Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 440 - Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
Chapter 10 - General Administration, Registration, Licensing, and Filing Claims
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 1 - General Rules and Regulations for Applications, Registration, Licensing, Claims, Violations, and Administrative Hearings
Section 440-RICR-10-00-1.8 - Education Requirement - Pre-Registration/License and Continuing Education

Universal Citation: 440 RI Code of Rules 10 00 1.8

Current through September 18, 2024

1.8.1 Scope

The Board adopts the following education standards and requirements for persons registered/licensed with the Board. The Board may have third-party vendors or providers assist in the management of educational programs.

1.8.2 Specifications

A. If applicable, as a condition of applying for, or renewing a registration/license issued by the Board, the educational requirements specified for that discipline must be met.

B. If the registrant/licensee holds another registration/license issued by the Board, educational credits may be used to satisfy the education requirements for all registrations/licenses held by the same person. The registrant/licensee will be required to provide proof of completion of the education credits from Board-approved courses.

C. Documentation of all credit hours must be submitted to the Board at the time of application for, or renewal of, a registration/license.

D. One (1) credit hour of education is equal to fifty (50) minutes of instruction by a Board-approved provider.

1.8.3 Qualifying Education

A. Each registrant/licensee must obtain his/her pre-education and/or continuing education credits through a Board-approved provider.

B. Courses must pertain to the subject matter of the discipline for which the person holds the registration/license.

C. Subject matter not acceptable for pre- or continuing education credit includes, but is not limited to:

1. Mechanical office and business skills such as typing, speed reading or memory improvement;

2. Physical well-being or personal development, such as motivation, stress management, time management, dress for success; or

3. Meetings held in conjunction with the general business of the registrant/licensee.

1.8.4 Course Materials and Fees

Each applicant/registrant/licensee shall be responsible for the cost of all course-related fees and acquiring any course materials used in any pre-education or continuing education course. This requirement may include the acquisition of a current publication of codes and/or standards or rules that may be applicable to the applicant/registrant/licensee's discipline.

1.8.5 Proof of Educational Course Completion/Compliance

A. The applicant/registrant/licensee is responsible for demonstrating compliance with and completion of the pre-education and continuing education requirements.

B. The applicant/registrant/licensee is required to provide proof of course completion to the Board for both initial registration/licensure and renewal of registration/licensure.

C. The applicant/registrant/licensee must retain the original documents for his/her current registration period and for three (3) years following the completion of the course(s).

D. Course certificates shall include:

1. the name, date, and identifying number of the course;

2. the number of credit hours completed;

3. the contact information of the provider and the instructor;

4. any accreditation information; and

5. the signature of the instructor.

1.8.6 Educational Requirements

A. The specific requirements for the individual disciplines can be found as follows:

1. Contractors and subcontractors: R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-65 and Part 2 of this Subchapter.

2. Underground Utility Contractors: R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-65.3 and Part 3 of this Subchapter.

3. Commercial Roofing Contractors: R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-73 and Part 4 of this Subchapter.

4. Well Drilling, Pump Installers, and Water Filtration Contractors: R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-65.2 and Part 5 of this Subchapter.

5. Home Inspectors: R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-65.1 and Part 6 of this Subchapter.

1.8.7 Exceptions to Education Requirements

A. The Board or the Director may defer or waive some, or all, of the pre-education or continuing education requirements in the event that a state of emergency has been declared by the Governor or for good cause shown by the applicant/registrant/licensee. Good cause may include, but not be limited to, illness, incapacitation, disability, (which is supported by a medical documentation) or military service.

B. Upon request and payment of a one-hundred dollar ($100.00) fee to the Board, a registrant/licensee may be granted one (1) time, within a two (2)-year renewal cycle, a six (6) month deferral to complete his/her continuing education requirements.

C. Commercial Contractors are exempt from the Education Requirements of this Subchapter.

1.8.8 Violations for Failing to Complete Education Requirements

The Board may revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue, reinstate, or reissue a registration/license if the applicant/registrant/licensee has failed to complete or maintain the required pre-education or continuing education credits.

1.8.9 Educational Course Providers

A. The Board shall review, assess, approve and/or deny applications for educational course providers, instructors, and training curriculum. As necessary, information shall be presented to the full Board for consideration.

B. Educational Course Providers

1. All providers of educational courses must first be authorized and approved by the Board. A current list of approved providers and courses shall be maintained on the Board's website.

2. Educational course provider permits are valid for two (2) years and expire biannually on the date of issuance.

3. Each authorized Provider must designate one individual as an authorized agent. The authorized agent shall:

a. Maintain records documenting attendance of students;

b. Notify the Board of any change in the address or telephone number of the authorized provider or any change of the authorized agent within seven days of such change; and

c. Ensure that only qualified instructors are permitted to teach the curriculum that contributes toward certification for registration, licensure, and/or continuing education.

4. Each authorized provider shall provide to the Board 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 those directors and owners for at least three (3) years.

5. The Board may suspend, revoke, fine, or refuse to renew the permit of any provider that fails to adhere to the laws pertaining to registration/licensure, this regulation, or a directive of the Board, including:

a. Failure to maintain records as required by this § 1.8 of this Part;

b. Failure to notify the Board of any change of address or telephone number of the authorized agent;

c. Failure to provide the Board with copies of or access to requested information;

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

e. Obtaining a provider permit by false pretenses or substantial misrepresentation or omission;

f. Any misleading or untruthful advertising;

g. Discriminating against an individual based on any protected class designated in the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-1 et seq.;

h. Failing to provide the appropriate certification of completion to an individual completing the curriculum for registration, licensure, or continuing education; and/or

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

C. Educational Course Provider Application

1. Provider Application: To become a Board-approved course provider, either as an organizational provider or an individual provider, the applicant shall submit an application to the Board, on a form as approved by the Board, that contains the following information:

a. Name of training provider;

b. Business identifying number (FEIN#);

c. Length of time providing educational courses;

d. Physical address;

e. Phone number;

f. E-mail address;

g. Website address;

h. Type of instruction (on-line, instructor led or both);

i. Business or individual resume (basic description of business, credentials qualifying the company or organization as a trainer);

j. Insurance coverage and policy number (must have at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) in liability coverage); and

k. A breakdown of the costs of any fees that will be charged to the student, exclusive of books and materials;

D. Certification

Each applicant for a Provider permit shall attest under the pains and penalties of perjury that they understand and agree to abide by the laws and regulations that govern educational requirements.

E. Application Fee

The fee for all new and renewal Educational Course Provider permits is two-hundred and fifty ($250) dollars.

F. Upon approval of the Education Course Provider application, the Provider shall be assigned an identification number.

G. Additional Requirements

1. Any facility where courses will be taught shall be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

2. Any facility where courses will be taught shall be adequately lighted, heated/cooled, void of distractions as much as possible, be equipped with the teaching/learning equipment necessary to enhance learning (such as media projectors, TV/VCR, marker board and/or other safety equipment needed for instruction), have sufficient seating for attendees, and have easily accessible restrooms available.

3. All information collected from or provided by any applicant/registrant/ licensee shall not be shared or provided to any third party without the express written approval and consent of the applicant/registrant/licensee.

4. Upon request, the Provider shall supply the Board with a list of applicants/registrants/licensees who have completed the course, including the applicant's name, registration/license number, and date of attendance and/or completion.

5. Educational Providers shall require that each course attendee present a photo identification card and affix their signature to the attendance roster.

1.8.10 Educational Courses

A. Requirements for Course Approval

1. Requests for course approvals must be provided to the Board at least thirty (30) days in advance of the date of instruction.

2. The request must include:

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

b. Descriptions of the texts and materials utilized in the course;

c. Copies of tests, examinations or other materials used to evaluate student performance; and

d. A list of instructors and their resumes.

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

a. Each hour of credit must contain a minimum of fifty (50) minutes of instruction.

4. Courses must be taught by a CRLB approved provider as set forth in § 1.8.9 of this Part.

5. Courses must substantially relate to the work of the registrants/licensees that it seeks to provide education for.

6. For each approved course, the provider must maintain, and make readily available to the Board for a period of three years upon request;

a. The materials provided in §1.8.10(A)(2) of this Part;

b. Copies of student evaluations of the course; and/or

c. Copies of certificates issued to students.

B. Course Approval Fee

1. The fee for all new and renewal course approvals is one-hundred ($100) dollars per course.

2. This fee shall be waived for governmental organizations and non-profit entities, upon sufficient proof of non-profit status. (i.e. 501(c)(3), annual financial report, or IRS Form 990)

3. Approved courses shall be valid for five (5) years and must be resubmitted for approval upon expiration.

C. Instructor Qualification.

1. No person may act as an instructor unless such person holds a registration/license and is in good standing with the Board for the discipline in which the course is offered for.

2. The Board may authorize any person to act as an instructor, notwithstanding the requirements of § 1.8 of this Part, if the person demonstrates that they have 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;

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

c. Current teaching certificate with demonstrated industry specific knowledge or experience.

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

4. Current or prior registrants/licensees whose registrations/licenses have been suspended or revoked as a result of disciplinary action by the Board, or the regulatory authority in another state, shall not qualify for approval as an instructor.

D. Course/Instructor Evaluations:

1. The Provider shall distribute and review course/instructor evaluation forms at the completion of each course.

2. Evaluation forms shall include a contact name and phone number for the Contractors" Registration and Licensing Board where complaints can be filed.

3. Evaluation forms shall be maintained by the provider for a period of three (3) years following the course completion date.

E. Instructor Credit:

1. Board-approved pre-education and continuing education course instructors may use their course instruction to satisfy the continuing education requirement.

2. Instructors must provide the Board with evidence of what Board-approved courses were taught, when the course(s) were taught, and how many credit hours were taught.

3. Instructors will receive credit for teaching a particular course only once per renewal cycle.

4. A maximum of two (2) Instructor Credit hours may be used per renewal cycle.

1.8.11 Violation for Operating as Non-Approved Provider

Any individual or organization who acts as a provider or instructor without being properly approved by the Board, or who provides the Board with any falsified information or documentation, may be prevented from obtaining future approval as a provider or instructor.

1.8.12 Penalties for Provider Noncompliance

Any provider or instructor who violates these requirements or falsifies documentation may be subject to having their provider or instructor status revoked. A provider or instructor with a revoked status may petition the Board for reinstatement.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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