics with the board before you rely on them.
Preparing for the Rhode Island exam
Rhode Islanddoesn't require a written esthetician exam — licensure is by training and application.PrepTempo's Esthetician course is still useful to confirm you've mastered the core science and safety material before you practice.
Start the Esthetician course →Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Rhode Island board. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state board, the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), or any exam vendor, and they do not endorse this product.