Ocean State Licensing
How to Get Your Rhode Island Real Estate License
Rhode Island requires 45 hours of pre-licensing, a PSI exam, and coastal property rules under the CRMC (Coastal Resources Management Council).
Rhode Island Real Estate Division
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Real Estate Division oversees all real estate licensing. Rhode Island uses a salesperson → broker structure with 45 hours of pre-licensing education required.
The Rhode Island real estate exam is administered by PSI: 80 national questions (150 minutes) and 40 state questions (90 minutes). Both portions require a 70% passing score.
Rhode Island licenses are renewed every two years with 24 hours of CE. New salesperson licensees must complete a 30-hour post-licensing course within their first year.
Rhode Island Fast Facts
Pre-Licensing
45 hours of approved education plus a 30-hour post-licensing course for new licensees.
Passing Score
70% on both national and state portions via PSI.
Coastal Law
CRMC (Coastal Resources Management Council) regulates development near Rhode Island's 400+ miles of coastline.
Judicial Foreclosure
Rhode Island uses judicial foreclosure, requiring court involvement before a property can be sold at foreclosure.
Rhode Island Real Estate Exam FAQ
What is CRMC and why does it matter on the RI exam?
The Coastal Resources Management Council regulates land use near Rhode Island's coast. Agents must know which properties fall within CRMC jurisdiction and disclose this to buyers, as it limits what can be built or modified.
Does Rhode Island have a transfer tax?
Yes. Rhode Island imposes a Realty Conveyance Tax of $2.30 per $500 of value (approximately 0.46%) paid by the seller. Agents must be familiar with this cost when estimating seller's net proceeds.