How to Get Your Real Estate License in Rhode Island

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 45 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider (Kaplan is not an approved provider of pre-licensing education in Rhode Island)
• Pass the Rhode Island real estate licensing exam
• Affiliate with a licensed Rhode Island brokerage to activate your license

At Kaplan Real Estate Education, we’re here to support your success every step of the way. With expert-led courses, practical study tools, and comprehensive exam prep, you’ll have everything you need to excel in your new career. 

• Steps to Become a Real Estate Salesperson in Rhode Island
• Renewing Your Rhode Island Real Estate License
• Reciprocity for Out-of-State Licenses

Step Three: Pass the State and National Exam

Try Today’s Real Estate Licensing Exam Practice Question

Step Four: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

Step Five: Submit Your Application and Fees

Step Six: Affiliate with a Licensed Brokerage

Renewing Your Rhode Island Real Estate License

Important Steps for License Renewal

• Complete Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: Licensees must complete 24 hours of CE within each two-year renewal period. At least 9 of those hours must come from CORE subject areas, covering topics like Fair Housing laws, contracts, ethical practices, and Rhode Island-specific real estate regulation. At least 3 CORE hours must focus on Fair Housing laws.
• Explore Flexible Education Options: The remaining 15 CE hours can be completed with any department-approved courses. This allows you to tailor your learning to topics that interest you, such as financing, environmental issues, or advanced sales techniques. 
• Submit Your Renewal Application on Time: Licenses are renewed every two years. Licenses issued before January 1, 2020, must be renewed by April 30th of every even-numbered year. For licenses issued after January 1, 2020, the renewal deadline is biennially on the anniversary date of the license. Ensure your renewal application is submitted before the deadline to avoid penalties or interruptions in your ability to practice.
• Pay the Renewal Fee: Be prepared to pay the required renewal fee when submitting your application. Confirm the payment methods accepted by the Rhode Island Real Estate Commission.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Licenses

For Massachusetts and Connecticut Real Estate Agents

1. Obtain Your Massachusetts or Connecticut Real Estate License: To qualify, you must be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, and pass a background check. Complete 40 hours of Massachusetts real estate education (if applicable), submit a license application with three endorsements and pass the State and National exams for Massachusetts or Connecticut within two years of completing your education.
2. Complete Rhode Island-Specific Education: Take a 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course and provide the certificate of completion. 
3. Gather Required Documents: Obtain a Certificate of Errors and Omissions Insurance, provide a criminal history record from both Rhode Island and your home state, and submit a Letter of Good Standing from your home state’s licensing authority.
4. Apply for Reciprocity with Rhode Island: Submit all documentation, apply to obtain your Rhode Island real estate license, and pay any fees. 

For Florida Real Estate Agents

1. Obtain Your Florida License: Complete 63 hours of Florida real estate education, submit your application with electronic fingerprints and the required fees, and pass the Florida licensing exam to activate your license. 
2. Meet Rhode Island-Specific Requirements: Obtain a Certificate of Errors and Omissions Insurance and provide a Letter of Good Standing from Florida’s licensing authority.
3. Pass the Rhode Island Exam: Prepare for and pass the state portion of the Rhode Island licensing exam.
4. Apply for Mutual Recognition with Rhode Island: Submit your application and supporting documents to receive your Rhode Island real estate license.