Rhode Island Real Estate Agent License
Complete requirements guide for Rhode Island
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 45 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education plus a 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course.
Required Courses (45 hours total):
- • 45-hour Salesperson Pre-License Course
- • 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation Course
State Examination
Exam Name
Rhode Island Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
130 scored questions (80 national, 2.5 hours + 50 state, 1.5 hours) plus 15 unscored pretest items
Passing Score
Scaled score of 70 on each portion (not a percentage)
Exam Fee
$103
Retake Policy: Retake only the failed portion ($53 national, $50 state); passing results are valid for 1 year.
Background Check
Type: Rhode Island BCI state background check from the Attorney General (non-residents also need a home-state check)
Cost: $5
Sponsoring Broker
Must affiliate with a licensed Rhode Island broker to activate your license
Fee Breakdown
| Examination Fee | $103 |
| Application Fee | $140 |
| Fingerprinting | $5 |
| Recovery Fund | $25 |
| Listed Fees | $273 |
Listed fees: $140 + $103 exam + $5 BCI check + $25 recovery account = $273. E&O insurance is required before activating a license.
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$130
CE Required
24 hours
Online Renewal
Yes
24 hours of approved continuing education, including 9 core hours (3 must be Fair Housing) and 15 elective hours
License Reciprocity
Connecticut and Massachusetts residents with an active same-level license apply with a letter of good standing, background checks, the 3-hour Lead course, and E&O. Florida residents qualify under a Mutual Recognition Agreement by passing the Rhode Island state portion. There is no general reciprocity.
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
- Official Website
- (401) 462-9506
- Apply Online
Helpful Tools
Compare Rhode Island
Upgrade to Broker
Requires 2 years full-time as salesperson plus 90 hours of broker education. Broker exam is 130 questions (national and state).
- • 2 years experience required
- • 90 additional education hours
- • Broker exam required
Last verified: 2026-01-12