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:
The employing broker certifies 2 years of full-time work; 3 Rhode Island-resident references who have known the applicant 3+ years are also required.
Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of approved broker education from DBR-approved providers, plus the lead poisoning course.
Required Courses:
- 90 hours of approved broker pre-licensing coursework
- 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course
Hours count only if completed within 4 years of the application date; the 45 salesperson hours do not count toward the 90.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
Rhode Island Real Estate Broker 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.
Fees
| Application Fee | $180 |
| Examination Fee | $103 |
| Background Check | $5 |
| Recovery Fund | $25 |
| Listed Fees | $313 |
Listed fees: $180 + $103 exam + $5 BCI check + $25 recovery account = $313. E&O insurance is required before activating a license.
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 national and state broker portions through Pearson VUE
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
$170
CE Hours Required
24 hours
Online Renewal
Available
24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 9 core hours (3 must be Fair Housing)
Reciprocity Agreements
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 - Division of Commercial Licensing
- Official Website
- (401) 462-9506
- DBR.REInquiry@dbr.ri.gov
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