How To Become a Real Estate Agent in Rhode Island

Becoming a real estate agent in Rhode Island is a very simple and straightforward process. First and foremost, professional education plays a crucial role when you want to earn and maintain a real estate license in Rhode Island.

You need to complete some coursework, meet the legal criteria, conduct a background check, pass and exam in order to get your license. You’ll also need additional coursework before renewing your license every other year.

Obtaining a Real Estate License in Rhode Island

This is a great place to start becoming a real estate agent in Rhode Island. You’ll know how to enroll in a real estate school, the courses for training, continuing education, and other requirements as stated by the Real Estate Commercial and Licensing Division in the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.¹

Real estate appraisers, brokers, and salespersons get their licensing and regulation from the Division of Commercial Licensing and Regulation.

By law, all real estate salespersons, appraisers, and brokers need to go through state examinations before earning their positions. Real estate schools get their licenses and certificates from the Real Estate Commission to administer education requirements and compliance.

Additionally, the Real Estate Division is responsible for accepting and investigating cases against a brokerage firm, real estate broker, and/or real estate agent. The division carries out this investigation to maintain license compliance with the regulations, rules, and laws of Rhode Island.

The Division of Commercial Licensing and Regulation which is part of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation is responsible for administering the regulation and licensing for all real estate agents in the state.

There are several legal criteria that an applicant must meet to receive a Rhode Island real estate salesperson license.

First, the candidate must be 18 years and older. Second, they must complete at least 45 hours of real estate education through a school approved by the state.

Then they must undertake a real estate salesperson examination. You’ll have to pay a $70 examination fee and a $100 application fee during application.

You’ll also need a statement from a real estate agent in Rhode Island that verifies that you, as an applicant, are competent, qualified, and trustworthy to receive a license.

If you are applying for a Broker’s license, you’ll need to provide evidence of having served for one year as a real estate salesperson. You’ll also have to complete 90 hours of approved real estate training.

If you have a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in real estate and you studied in an accredited university or college you can get the education requirement waived. After coursework, all candidates are required to pass the state examination and pay a $10 fee for the license.

Rhode Island Real Estate Agent Requirements

In Rhode Island, if you want to lease or sell real estate and earn a commission, you must have a state-given license for real estate.

The steps to obtain your real estate license in RI include:

Step 1: Completing a 45-hour pre-license course approved by the state.

Step 2: Take a 3-hour course on lead paint and lead hazard mitigation

Step 3: Pass the RI state license exam

Step 4: Get a criminal history report

Step 5: Get Errors & Omissions Insurance

Step 6: Apply for a real estate license in RI

Requisite Age and Basic Educational Criteria

Rhode Island has very few qualifications for earning a real estate license. You must be at least 18 years old, you should hold a GED or high school diploma, and you must be a legal alien or US citizen.²

Unlike other states, you do not need to be a Rhode Island resident to obtain a real estate license.

Likewise, you do not need to have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree to obtain a license. However, if you do have a degree and you majored in real estate, you can get the pre-licensing course training waivered.

Compulsory Pre-Licensing Course Hours

All applicants for a salesperson position in Rhode Island must take 45 hours of sales education. In this 45-hour course, the applicant should include a 3-hour course for New Agency Law.

You must be taught these courses in a live format by an approved real estate pre-licensing vendor.

Once you’ve completed the course successfully, you’ll earn a certificate which is valid for two years. This means you have to take the exam and apply for a license within two years after completing the course.

Additionally, RI requires all candidates vying for a real estate salesperson license to take a 3-hour course on Lead Paint/Lead Hazard Mitigation. You’ll need the course completion certificate to apply for a license.

However, you do not need this certificate to apply for an exam. You are advised to take it with or soon after your pre-licensing course.

Tuition Fees for Pre-Licensing Real Estate Education

The tuition fees for pre-licensing real estate education vary greatly and depend on the teaching method and school.

The general price for in-person courses is usually about $500 in RI. In contrast, online courses are much cheaper with prices ranging from $250 to $350.

Needed Real Estate Background Screening (Fingerprint Station Details)

All applicants need to go through a background check and provide a criminal history record (CHR). The CHR must be from the Department of the Attorney General in Rhode Island.

The office of the Attorney General conducts these background checks in person and they are located in:

4 Howard Avenue
Cranston
02920 Rhode Island

You can also call the Attorney General’s Office at

(401) 274-4400

The background check for the state costs $5 and the federal background check costs $35. They accept payments through check, money order, or credit card.