How to Pass the Rhode Island Real Estate Exam on Your First Try

Rhode Island is the smallest state but has its own distinct real estate laws and licensing requirements. The exam is 120 questions — 80 national and 40 state-specific — with a 70% passing threshold. Administered by PSI.

Rhode Island Exam Fast Facts - Questions: 120 (80 national + 40 state) - Passing score: 70% on each section (56 national, 28 state) - Time limit: 4 hours - Provider: PSI - Pre-license education: 45 hours (salesperson) - Governing body: Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Real Estate Division

Rhode Island Real Estate Division

The Rhode Island DBR administers real estate licensing under RIGL Chapter 5-20.5 (Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Act).

Key facts: - Salesperson licenses renew every 2 years; 24 hours of CE required - No Recovery Fund in Rhode Island - New salespersons must work under a licensed broker - Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements with several states

Rhode Island Agency Law

Rhode Island uses the Disclosure of Representation form, which must be provided at first contact. Rhode Island recognizes:

• Seller's agent: fiduciary duties to seller
• Buyer's agent: fiduciary duties to buyer
• Disclosed dual agent: represents both with written consent; limited duties
• Non-agent (transaction facilitator): assists without representing; must be disclosed

Rhode Island is an attorney state — attorneys handle closings. The exam tests that agents cannot perform title searches or conduct closings.

Rhode Island Disclosure Requirements

Rhode Island's Lead Hazard Mitigation Program is more comprehensive than the federal standard: - Properties built before 1978 must comply with the Lead Hazard Mitigation Act - Owners of pre-1978 rental properties must obtain a Lead Safe Certificate — this applies to every tenancy change - For sales, buyers of pre-1978 properties must be given the federal lead disclosure pamphlet

Property Condition Disclosure: Rhode Island requires sellers to complete the Rhode Island Residential Property Disclosure Form for residential sales. Buyers have a 3-day right of rescission after delivery.

Flood and coastal issues: Rhode Island has significant coastal real estate. Flood zone disclosure and coastal wetland restrictions (administered by the RI Coastal Resources Management Council) are tested on the state exam.

Rhode Island-Specific Topics

Condominium Act: Rhode Island's condominium sales require a Public Offering Statement for new construction condos. Buyers have a 10-day right of rescission after receiving the statement.

CRMC (Coastal Resources Management Council): Properties near the coast or tidal wetlands are subject to CRMC jurisdiction. Development restrictions, setbacks, and permits are required for coastal development. Agents must know when CRMC approval is needed.

Mechanics' lien law: Rhode Island's mechanics' lien rules protect contractors and subcontractors. A property can have a lien attached even after it's sold if construction work was recently done. Title searches must check for potential mechanic's liens.

Topics That Catch Candidates Off Guard

Lead Safe Certificate for rentals: Rhode Island's annual/tenancy-change lead certification requirement is more stringent than federal law and is state-specific.

10-day condo rescission vs. 3-day residential rescission: Know the different timelines for condos vs. standard residential sales.

CRMC jurisdiction: Rhode Island's coastal management authority affects many RI properties. Know when CRMC approval is needed.

Attorney state: Rhode Island requires attorney involvement for closings. Agents cannot perform closing functions.

Your 4-Week Rhode Island Study Plan

Week 1: National — agency, contracts, ownership, land use, fair housing Week 2: National — financing, valuation, math, environmental (including lead) Week 3: Rhode Island-specific — DBR, agency law, lead certification, CRMC coastal rules Week 4: Full practice exams. Target 75%+. Drill lead safe certificate requirements, condo vs. residential rescission timelines, and CRMC rules.

Practice for the Rhode Island Exam

[CARealestate.com/states/rhode-island](https://carealestate.com/states/rhode-island) has Rhode Island-specific practice questions covering DBR rules, agency law, lead hazard mitigation, and coastal resource management. 5 free questions, no signup needed.

Rhode Island's lead safe certification requirement and CRMC coastal rules are the most state-specific topics. Neither will appear in national prep materials.