Rhode Island requires the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). Licensing is handled by the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration & Licensing Board. Pre-licensing education: Not listed in EBPHI's summary. Insurance: Not listed in EBPHI's summary.
Rhode Island requirements at a glance
| Exam | National Home Inspector Examination |
|---|---|
| License type | Associate home inspector, then licensed home inspector |
| Pre-licensing education | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. |
| Field training / experience | Associate: 50 inspections in the presence of a licensed inspector. Full license: one year as an associate and 100 paid inspections. |
| Insurance | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. |
| Continuing education | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. Licenses renew every two years. |
Other requirements
- Reciprocity is available.
Who regulates home inspectors in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Contractors' Registration & Licensing Board
(401) 921-1590 · DBR.StateBuildingOffice@dbr.ri.gov
How to prepare for the exam in Rhode Island
The NHIE is 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored) with a 4-hour limit, and you need a scaled score of 500 to pass. It is weighted 70% Property Inspection, 20% Analysis & Reporting and 10% Professional Responsibilities, so weight your study the same way. Take a diagnostic practice test first, drill your weakest categories, and sit at least one full timed practice exam before test day.
Summarized from the state regulation summary published by the NHIE's exam board, checked October 2026. Licensing rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration & Licensing Board before you apply.