Rhode Island Business Broker License — Requirements & M&A Advisor Guide 2025
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Rhode Island Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in Rhode Island requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for Rhode Island as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in Rhode Island Real estate broker license required. Rhode Island business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR).
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 45 hours of approved coursework
Experience Required 3 years as licensed salesperson/broker.
Exam & Licensing Fees
Exam: PSI national + Rhode Island state exam
Application fee: $165
License fee: $165
Exam note: Rhode Island has the highest fee-to-size ratio in New England
Continuing Education 24 hours per 2 years required to maintain active Rhode Island broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in Rhode Island Rhode Island's small but active economy includes finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Business brokerage uses the RI real estate broker license. Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation handles securities oversight. FINRA Series 79 applies for M&A advisors on equity-related transactions.
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in Rhode Island 1. Complete 45 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the PSI national + Rhode Island state exam 3. Obtain your Rhode Island salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for 3 years as licensed salesperson/broker 5. Complete 90 hrs broker pre-license coursework and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility