Occupational licensing · Rhode Island · burden rank #12 of 51
Rhode Island Occupational Licensing Requirements
Rhode Island's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Rhode Island sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#12 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Montana; Louisiana; Connecticut; Maryland. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #12 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,307
- Avg initial fee
- $229
Rhode Island vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
38 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 78% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Montana; Louisiana; Connecticut; Maryland. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Rhode Island, Electrician lists 6,973 education hours with an exam and a $194 initial fee. Compare the same license in Montana on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Rhode Island, Elevator Installer lists 6,973 education hours with an exam and a $273 initial fee. Compare the same license in Montana on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Rhode Island's higher initial fees at $565 after 20 education hours. Open Louisiana for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Rhode Island's higher initial fees at $397 after 5,486 education hours. Open Louisiana for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Rhode Island against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Rhode Island already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Rhode Island: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#12 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Connecticut · burden #12/51
- Louisiana · burden #11/51
- Maryland · burden #13/51
- New Jersey · burden #13/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($229 here).
- Montana · avg $230 initial fee
- Louisiana · avg $228 initial fee
- Hawaii · avg $237 initial fee
- New Mexico · avg $237 initial fee
Agriculture in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Animal Care in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 5,486 | Yes | $397 | $323 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,243 | Yes | $199 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Construction in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 6,973 | Yes | $194 | $155 | 1 yr | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 6,973 | Yes | $273 | $236 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $391 | $317 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 4,973 | Yes | $155 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 30 | Yes | $155 | $136 | 3 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 6,973 | Yes | $231 | $194 | 1 yr | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Cosmetology in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,372 | Yes | $128 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,446 | Yes | $146 | $73 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 848 | Yes | $155 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 810 | Yes | $129 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| 828 | Yes | $159 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Design in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $317 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Education in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 89 | No | $155 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $195 | $120 | 5 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $232 | $158 | 5 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $195 | $120 | 5 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Engineering in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $391 | $317 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Finance in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $384 | $310 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 65 | Yes | $191 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 20 | Yes | $565 | $379 | 1 yr | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
Food & Hospitality in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Healthcare in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,243 | Yes | $199 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| 3,243 | Yes | $279 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 179 | Yes | $136 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,372 | Yes | $168 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,743 | Yes | $242 | $205 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 4,743 | Yes | $391 | $317 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,795 | Yes | $199 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 5,115 | Yes | $286 | $249 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 3,743 | Yes | $279 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 4,115 | Yes | $323 | $286 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 2,320 | Yes | $199 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $236 | $199 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,743 | Yes | $205 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,243 | Yes | $199 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,743 | Yes | $279 | $205 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Legal & Security in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 62 | No | $192 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 4,470 | Yes | $310 | $273 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Mental Health in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 3,743 | Yes | $205 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 3,243 | Yes | $201 | $164 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 3,243 | Yes | $242 | $205 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| 6,486 | Yes | $397 | $323 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
Miscellaneous in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 169 | Yes | $229 | $155 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Real Estate in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 159 | Yes | $310 | $236 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 144 | Yes | $231 | $190 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 216 | Yes | $310 | $254 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Transportation in Rhode Island
| RI profession | RI edu hrs | RI exam | RI initial $ | RI renew $ | RI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 30 | Yes | $117 | $79 | 4 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| 279 | Yes | $154 | $79 | 4 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 99 | Yes | $117 | $79 | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Rhode Island ranks #12 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top quartile, highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Rhode Island directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Rhode Island
NCSL and state-board extracts for Rhode Island. Burden peers on this ladder include Montana, Louisiana, Connecticut, Maryland; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Rhode Island render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.