230 R.I. Code R. 230-RICR-30-20-2.29

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 230-RICR-30-20-2.29 - Real Estate Schools and Instructors

A. All real estate school permits are valid for one (1) year and expire annually on August 31.

B. Courses are approved for a three (3) year period. Re-submission is required for re-approval for additional three (3) year periods.

C. Each authorized school must designate one (1) individual as an authorized agent. The authorized agent shall:

1. Maintain records documenting the entrance qualifications for students, attendance of students including their name, the dates on which they attended the school and the date on which they completed the curriculum for licensure as a real estate broker or salesperson, the continuing education curriculum for licensed brokers and salespeople or the instructor curriculum;

2. Notify the Board of any change in the address or telephone number of the authorized school or any change of the authorized agent within seven (7) days of such change; and

3. Ensure that only qualified instructors are permitted to teach the curriculum that contributes toward certification for licensure or continuing education.

D. Each authorized school shall provide to the Department a list of all directors and owners of the school, including their names, addresses and license numbers, if applicable and shall maintain the record of each individual for at least three (3) years.

E. The Department may suspend, revoke, fine, or refuse to renew the permit of any school that fails to adhere to the laws pertaining to real estate licensure, this Regulation, or a directive of the Department, including:

1. Failure to maintain records as required by § 2.29 of this Part;

2. Failure to notify the Department of any change of address or telephone number of the authorized agent;

3. Failure to provide the Department with copies of or access to requested information;

4. Failure to use the exact name of the authorized school on any postings, advertisements, solicitations, or any other medium of communication;

5. Failure to have a qualified instructor, in accordance with § 2.29(F) of this Part, in the classroom with the individuals taking the course during the time that the course is provided;

6. Obtaining a school permit by false pretenses or substantial misrepresentation or omission;

7. Any misleading or untruthful advertising;

8. Discriminating against an individual based on any protected class designated in the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 34-37 and the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-87;

9. Failing to provide the appropriate certification of completion to an individual completing the curriculum for licensure as a broker or salesperson or for continuing education;

10. Providing certification of completion to an individual who has not completed such curriculum;

11. Combining any part of the broker, salesperson, instructor, or continuing education curriculum into a single curriculum or offering; and

12. Failure to offer the curriculum for licensure and renewal established by the Department.

F. Instructor Qualification

1. No person may act as an instructor of the salesperson or broker curriculum in any authorized real estate school unless such person:

a. Holds a real estate broker's license or salesperson's license in good standing in this State; and

b. Attests that he or she has worked as a licensed real estate broker or salesperson for a minimum of five (5) years at least twenty-five (25) hours per week.

2. The Department may authorize any person to act as an instructor notwithstanding the requirements of § 2.29 of this Part if he or she demonstrates that he or she has the equivalent qualifications to those required by this Section. Equivalent qualifications may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Demonstrated knowledge in a particular subject matter (e.g., law, home inspection, accounting, lending, environmental issues);

b. Appointment to the faculty of an accredited college or university; or

c. Current teaching certificate with demonstrated real estate industry knowledge or experience.

3. Instructors may employ specialists to teach particular portions of the salesperson or broker curriculum and such specialists need not obtain authorization from the Department. Specialists may not be employed to teach the entire curriculum.

4. Current or prior real estate licensees whose licenses have been suspended or revoked as a result of disciplinary action by the Department, or the regulatory authority in another State, shall not qualify for approval as an instructor.

G. Requirements for Course Approval

1. Courses must consist of at least one (1) hour of instruction.

2. Courses must be taught by an instructor pre-qualified by the Department in accordance with § 2.29(F) of this Part.

3. Courses must substantially relate to the sale, purchase, or leasing of real estate.

4. Courses submitted in the area of Ethics must comply with the standards established by the National Association of Realtors or its equivalent to qualify for approval by the Department.

5. Course materials and the instructor's resume must accompany the application for approval along with a written Request for Instructor Approval.

6. For each course, the school must submit an application to the Department for approval which includes the following:

a. A detailed course outline with hours spent in each subject area;

b. Texts and materials utilized in the course;

c. Tests, examinations or other materials used to evaluate student performance;

d. A list of instructors for the course;

e. Summaries of student evaluations of the course;

f. For continuing education, identify whether the course qualifies for CORE requirements under § 2.30(B)(1) of this Part, CORE-Fair Housing (CORE-FH) requirements under § 2.30(B)(2) of this Part, or General Continuing Education (CEU) under § 2.30(B)(3) of this Part; and

g. For pre-licensing courses, the school must submit evidence of compliance with all requirements in § 2.7(D) of this Part, including how the school will ensure student attendance and participation during live-virtual instruction.

7. New or additional instructors for previously approved courses must be approved by the Department in accordance with § 2.29(F) of this Part.

8. Continuing education completion certificates issued by schools shall indicate whether the course qualifies for CORE or CORE-Fair Housing on the completion certificate.

230 R.I. Code R. 230-RICR-30-20-2.29

Amended effective 11/27/2019
Amended effective 5/1/2021
Amended effective 2/21/2022