Looking to get a real estate license in Rhode Island?
If so, you have to fulfill all the real estate requirements in the state in order to achieve your real estate dreams.
But what are these requirements?
To answer that, I’ve created a complete guide on how to get a real estate license online in Rhode Island. This way, you’ll know exactly where to begin, what you need to do, and all that.
Plus, I’ll even recommend some great online real estate schools.
So let’s get straight into it.
Real Estate License Qualifications in Rhode Island
As with any job, you need to fit a few qualifications before getting started.
Thankfully, in Rhode Island, these qualifications are very few. You only need to:
- Be at least 18-years old
- Hold a high-school diploma or GED
- Be a US citizen or legal alien
That’s it!
The 5 Steps to Getting a Real Estate License Online in Rhode Island
These are the requirements to get hold of a Rhode Island real estate license:
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
Step 2: Complete a 3-hour lead paint course
Step 3: Pass the Rhode Island real estate exam
Step 4: Obtain a Criminal History Record (CHR)
Step 5: Get sponsored by a Principal Broker
Step 6: Apply for a real estate license
Let’s take a detailed look at each step.
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
To begin, you need to take a 45 hour, certified real estate pre-licensing course.
Most schools have an end-of-course exam that you’ll need to pass to receive your course completion certificate (which is required for Steps 3 and 5).
Now, if you’re looking for an online school that offers comprehensive pre-licensing courses in Rhode Island, we recommend RiRealtors.
This school shines at bringing the course material to life with their instructors that link the course material with their own experience. This makes technical concepts so much easier to understand.
Additionally, this school offers a bunch of different Zoom class timings. You’ll be able to select a schedule that agrees with you. And the best part, you can do this all from the comfort of your home.
Step 2: Complete a 3-hour lead paint course
In Rhode Island, you’ll be expected to study a one-time 3 hour lead paint course after completing the 45-hour pre-licensing course.
This course teaches you about dealing with lead-painted homes and the health hazards associated with them in line with present legislation.
Thankfully, RiRealtors offers this course, too.
Step 3: Pass the Rhode Island real estate exam
When you’re finished with the educational requirements, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Rhode Island real estate exam conducted by the Pearson VUE.
Note: you will have to create an account with the Pearson Vue website.
There, you can schedule your exam and pay the examination fee of $70.
Note: payments at the exam center will not be accepted.
When you arrive at the exam center, don’t forget to bring 2 proofs of identification and your course completion certificate.
What can you expect from the exam?
It consists of a national and state portion. To pass, you need a score of 56/80 for the national and 39/55 for the state portion.
You are given a total of 4 hours to complete all 135 questions.
For more information regarding testing centers and examination details, consult the Pearson Student Handbook.
Step 4: Obtain a Criminal History Record (CHR)
Before you can apply for a Rhode Island real estate license, you first need to obtain a CHR from the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General.
This process will involve visiting a local scanning center and providing fingerprint scans to allow for a background check to be conducted.
The total cost of this process is around $15.
For more information regarding this process and scanning centers, consult the official Rhode Island Department website.
What if you are convicted of a crime?
Can you still get a real estate license?
While felons are eligible to receive a real estate license in Rhode Island, the decision will solely depend on the severity of the crime committed.
Step 5: Get sponsored by a Principal Broker
All real estate salespersons must work under a Principal Broker.
You should take care when selecting a broker and evaluate all available local options before making a decision.
Remember, there are some Principal Brokers that work under a strict schedule, while others are more lenient to your own schedule.
Make sure you know what type of working environment you want, and find a Principal Broker that fits that.
Step 6: Apply for a real estate license
After all that, you can finally apply for a Rhode Island real estate license with the Department of Business Regulation.
To apply, fill out this application form.
Then, send it, along with your original exam score report, your course completion certificate, your lead paint course certificate completion, a certificate of Errors and Omissions Insurance, your Criminal History Record, and fees of $140 and $25 (must be on separate checks or money orders), to:
State of Rhode Island
Department of Business Regulation Division of Commercial Licensing
Real Estate Section 1511 Pontiac Ave,
Bldg. 69-1 Cranston,
RI 02920
For your convenience, you can complete the application process completely online! Simply follow this link.
Real Estate License in Rhode Island FAQs
How long is the real estate pre-licensing course in Rhode Island?
The real estate pre-licensing course is only 45 hours long in Rhode Island. This is quite short already when compared to states such as California, where the course is 135 hours long.
But, Rhode Island applicants need to complete a separate 3 hour lead paint course along with the pre-licensing course to be eligible for a real estate license.
When do I have to take real estate CE courses in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, you’ll have to complete a 24-hour real estate CE course every 2 years in order to renew your license.
While that may seem like a lot, online real estate schools, such as Mckissock, offer the courses completely online, allowing you to get it done conveniently.
Not only that, but McKissock even offers a membership package where you can access all CE courses in the state, plus 100+ job aides, coaching tools, a boot camp, and so much more. It gives you great value for money.
Should I choose online or in-person real estate courses?
While in-person schools provide more chances to interact with your fellow students and instructors, it can be pretty difficult to attend if you’re busy.
Online school courses, however, allow you to access live video-based courses from the comfort of your home, replicating the classroom experience without having to deal with the hassle of commuting to and from your school.
So I’d say online is better. But it depends on what YOU want.
How much do real estate courses cost in Rhode Island?
The cost of real estate courses varies greatly, depending on the school and the teaching method. In-person courses are generally priced at around $500 in Rhode Island. Online courses, on the other hand, are much cheaper with prices ranging from $200-$350.
Conclusion
So those are the requirements to get a real estate license online in Rhode Island.
When you know the steps in order, it won’t be confusing anymore.
However, you will need to put a lot of time, dedication, and even investment into it. So it’s best to get started right away!
Apply for a real estate pre-licensing course today to get one step closer to your new career!
Good luck!