Rhode Islandesthetician license & exam requirements
Exam basis unconfirmedHow to get licensed as an esthetician in Rhode Island: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Rhode Island board.
- 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.
Free esthetician practice questions →Rhode Island esthetician license FAQ
Does Rhode Island use the NIC esthetician exam?
No. Rhode Island uses a state-specific written exam (PSI) rather than the NIC national exam.
How many training hours does Rhode Island require for an esthetician license?
600 (over not less than 4 months)
How do I get an esthetician license in Rhode Island?
Complete the required training hours (600 (over not less than 4 months)), satisfy the written exam requirement (Exam basis unconfirmed, vendor PSI), and apply through the Rhode Island board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Rhode Island esthetician or cosmetology-related board exam?
PrepTempo's Esthetician State Board course covers the NIC national theory core (infection control, skin science, analysis, and treatments) with free sample questions and free Chapter 1. Study Rhode Island law-and-rules from your board on top of the core.
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.