How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Rhode Island

how to become a real estate agent
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Table of Contents

Rhode Island Real Estate Licenses

If you’re pursuing a Rhode Island real estate license, this guide covers all the necessary steps, including real estate continuing education requirements.

It’s suitable for everyone in the state, with additional resources for major cities like Providence (RI).

We provide information on the best real estate classes and online courses available, offering comprehensive resources to help you succeed in Rhode Island’s real estate market.

Don't Become a Realtor If...

If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:

Requirements

To become a real estate agent in Rhode Island, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Like all US states, Rhode Island allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 45 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR). These courses include:

  • Salesperson Pre-License Course (45 hours)

Examination

Rhode Island Real Estate Exam Details

Exam Structure

  • Total Questions: 130 multiple-choice questions
    • National Portion: 80 questions
    • State-Specific Portion: 50 questions
  • Time Limit: 4 hours total (2.5 hours for the national portion, 1.5 hours for the state portion)
  • Passing Score: 70% on each section

Registration and Fees

Identification Documents

  • Required ID: Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).

Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates

The Rhode Island Real Estate Exam is considered moderately difficult. Candidates should ensure thorough preparation for both the national and state-specific portions.

Required Forms and Documents

  1. Pre-License Education Certificate
    • Proof of completing 45 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
  2. Initial License Application
  3. Sponsorship Form
    • You must have a sponsoring broker at the time of your application, and a Sponsorship Form signed by your broker must be submitted.
  4. Application Fee
    • The fee is $100, payable when submitting your license application.

Background Check

  1. Fingerprinting
    • Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved vendor such as IdentoGO.
    • Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $35, payable directly to the vendor.
  2. Submission
  3. Processing
    • The background check results are reviewed by the Rhode Island DBR before your license application is approved.

Application

After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

  • Application Fee: $100

Post-Licensing Education

Rhode Island does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.

Continuing Education

Total Hours Required: Licensees must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.

  • Core Courses (6 hours):
    • Rhode Island Real Estate Law Updates
    • Fair Housing
  • Elective Courses (18 hours):
    • Financing
    • Property Management
    • Marketing and Technology in Real Estate

Approved Providers

  • Continuing education courses must be completed through an approved provider listed by the Rhode Island DBR.

Submission

  • Proof of completion must be submitted to the DBR through their online portal.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Inactive License: Failure to meet the CE requirements within the two-year period will result in your license being placed on inactive status, preventing you from conducting real estate transactions.
  • Reactivation: To reactivate your license, complete the required continuing education hours and submit proof to the Rhode Island DBR.

Rhode Island Real Estate Education Options

Online Options

Rhode Island’s got some decent options for online real estate education, with all three of the four top schools offering digital courses.

Out of all of them, Kaplan is the way to go – they’ve got strong pass rates, happy customers, and high-quality materials.

If you want to check out other choices, we’ve also got some sweet discounts lined up for you. For those keeping an eye on their wallet, The CE Shop is a solid pick, especially since you might be able to combine our 30% discount with their 20% military discount for even more savings.

While all the courses are pretty budget-friendly, we’re big fans of Kaplan for its top-notch quality and high success rates. If you’re aiming for the best, Kaplan’s the one to help you kickstart your journey to becoming a licensed realtor.

1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course

best budget real estate course

The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in RI, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.

Pros

  • Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
  • Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.

Cons

  • Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
  • No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.

Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.

 

2. Kaplan Real Estate – Best Overall Course

best online real estate school

Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Rhode Island students, with live online and self-paced formats.

Pros

  • Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
  • Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.

Cons

  • Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.

Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.

 

4. Colibri Real Estate

good real estate course

Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for RI students.

Pros

  • Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
  • Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.

Cons

  • Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.

Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.

 

In-Person Options by Major Cities

Providence:

Warwick:

Cranston:

  • Cranston Adult Education Programs: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.

Reciprocity

Full Reciprocity

Rhode Island offers full reciprocity with the following states:

  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Georgia

If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a Rhode Island real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.

Partial Reciprocity

Rhode Island offers partial reciprocity with other states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.

You will still need to pass the Rhode Island state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.

For detailed information and required forms, visit the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation Reciprocity Information.

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Broker's License

To become a real estate broker in Rhode Island, you must:

  • Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
  • Complete 90 hours of broker pre-license education
  • Pass the Rhode Island Real Estate Broker Examination
  • Submit a broker license application to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation

Criminal Record

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Department will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.

Cost Breakdown

Item
Cost Range
Total
$670 – $1,170
Pre-License Education
$400 – $700
Exam Fee
$70
Background Check
$50 – $100
Application Fee
$100
Continuing Education
$50 – $200 per cycle

Resources and Contacts

Document Checklist

  • Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Completion certificates for 45 hours of pre-license courses
  • Exam pass notification from PSI
  • Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
  • Completed application form for the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
  • Payment for application fee

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Rhode Island

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  2. Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 45 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
  3. Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Rhode Island Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $70.
  4. Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Rhode Island Department of Attorney General-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
  5. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, including the application fee of $100.
  6. Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Rhode Island real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
  7. Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Rhode Island.
  8. Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 24 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.

Rhode Island Real Estate Agent Salary

In Rhode Island, real estate agents earn an average salary of $78,612 per year, with earnings typically ranging from $35,000 to $150,000.

The median salary is around $75,000, indicating a balanced income distribution. Top agents, especially in high-demand areas like Providence and Newport, can earn upwards of $180,000 annually.

Rhode Island’s compact yet competitive real estate market offers ample opportunities for substantial earnings.

The state’s relatively high cost of living can impact the overall value of these earnings, making it important for agents to maximize their potential in this market.

FAQs

Can I become a real estate agent in Rhode Island if I have a felony?

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Department for specific inquiries.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Rhode Island?

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.

What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Rhode Island?

The total estimated cost ranges from $670 to $1,170, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.

Does Rhode Island have reciprocity with other states?

Rhode Island has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the Rhode Island state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.

Summary

Becoming a real estate agent in Rhode Island involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing continuing education.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Rhode Island.

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Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links that give us a commission at no extra cost to you. In some cases, you can even receive discounts via our links. If you found our content helpful, please use them.

We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.

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