Real estate license requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires 45 hours of classroom-only pre-licensing education — online courses aren’t accepted — plus a separate mandatory 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Hazard Mitigation course that doesn’t count toward the 45.
Education
Rhode Island requires 45 hours of pre-licensing education taken entirely in a classroom — the state does not accept online delivery for this core requirement. On top of that, everyone also needs a separate 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Hazard Mitigation course, which is mandatory but not counted toward the 45 classroom hours.
| Requirement | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core pre-licensing course | 45 | Classroom-only — online is not accepted |
| Lead Poisoning/Hazard Mitigation course | 3 | Mandatory, separate from the 45 core hours |
Plan on roughly 48 hours of seat time across the two requirements before you’re eligible to apply for the exam.
What Rhode Island calls your first license
Rhode Island uses the standard “Real Estate Salesperson” title. The real quirk here isn’t the name — it’s the classroom-only rule for the 45-hour course, which is stricter than most states that now allow online pre-licensing education.
The licensing exam
Rhode Island contracts with Pearson VUE. The exam has an 80-question national portion (2.5 hours, $53) and a 50-question state portion (1.5 hours, $50), for a combined $103. You need a scaled score of 70 on both portions to pass. Once you pass, you must file your license application within one year.
| Portion | Items | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 scored | 2.5 hrs | $53 |
| Rhode Island state law | 50 scored | 1.5 hrs | $50 |
| Total | 130 scored | — | $103 |
Rhode Island requires you to submit your license application within one year of passing the Pearson VUE exam. Don't let your coursework and exam sit finished for too long before you follow through on the paperwork.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $140 | RI General Treasurer |
| Real Estate Recovery Account fee | $25 | State of Rhode Island |
| Exam fee | $103 | Pearson VUE |
| Background check | ~$45 (not independently re-verified) | RI Attorney General BCI check |
The $140 application fee and $25 Recovery Account fee combine to a $165 total for your application and license. The ~$45 background-check figure comes from a source we couldn’t independently re-verify live this session — confirm the current fee with the RI Attorney General’s office before you pay.
How to apply, step by step
Rhode Island’s classroom-only rule means you’ll need to plan your course schedule around in-person sessions.
Online delivery is not accepted for this requirement.
Mandatory, and not part of the 45 core hours.
National and Rhode Island state-law portions, scaled score of 70 on each.
Through the Rhode Island Attorney General's office, not a private vendor.
Along with the $140 application fee and $25 Recovery Account fee.
You'll need an actively sponsoring broker to activate your Salesperson license.
After you’re licensed: staying current
We couldn’t confirm a distinct post-licensing course for new Rhode Island salespersons this session — the state’s general continuing education requirement is 24 hours per 2-year cycle (including 3 hours of Fair Housing), and we found no separate new-licensee tier beyond that. If you’re newly licensed, confirm with the RI Department of Business Regulation whether anything beyond standard CE applies to you.
Reciprocity
Rhode Island offers non-resident reciprocal licensing for active Connecticut and Massachusetts licensees: no Rhode Island course or exam required — just the BCI background check, your home-state license history, the 3-hour Lead course, E&O insurance, and a Letter of Good Standing. Florida residents have a separate Mutual Recognition Agreement, but must still pass the Rhode Island state exam portion. The $165 application/license fee applies the same way for reciprocal applicants.
Common questions
Can I take Rhode Island's 45-hour pre-licensing course online?
No. Rhode Island requires the core 45-hour course to be classroom-only — online delivery isn’t accepted, unlike many other states.
What's the separate Lead course, and does it count toward my 45 hours?
It’s a mandatory 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Hazard Mitigation course, required in addition to — not as part of — the 45 core classroom hours.
Does Connecticut or Massachusetts licensure help me in Rhode Island?
Yes, if you’re actively licensed and in good standing in either state, Rhode Island’s non-resident reciprocal pathway waives the Rhode Island course and exam — you’ll still need the BCI check, license history, the 3-hour Lead course, and E&O insurance.
Does a Florida license help me in Rhode Island?
Partially. Florida has a Mutual Recognition Agreement with Rhode Island, but Florida residents must still pass the Rhode Island state exam portion — it’s not a full waiver like the Connecticut/Massachusetts pathway.
How long do I have to apply after passing the exam?
One year. Rhode Island requires your license application to be filed within a year of passing the Pearson VUE exam.
Next step
RI Dept. of Business Regulation (DBR), Real Estate Section — https://dbr.ri.gov/real-estate-and-commercial-licensing/real-estate
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