How to earn a Rhode Island real estate license in 2025
Start with the Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school or equivalent diploma
- No prior real estate experience required
Step 1. Take the Rhode Island Real Estate Licensing Classes
Rhode Island requires all candidates for licensing to complete a state approved 45 hour pre licensing course and a 3 hour lead paint class.
The course covers the following material.
- Introduction to the real estate business
- Real property and the law
- Interests in real estate
- Forms of real estate ownership
- Land description
- Transfer of title
- Title records
- Real estate brokerage
- Real estate agency
- Client representation agreements
- Real estate contracts
- Real estate financing
- Government involvement in real estate financing
- Closing the real estate transaction
- Real estate taxes and other liens
- Real estate appraisal
- Leases
- Fair Housing
- Property management
- Land use controls and property development
- Environmental issues and the real estate transaction
- Rhode Island real estate licensing laws
Step 2. Pass the State Exam
The exam consists of two portions.
- National portion (general real estate knowledge). Exam fee: $50
- State portion (Rhode Island–specific laws and regulations). Exam fee $50
Students have 2 years from completion of the 45 hour licensing classes to take take the exam and submit their application for licensure to the state. The exam can be taken as many times needed within this 2 year period.
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Step 3. Select a Brokerage to Affiliate with
Before a licensed is issued candidates must affiliate with a real estate brokerage. This is not a requirement to take the licensing classes or exam first.
- To activate your Rhode Island real estate salesperson license, you must affiliate with a licensed brokerage firm.
- A sponsoring broker provides oversight, guidance, and legal responsibility for your real estate activities.
- You cannot practice, earn commissions, or represent clients until you are officially affiliated with a brokerage.
Step 4. Submit the Licensing Application to the State
This is the final step in becoming a Rhode Island real estate license.
- Once both exam sections are passed, complete the Salesperson License Application through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations.
Attach:
- Passing exam score report.
- Certificate of completion from pre-licensing course.
- Criminal History Record. Secure a Criminal History Record (BCI) from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office (dated within 60 days of application).
- Proof of Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance.
- Sponsoring broker affiliation (for salesperson license).
- Pay the licensing fee for a two year license $140
- One time fee for the real estate recovery fund $25