Rhode Island Real Estate CE Requirements, Explained
Last reviewed June 2026 against the official sources linked below. Requirements change — always confirm with your board before relying on them.
Total hours
24 hrs / 2 years
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Core minimum
9 hrs core (incl. 3 fair housing)
Issued by
RI Department of Business Regulation (DBR)
Rhode Island asks for a healthy 24 hours every two years, and unlike states that let you fill most of it with anything, it reserves a 9-hour core block - with a specific fair housing slice inside it. The other detail worth knowing is that your renewal date depends on when your license was first issued, so not everyone shares the same deadline.
Here is the full picture for salespersons and brokers, with the core split and the two renewal schedules called out.
The base requirement: 24 hours, 9 of them core
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation requires salespersons and brokers to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education before each renewal. Of those, at least 9 hours must cover core topics, and at least 3 of the core hours must be fair housing. The remaining 15 hours may be electives.
Core, electives, and the passing score
- At least 9 of the 24 hours must be core topics.
- At least 3 of those core hours must be fair housing.
- The other 15 hours may be approved electives.
- To receive credit, you must pass each course's final exam with a score of at least 75 percent.
- If your initial license is approved within 180 days of its first expiration date, you are exempt from CE for that first renewal.
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Start tracking — freeWhen is your deadline?
Rhode Island runs two renewal schedules based on when your license was issued. Licenses issued before January 1, 2020 renew by April 30 of every even-numbered year. Licenses issued on or after January 1, 2020 renew on a two-year cycle tied to the anniversary of the date the license was issued. Check which schedule applies to you, and finish CE with a margin so it is on record before your date.
How CredTally keeps this on autopilot
- Track the 24-hour total with separate buckets for the 9-hour core minimum, the 3-hour fair housing slice inside it, and your electives.
- Store each certificate as you finish, filed with the credit it proves.
- Reminders at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your renewal date - whether yours is the April 30 even-year deadline or your own license anniversary.
- One-click dated packet of summary plus certificates for any audit or broker review.
- Licensed in Rhode Island plus another state, or also an appraiser or MLO? Each license has its own card, deadline, and reminders in one dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours do Rhode Island real estate agents need?
At least 24 hours every two years, including 9 core hours - of which at least 3 must be fair housing - plus 15 elective hours.
How much fair housing CE does Rhode Island require?
At least 3 hours of fair housing, counted within the 9-hour core requirement.
When is the Rhode Island real estate CE deadline?
It depends on your license. Licenses issued before January 1, 2020 renew by April 30 of even-numbered years; licenses issued on or after that date renew on the anniversary of issuance, every two years.
Is the first Rhode Island renewal exempt from CE?
If your initial license is approved within 180 days of its first expiration date, you do not have to complete CE for that first renewal.
Official sources
CredTally is a record-keeping tool and is not affiliated with any licensing board. This guide is general information, not legal or compliance advice.
CredTally tracks all of this for you
Progress rings per requirement, private certificate storage, deadline reminders, and a one-click audit packet. Set up in two minutes — free for your first license.
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