Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island does NOT require pre-license education - you can take the exam directly
- Pearson VUE administers Rhode Island insurance licensing exams
- The passing score is 70% on all insurance licensing exams
- Life and Health are separate exams - there is no combined exam
- A state background check (BCI) from the RI Attorney General is required
Rhode Island Producer Licensing Requirements
Rhode Island has unique licensing requirements that differ from many other states.
Pre-License Education Requirements
No Pre-License Education Required
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | NOT REQUIRED |
| Exam prep courses | Strongly recommended but not mandatory |
| Certificate needed | No |
Important: Rhode Island is one of the states that does NOT require pre-license education. You can schedule and take the licensing exam without completing any coursework first. However, the state strongly recommends preparing through study courses.
What This Means for You
- You can schedule your exam immediately
- No waiting for course completion
- Study at your own pace using exam prep materials
- Pass rate may be lower without formal preparation
Examination Requirements
Rhode Island uses separate exams for Life and Health (no combined exam):
Life Insurance Exam
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Questions | 95 (80 scored + 15 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% |
Health Insurance Exam
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Questions | 95 (80 scored + 15 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% |
Note: Unlike many states, Rhode Island does NOT offer a combined Life & Health exam. You must take each exam separately.
Exam Fees
| Testing Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Test Center | $80 (can take two exams in one session for single fee) |
| Remote Proctored (OnVUE) | $50 per exam |
Tip: If you plan to take both Life and Health exams, scheduling them at a test center allows you to take both for $80 total. Remote proctored exams do NOT allow back-to-back testing.
Examination Process
Scheduling the Exam
- Schedule exam through Pearson VUE
- Online at home.pearsonvue.com/ri/insurance
- Phone: (800) 274-3739
- Choose testing option:
- Pearson VUE testing center
- OnVUE online proctored exam
Exam Day Requirements
What to Bring:
- Two forms of valid ID
- First and last name on ID must match registration exactly
- Both IDs must be originals, valid, and not expired
- One ID must contain name, photograph, and signature
Testing Rules:
- No cell phones or electronic devices at testing station
- No personal items at testing station
- Results provided immediately after completing exam
Background Check Requirements
Rhode Island requires a state background check (BCI) for all resident producer applicants:
BCI Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | State Background Check (BCI) |
| Source | RI Attorney General's Office |
| Validity | Must be dated within 30 days |
| Submission | Email to dbr.inslic@dbr.ri.gov |
Warning: The DBR will not accept a BCI that is more than 30 days old. Plan accordingly when applying for your license.
License Application
After passing the exam:
Application Steps
- Pass the state exam(s) at Pearson VUE
- Wait 3-5 days for exam results to load in NIPR system
- Obtain BCI from RI Attorney General (within 30 days of application)
- Apply online through NIPR (www.nipr.com)
- Submit BCI via email to dbr.inslic@dbr.ri.gov
Important: You cannot complete the NIPR application until your exam results are loaded in the backend system (3-5 business days).
Basic Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old |
| Background Check | BCI from RI Attorney General required |
| Residency | Rhode Island resident for resident license |
License Types and Authority
| License Type | What You Can Sell |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance | Life insurance and annuities |
| Health (Accident & Sickness) | Health, disability insurance |
| Life and Health | Both life and health products |
| Variable Products | Requires additional securities license |
Appointments
After receiving your license:
- Must be appointed by each insurer you represent
- Insurer files appointment with DBR
- Cannot transact business until appointment is active
Special Training Requirements (2026)
Annuity Best Interest Training
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | 4-hour one-time course |
| When Required | Before selling annuities |
| Applies To | Producers licensed on or after 4/1/2021 |
Pet Insurance Training (NEW 2026)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 1, 2026 |
| Training | Required for all pet insurance producers |
| License Type | New pet insurance license category |
Retake Policy
If you fail the exam:
| Attempt | Requirement |
|---|---|
| First 2 failures | Can retake at test center or remote |
| After 2 failed attempts | MUST take exam at physical testing site |
Does Rhode Island require pre-license education before taking the insurance licensing exam?
Who administers insurance licensing exams in Rhode Island?
How many questions are on the Rhode Island Life Insurance exam?
What is required before applying for a Rhode Island insurance license?