Is an exam required to get licensed in Rhode Island?

Our research of the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation) rule does not show a required exam alongside the education hours. Confirm with the board before you apply.

Can I complete these hours online?

Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

How to get a Pre licensure license in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation) sets the education you must complete before it will license you. Here is the exact requirement, by license class.

Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation)

Required hours by license class

Pre licensure

5 required hours

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation) · verified 2026-09-06

Common questions

How many hours of pre-license education does Rhode Island require for general contractors?: 5 hours for Pre licensure, as set by the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation).
Is an exam required to get licensed in Rhode Island?: Our research of the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation) rule does not show a required exam alongside the education hours. Confirm with the board before you apply.
Can I complete these hours online?: Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

Already licensed? This page covers getting your first license. If you already hold one, Rhode Island general contractors renewal requires 2.5 hours of continuing education — see Rhode Island general contractors continuing education.