Rhode Island

Rhode Island Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
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How to Obtain a Rhode Island Insurance License

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations requires all individuals selling insurance in the state to obtain a valid insurance license. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for obtaining your Rhode Island insurance producer license.

Step 1: Complete a Prelicensing Course

To sell insurance in Rhode Island, you must pass a licensing exam. The best way to prepare for the exam is by completing a prelicensing education course. These courses will cover essential insurance concepts, policy types, and Rhode Island state regulations.

Course Details:

  • Life Insurance – 20 hours
  • Health Insurance – 20 hours
  • Property Insurance – 20 hours
  • Casualty Insurance – 20 hours
  • Personal Lines Insurance – 20 hours

Upon successful course completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate must be presented at the state exam.

Step 2: Pass the State Licensing Exam

After completing your prelicensing education, you must pass the Rhode Island insurance licensing exam.

Exam Details:

  • Administered by: Pearson VUE
  • Passing Score: 70% or higher
  • Exam Format: Multiple-choice
  • Time Limit: Varies by exam type
  • Location: In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers or online via OnVUE remote proctoring

Scheduling Your Exam:

  • Register through Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com or call (800) 274-3739.
  • Exam fees must be paid at the time of scheduling via credit/debit card.
  • If you fail, you can retake the exam, but additional fees will apply.

Step 3: Apply for Your Insurance License

After passing the licensing exam, submit your license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at www.nipr.com.

  • Processing time: 3–5 business days
  • Application fees apply
  • You can check your application status on the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations website

Step 4: Get Fingerprinted

Rhode Island requires all applicants to complete a background check and fingerprinting before receiving their insurance license.

Fingerprinting Process:

  • Location: Attorney General Customer Service Center
  • Address: 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
  • Appointments: Not required (walk-ins only)
  • Contact for Fingerprint Questions: bcifingerprints@riag.ri.gov
  • Contact for Background Check Questions: BCIstate@riag.ri.gov

Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education (CE)

To keep your Rhode Island insurance license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) every two years.

CE Requirements:

  • 24 hours of CE, including 3 hours of ethics training.
  • Nonresident producers must meet their home state’s CE requirements.
  • If CE requirements are not met, your license will lapse.

Visit the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations website for the most up-to-date CE guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where will I take the state exam?

  • Exams can be taken in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers or online via OnVUE remote proctoring.

How should I prepare for my in-person exam?

  • Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
  • Bring a valid government-issued ID.
  • Personal items (phones, calculators, bags) are not allowed in the testing center.
  • You must stay for the duration of the exam without breaks.

What score do I need to pass?

  • You must score 70% or higher to pass.

What happens if I fail my exam?

  • You may reschedule immediately.
  • Review your diagnostic report on Pearson VUE to identify weak areas.

Where can I find more licensing information?

  • Visit the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations at www.dbr.ri.gov.

Contact Information

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations:

Pearson VUE Testing Provider:

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Disclaimer

The information provided here is based on current Rhode Island regulations but may be subject to updates. We strive for accuracy but recommend verifying details with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations for the latest licensing requirements.