Rhode Island Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
Must have been engaged full-time as a real estate salesperson for at least 2 years immediately prior to application
Alternative Pathways:
Supervising broker must certify in writing that the salesperson meets the experience requirement.
Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of approved classroom/live broadcast broker education from DBR-approved providers, plus required lead poisoning and agency law courses.
Required Courses:
- 90 hours of approved broker pre-licensing coursework
- 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course
- 3-hour New Agency Law course (if not included in 90 hours)
Courses must be completed within 4 years of taking the licensing exam. RI REALTORS offers over 60 approved courses including nationally recognized designations.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
Rhode Island Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
PearsonVUE
Format
130 multiple-choice questions (80 national, 50 state), 4 hours total
Passing Score
70%
Exam Fee
$70
Retake Policy
Can retake individual portions; education valid for 4 years after completion
Fees
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Examination Fee | $70 |
| License Fee | $205 |
| Background Check | $45 |
| Total | $320 |
License fee varies: $95 + $25 recovery account for odd years, $180 + $25 recovery account for even years. Total shown is for odd-year licenses.
Timeline
Gain Experience
Complete 2 years as licensed salesperson
2 years
Complete Broker Education
Complete 90 hours of approved broker courses plus required specialty courses
3-6 months
Complete Background Check
Submit BCI criminal background check at Attorney General's office
1-2 weeks
Pass Broker Exam
Take and pass the state and national broker exams via PearsonVUE
1-2 weeks
Submit Application
Apply for broker license with all required documentation and fees
2-4 weeks
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$180
CE Hours Required
14 hours
Online Renewal
Available
14 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 2 hours of Rhode Island law updates
Reciprocity Agreements
Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements with other states.
Mutual Recognition Agreement with Florida (state-specific exam only required). Reciprocity also with Connecticut and Massachusetts (letter of good standing and background check required).
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation - Division of Commercial Licensing
- Official Website
- (401) 462-9506
Quick Tools
Not a Broker Yet?
Start with an agent license if you don't have the required experience.
Rhode Island Agent License →