Rhode Island Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in Rhode Island is controlled by the Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing & Barbering.
General Guidelines for a Barber in Rhode Island
Specific requirements to perform barber services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.
Who’s allowed to perform these services?
Anyone holding a barber license
General requirements for a barber license?
Students will need a high school diploma or a GED and are required to be at least 18 years old. Students have to be lawfully eligible to work in the United States and complete 1,500 hours at an approved barber school.
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing & Barbering
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews by September 30 every 2 years.
What are fees associated with licensing?
$67
Barber Licensing
A barber is a professional who specializes in the cutting, styling, and grooming of men and boy’s hair and beards. This profession has a long-standing history filled with tradition and is an important subsection of the beauty industry. Many of the techniques and tools of barbering are as old as the profession itself. This includes the tools, techniques and overall aesthetic of the barbershop itself. Barbers are experts in their field. A barber’s job is primarily in customer satisfaction, which revolves around the customer service, friendliness, and communication of the barber.
To become a licensed barber in the state of Rhode Island there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Apply for registration with the Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing and Barbering
- Undertake state licensing exams
- Ensure your license remains up to date
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In Rhode Island there are two methods in which to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber: a formal barbering program and an apprenticeship. The first option is for students to undertake a minimum of 1500 hours of registered coursework at a barber college. This will be sufficient to practice as a barber following examinations.
To become a licensed barber through an apprenticeship, students are required to undertake a minimum of 2 years of full time training under the direct supervision of a fully licensed barber.
Apply for registration in the state of Rhode Island
Following the completion of formal education via an institution, barbers are required to apply for registration with the Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing and Barbering. Once this application has been processed, barbers are then able to apply for the licensing examinations. In order to have this application processed, applicants are required to submit:
- The completed application
- A barber diploma
- A copy of a driver’s license or birth certificate
- A $25 fee
Undertake state licensing exams
In the state of Rhode Island there are two licensing exams that must be completed: the theoretical exam and the practical exam. Barber examinations in Pennsylvania are written by the National-interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) barber examinations.
The main concepts that will be covered in the theory exam may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Scientific concepts
- Hair services
- Facial hair services
- Skin care and facial services
The main concepts that are covered in the practical examination may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Set up and client protection
- Haircutting
- Shaving with a straight razor
- Chemical Waving
- Virgin hair lightening
- Chemical Relaxing
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the board detailing their results from both examinations. If successful, barbers will be eligible and licensed to practice within Rhode Island.
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license every other year on September 30. This can be done easily online through the Rhode Island State Board’s online license renewal portal. There is a $67 renewal fee.
There is currently no ongoing education needs for barbers during their licensing period in Rhode Island. However, many barbers may choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.