1.2 Rhode Island License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Pre-license education requirement is 45 hours, including 3 hours of Agency Law and 3 hours of Lead Hazard Mitigation
- The salesperson exam has 130 scored questions: 80 national and 50 state-specific
- Passing score is 70% on each portion within the same test session
- All licensees must carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance: minimum \$50,000 per claim, \$150,000 aggregate
Rhode Island has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Salesperson License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Complete a criminal background check
- Meet character and fitness requirements
2. Education Requirements
Complete 45 hours of pre-license education from a DBR-approved school:
| Course Component | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles and Practices | 39 hours |
| Agency Law (mandatory) | 3 hours |
| Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation (mandatory) | 3 hours |
| Total | 45 hours |
Important: Per R.I. Gen. Laws 5-20.5-4(b), the 45 hours required for a salesperson license cannot be counted toward the 90 hours needed for a broker license.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| National Portion | 80 scored questions + 5 pretest |
| State Portion | 50 scored questions + 10 pretest |
| Time - National | 2.5 hours |
| Time - State | 1.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit to a criminal history background check as part of the application process.
Broker License Requirements
To become a Rhode Island real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Varies based on prior experience and education in real estate.
Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of broker-level education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Broker pre-license courses | 90 hours |
Key Point: The 45 hours completed for the salesperson license do NOT count toward the 90 broker hours, regardless of when those hours were completed.
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Format | Similar to salesperson with broker-level content |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
Errors and Omissions Insurance Requirement
All Rhode Island real estate licensees must carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance:
| Coverage | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Per claim | $50,000 |
| Aggregate | $150,000 |
Critical Requirement: Licensees must maintain E&O insurance independently. This is a mandatory requirement for all active licensees.
Application Process
- Complete education at DBR-approved school
- Submit application through DBR
- Complete background check
- Receive examination eligibility
- Schedule exam through Pearson VUE (at least 24 hours in advance)
- Pass both exam portions (70% each, same session)
- Obtain E&O insurance
- Apply for licensure within 1 year of passing exam
- Find sponsoring broker (salespersons must affiliate with broker)
What is the minimum age requirement for a Rhode Island real estate salesperson license?
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Rhode Island salesperson license?
What minimum E&O insurance coverage must Rhode Island licensees maintain per claim?