Rhode Island Contractor License Classifications

The Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board handles the licensing process for general contractors. It is an umbrella term, which refers to contractors, who perform work connected with alterations, remodeling, repair, and commercial and home construction. In reality, there is no statewide license, as contractors have to complete registration instead. There is also a requirement of completing certain hours of pre-licensing education before registering with the Board.

Despite that fact, the state still offers some licenses at the state level, which require special training, examinations, and continuing education. In addition, the Department of Labor and Training issues contractor licenses to electricians, installers, plumbers, etc.

Completing Rhode Island contractor registration may be exciting, but a little overwhelming at the same time. To understand which license you need and which licensing body is in charge of the process, continue reading.

Rhode Island Contractor Registration

As it was mentioned above, the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board does not authorize state licenses to persons, who engage in the work of commercial construction, home construction, alterations, and remodeling. Instead, they are required to complete registration, as well as complete pre-registration education.

To complete contractor registration, a person must:

• Attend pre-licensing courses and complete 5 hours of required education (this is a major requirement for performing work on residential structures)
• Maintain a liability insurance certificate of $500.000
• Submit the application online
• Pay the fixed registration fee of $200
• Register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State (if you have a corporation or an LLC)

Pre-education courses

Every contractor must complete 5 hours of pre-registration education before applying for the registration. It is preferable to contact the Board in advance and check the list of state-approved course providers.

Steps to renew contractor registration

• Complete required hours (2.5) of continuing education from an approved and qualified course provider
• Maintain a liability insurance certificate of $500.000
• Pay the registration renewal fee of $150 (there will also be an additional fee of $50 if you fail to renew the registration on time)
• Register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State (if you have a corporation or an LLC)

Electrician License

To clarify, the license entitles the licensee to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, including electronic controls.

To apply for the license, an electrician must apply to the Department of Labor and Training and comply with some requirements.

Underground Utility Contractor License

This license, in short, allows the license holder to install, alter, repair, and replace underground utilities, sewer, and storm drainage lines (water lines). The scope of work also includes services, which apply to the outside of the building and structures, as well as making connections.

Under the term “underground utility contractor”, we can understand LLCs, partnerships, business organizations, corporations, including licensed individuals.

There is an exam requirement, which consists of 40 questions, and an applicant must score at least 70% to succeed.

Commercial Roofing License

This license, in short, allows the license holder to construct, repair, and perform contracting work, which pertains to roofing (for example, sealing, sheet metal, waterproofing, etc.). Under the term “roofing contractor”, we can understand licensed individuals or organizations, which become involved in the business of commercial, as well as industrial roofing.

There is an exam requirement, which consists of 50 questions, and an applicant must score at least 70% to succeed. In addition, the exam covers general knowledge, safety, moisture, energy control, and many other topics.

Pump Installer License

This license, in short, allows the license holder to place and get the operation of pumps and pumping equipment ready. The scope of work also includes connecting wells and pumping parts in water supply systems.

To become a pump installer, a person will need to take an exam, which contains 40 questions. Those questions cover piping, water chemistry, installations, repair, electrical subjects, and tanks.

Well Driller License

This license, in short, allows the license holder to alter, build, and install water-supply wells with the help of drilling. The scope of work also includes excavation, which is drilled and cored.

Before you can officially call yourself a well driller, you must take the required exam and score at least 70%. The exam has 50 questions, and you will have 120 minutes to answer general knowledge, safety, drilling, and other questions.

Water-Filtration (Treatment System) Contractor License

The Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board issues this license to persons, who place and get the operation of residential water-filtration and water treatment systems ready. The scope of work also includes working with equipment, necessary materials, and repairing any existing installation

To obtain this license, a contractor must pass the exam, which consists of 35 questions and covers state rules and regulations, wastewater topics, piping, water conditioning, and so on.

Water-Filtration (Treatment System) Installer License

An installer is an individual, who is licensed by the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board and performs work under the supervision of a licensed water-filtration contractor.

To obtain this license, a person must pass the exam, which consists of 30 questions and covers state rules and regulations, wastewater topics, piping, water conditioning, and so on.

Contact Information

Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
560 Jefferson Blvd
Suite 100
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: (401) 921-1590