Northeast · Real Estate License
Rhode Island
Salesperson License Requirements
45
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$260
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
3–12 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
24 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 45-Hour Pre-Licensing Course + Lead Course
Take approved 45-hour sales course (includes 3-hr Agency Law) plus separate 3-hr Lead Hazard course.
Estimated time: 2–6 weeks
Pass the Pearson VUE Licensing Exam
Register and pay $100 exam fee (both sections). Pass both National (70%) and State (70%) sections. Bring Education Completion Certificate.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Complete Background Check
Obtain background check from RI BCI&I ($45).
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Affiliate with a Broker and Apply to DBR
Secure a sponsoring broker. Submit application with $140 fee + $25 Recovery Fund. Allow 7-10 business days for processing.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified45 hours of approved sales pre-license training, which must include 3 hours of New Agency Law. Additionally, a separate 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course is required (48 hours total).
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Sales Education (45 hrs — property law, ownership, contracts, agency, financing, closings, appraisal, fair housing, RI-specific law, includes 3-hr New Agency Law)
- Lead Poisoning / Lead Hazard Mitigation (3 hrs — separate mandatory course)
Provider type: DBR-approved education providers
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Rhode Island-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
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Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person at Pearson VUE test centers. Online proctoring (OnVUE) available once per section.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 150 min | 70% |
| State (Rhode Island) | 50 | 90 min | 70% |
| Total | 130 | 240 min | — |
Retake policy: One year from initial attempt to pass both sections. Only failed section must be retaken. No limit on retake attempts. $50 per section per retake. Online proctoring available only once per section — all retakes must be at physical test centers.
130 scored questions plus 5 pretest (national) and 10 pretest (state) questions. Must bring Education Completion Certificate on test day. Primary test center in East Providence; additional centers in MA.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Rhode Island real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee (per section) | $50.00 | Pearson VUE | |
| License Application Fee | $140.00 | RI General Treasurer | |
| Real Estate Recovery Fund | $25.00 | Real Estate Recovery Account | |
| Background Check | $45.00 | RI BCI&I | |
| Estimated Total | $260.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Residency
Not required
Non-residents may obtain a RI license.
Citizenship
US citizen or legal resident
Background Check
Required
Criminal background check through RI BCI&I. $45 fee.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must affiliate with a RI-licensed broker.
Reciprocity
Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements
Type: Conditional Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (2)
Massachusetts
Active MA license in good standing. RI state exam and application requirements still apply.
Connecticut
Active CT license in good standing. RI state exam and application requirements still apply.
Reciprocal applicants from MA and CT may have streamlined requirements but must still pass the RI state exam portion and meet application requirements.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
24 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$130.00
Deadlines
Pre-2020 licenses: April 30 of even years. Post-2020 licenses: anniversary date every 2 years.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Rhode Island requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Sources
https://dbr.ri.gov/real-estate-and-commercial-licensing/real-estate
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.usrealtytraining.com/blogs/rhode-island-real-estate-exam
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/094000.pdf
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
January 2026 edition