Rhode Island Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Key Takeaways
Rhode Island has NO pre-licensing education requirement for Property & Casualty insurance - schedule your Pearson VUE exam immediately
First-time candidates MUST take BOTH exams: Property (92 questions: 76 scored + 16 pretest) AND Casualty (98 questions: 82 scored + 16 pretest) in the same session
Special pricing: $80 for BOTH exams when taken in the same session; Pearson VUE offers remote AND in-person testing
UNIQUE: Rhode Island REQUIRES E&O (Errors & Omissions) insurance for all resident P&C producers per RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23
Rhode Island auto insurance minimums are 25/50/25 - this is an At-Fault (tort) state
License fee is $60 + $5.60 transaction fee via NIPR; CE is 24 hours every 2 years including 3 ethics
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Rhode Island Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Rhode Island-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exams in 2026.
About the Rhode Island P&C Exams
The Rhode Island Property & Casualty insurance examinations are administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Rhode Island Division of Insurance (under the Department of Business Regulation). Rhode Island requires TWO separate exams - Property and Casualty - and first-time candidates MUST take both exams in the same session.
The exams test your knowledge of:
- Rhode Island General Laws Title 27 (Insurance)
- Property insurance principles (homeowners, fire, commercial property)
- Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
- Rhode Island-specific consumer protections
- Ethics and professional conduct
- E&O insurance requirements (unique to Rhode Island)
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Property Exam | Casualty Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
| Total Questions | 92 (76 scored + 16 pretest) | 98 (82 scored + 16 pretest) |
| Scored Questions | 76 questions | 82 questions |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher | 70% or higher |
| Test Delivery | In-person OR Remote Proctored | In-person OR Remote Proctored |
| Results | Immediate | Immediate |
Important: First-time candidates MUST take BOTH the Property AND Casualty exams in the same testing session. You cannot take just one exam on your first attempt.
Exam Pricing
| Option | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Both Exams Same Session (First-Time) | $80 total | Required for first-time candidates |
| Single Exam (Retake Only) | $40 | Only if retaking a failed exam |
Note: The $80 covers BOTH exams when taken together. First-time candidates are required to take both exams in one session.
Testing Options
Rhode Island offers flexible testing through Pearson VUE:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| In-Person Testing | Pearson VUE testing centers |
| Remote Proctored (OnVUE) | Take exam from home with webcam monitoring |
| Scheduling | pearsonvue.com/ri/insurance |
Rhode Island Advantage: Pearson VUE offers BOTH in-person testing centers AND remote proctored exams from home - choose the option that works best for you!
No Pre-Licensing Education Required
Rhode Island has NO mandatory pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance.
What This Means
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Hours | 0 hours - no requirement |
| Approved Courses | Not required to schedule exam |
| Education Verification | Not needed |
| Timeline | Can schedule exams immediately |
This makes Rhode Island one of the most accessible states for P&C licensing. However, the 70% passing threshold on BOTH exams requires thorough preparation.
Why Prep Courses Are Still Recommended
While not required, exam preparation is strongly recommended because:
- Two Exams Required: Must pass BOTH Property AND Casualty exams in same session
- State-Specific Content: Rhode Island has unique requirements like mandatory E&O insurance
- Pass Rate Improvement: Prep courses significantly increase first-time pass rates
- Ocean State Risks: Coastal property insurance knowledge is essential
This FREE study guide provides everything you need to prepare for the Rhode Island-specific content on both exams.
E&O Insurance Requirement - UNIQUE to Rhode Island
Mandatory Errors & Omissions Insurance
Rhode Island is one of the few states that REQUIRES all resident P&C producers to maintain Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. This is established in RI General Laws Section 27-2.4-23.
What You Need to Know About E&O Insurance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Must Have It | ALL resident P&C producers in Rhode Island |
| Legal Requirement | RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23 |
| When Required | Must maintain E&O while licensed |
| Purpose | Protects against claims of professional negligence |
| Typical Coverage | $1,000,000 per occurrence common |
| Cost | Varies by coverage ($300-1,000+/year typical) |
Why E&O Insurance Matters
E&O insurance protects you from claims arising from:
- Errors in policy recommendations
- Omissions in coverage advice
- Failure to procure requested coverage
- Incorrect policy information
- Professional negligence claims
Exam Tip: Rhode Island's mandatory E&O insurance requirement is frequently tested. Remember: RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23 requires ALL resident P&C producers to maintain E&O insurance.
Rhode Island Auto Insurance Requirements
Minimum Liability Limits
Rhode Island requires the following minimum auto liability coverage:
| Coverage | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage (per accident) | $25,000 |
Memory Tip: Rhode Island minimums are 25/50/25 - easy to remember!
Key Rhode Island Auto Insurance Laws
1. At-Fault (Tort) State
- Rhode Island uses traditional tort system
- At-fault driver's insurance pays for damages
- NOT a no-fault state
- Comparative negligence applies
2. Financial Responsibility Law
- All drivers must maintain minimum liability coverage
- Proof of insurance required at registration
- Electronic verification system
- Penalties for driving without insurance
3. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
- Must be OFFERED to all policyholders
- Can be rejected in writing
- Protects when at-fault driver is uninsured
4. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
- Must be OFFERED to all policyholders
- Can be rejected in writing
- Protects when at-fault driver has insufficient coverage
Rhode Island Insurance Market Context
Why Rhode Island Is Unique
Rhode Island has distinctive insurance characteristics:
-
Ocean State Coastal Exposure
- Extensive coastline with hurricane and flood risks
- Historic 1938 Hurricane devastated Rhode Island
- Narragansett Bay penetrates deep into the state
- NFIP flood insurance critical in coastal areas
- Storm surge and nor'easter risks
-
Small State, Dense Population
- Smallest state by area in the U.S.
- Second-most densely populated state
- Concentrated insurance market
- High property values in coastal areas
-
Regulatory Structure
- Division of Insurance under Department of Business Regulation
- Insurance Superintendent oversees insurance regulation
- Rhode Island General Laws Title 27 governs insurance
- Consumer protection focus
-
Market Dynamics
- Historic properties (Newport mansions, Providence)
- Marine and watercraft insurance market
- Tourism industry creates seasonal exposures
- College/university market (Brown, URI, Providence College)
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Study and Prepare (Recommended first)
- Complete this FREE study guide
- Review national P&C concepts
- Take practice quizzes
- Focus on Rhode Island-specific requirements
-
Schedule and Pass BOTH Exams
- Register at Pearson VUE (pearsonvue.com/ri/insurance)
- Pay $80 for both exams (required for first-time candidates)
- Take Property exam (92 questions: 76 scored + 16 pretest)
- Take Casualty exam (98 questions: 82 scored + 16 pretest)
- Pass both with 70%+ score
- Choose in-person OR remote proctored testing
-
Obtain E&O Insurance
- REQUIRED for all Rhode Island resident P&C producers
- Per RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23
- Shop for coverage from E&O insurance providers
- Typical cost: $300-1,000+/year
- Must maintain while licensed
-
Apply for License
- Submit application through NIPR
- Pay $60 license fee + $5.60 transaction fee
- Provide proof of E&O insurance
- Provide all required documentation
-
Receive License
- RI Division of Insurance reviews application
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks typical
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years
- Begin selling P&C insurance in Rhode Island
Exam Retake Policy
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed One Exam | Can retake just the failed exam |
| Retake Fee | $40 per exam |
| Score Report | Shows performance by content area |
| Study Weak Areas | Use score report to target preparation |
Note: If you fail one exam but pass the other, you only need to retake the failed exam (not both). However, first-time candidates must take both exams together.
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Both Exams (Same Session) | $80 |
| E&O Insurance (Annual) | $300-1,000+ |
| License Application Fee (NIPR) | $60 + $5.60 |
| TOTAL (First Year Estimated) | $445-1,145+ |
Note: E&O insurance is an ongoing annual cost unique to Rhode Island. Budget for this when planning your insurance career.
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| E&O Insurance | Must maintain continuously |
| Renewal Fee | $60 |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalty fees |
Continuing Education Requirements
Rhode Island P&C producers must complete:
- 24 total CE hours every 2-year licensing period
- 3 hours of ethics included in the 24 hours
- Must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Courses must be from approved providers
Rhode Island Division of Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Business Regulation - Insurance Division |
| Website | dbr.ri.gov/divisions/insurance |
| Phone | (401) 462-9520 |
| Address | 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920 |
| Pearson VUE Registration | pearsonvue.com/ri/insurance |
| NIPR | nipr.com |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Rhode Island state-specific content for both exams:
Chapter 1: Rhode Island Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Department of Business Regulation structure
- Insurance Division and Superintendent powers
- Producer licensing requirements and procedures
- E&O insurance requirement (RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23)
- Continuing education (24 hours/2 years)
- Rhode Island General Laws Title 27 overview
Chapter 2: Rhode Island Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance requirements
- Coastal property considerations
- Hurricane and flood coverage
- NFIP requirements in flood zones
- Historic property insurance
- Policy cancellation and non-renewal rules
Chapter 3: Rhode Island Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (25/50/25)
- At-Fault (tort) system
- UM/UIM coverage requirements
- Workers' compensation requirements
- Commercial liability insurance
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Prohibited practices (rebating, twisting, misrepresentation)
- Claims handling requirements
- Rhode Island Insurance Guaranty Association
- Producer conduct standards
- E&O insurance and professional liability
Note: This guide covers ONLY Rhode Island state law. Complete the national Property & Casualty exam prep first for foundational insurance knowledge.
Study Tips for Success
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 0 (not required) |
| Property exam questions | 92 (76 scored + 16 pretest) |
| Casualty exam questions | 98 (82 scored + 16 pretest) |
| Passing score | 70% each exam |
| Both exams fee | $80 |
| Single exam retake fee | $40 |
| License application fee | $60 + $5.60 |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Ethics CE required | 3 hours |
| Auto minimum liability | 25/50/25 |
| E&O requirement | RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23 |
Rhode Island-Specific Topics to Know
- TWO Exams Required - Must take BOTH Property AND Casualty in same session (first-time)
- E&O Insurance REQUIRED - RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23 mandates E&O for all resident producers
- 25/50/25 - Auto liability minimums
- At-Fault State - Tort system (NOT no-fault)
- Remote Testing Available - Pearson VUE OnVUE option
- Ocean State - Coastal property and flood insurance critical
- Division of Insurance - Under Department of Business Regulation
- Title 27 - Rhode Island General Laws governing insurance
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Register with Pearson VUE - Schedule BOTH exams (same session required)
- Pass both exams - With 70%+ score each
- Shop for E&O Insurance - Required before you can sell insurance
- Apply for license - Through NIPR ($60 + $5.60)
- Start your career - Sell P&C insurance in Rhode Island
Remember: No pre-licensing is required in Rhode Island, but you must pass TWO exams in the same session AND obtain E&O insurance. Rhode Island is unique in requiring E&O insurance for all resident P&C producers!
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Rhode Island Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
What is UNIQUE about Rhode Island that makes it different from most other states for P&C producers?
Rhode Island requires 100 hours of pre-licensing education
Rhode Island REQUIRES E&O (Errors & Omissions) insurance for all resident P&C producers
Rhode Island does not require any licensing exam
Rhode Island only licenses non-resident producers
What is required of first-time P&C license candidates in Rhode Island regarding exams?
They can take just the Property exam
They can take just the Casualty exam
They MUST take BOTH Property AND Casualty exams in the same session
They can take exams on different days
What are the minimum auto liability insurance limits required in Rhode Island?
15/30/10
25/50/10
25/50/25
30/60/25
How much does it cost to take BOTH Rhode Island P&C exams in the same session?
$40 total
$60 total
$80 total
$120 total
Which Rhode Island law section requires E&O insurance for all resident P&C producers?
RI Gen Laws Section 27-1.1-10
RI Gen Laws Section 27-2.4-23
RI Gen Laws Section 27-3.5-15
RI Gen Laws Section 27-4.6-30
What testing options does Pearson VUE offer for the Rhode Island P&C exams?
In-person testing only
Remote proctored testing only
BOTH in-person AND remote proctored testing
Paper-based testing only
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.