Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 440 - Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board

23 Jun 2025 --
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Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Rhode Island Code of Regulations (RICR) Title 440 – Contractors’ Registration & Licensing Board (current through March 25, 2025):

📘 Title 440 – Contractors’ Registration & Licensing Board (CRLB)

🧭 Structure & Scope

Chapter 10 – General Administration, Registration, Licensing, and Filing Claims is the primary chapter under this title, covering all regulated professions overseen by CRLB:

Subchapter 00 – N/A
Contains Parts 1–6 defining processes for applications, licensing, complaints, violations, hearings, etc.

Part 1 – General Rules and Regulations Part 2 – Contractors (residential/commercial) Part 3 – Underground Utility Contractors Part 4 – Commercial Roofers Part 5 – Well Drillers, Pump Installers & Water Filtration Contractors Part 6 – Home Inspectors

🔍 Part 1 – Foundations

Authority (1.1): Rules are authorized under various General Laws (§5‑65, 5‑65.1, 5‑65.2, etc.) and enforced per the Administrative Procedures Act

Purpose (1.2): Implement statutes, safeguard public welfare, and govern complaint and adjudication procedures

Definitions (1.4): Clarifies key terms like “contractor,” “continuing education credit,” “claim,” “developer,” “registered agent,” etc. (

⚙️ Part 2 – Contractors (Residential & Commercial)

Purpose (2.2): Requires registration for anyone performing work on structures or appurtenances in Rhode Island; non-compliance may incur penalties

General Provisions: Includes rules on registration requirements, non-transferability, contractor conduct, and complaint resolution (1.6.x sections) .

Education Requirements (2.8):

Initial: 5 hours of pre-registration education, covering construction codes, contracts, safety, business, and trade topics—must be in-person.

Continuing Education: 5 hours every two years for residential contractors; commercial-only contractors are exempt

Complaints & Hearings: Detailed procedures for filing complaints, ADR, violations, appeals, administrative hearings, expungements, defaults, and board authority

📝 Other Parts (3–6)

Each subsequent part addresses licensing for specific contractor categories:

Part 3 – Underground Utility Contractors: Licensing rules, including requirements to resolve complaints, exemptions for plumbers/power utilities, etc.

Parts 4–6 – Commercial Roofers, Well Drillers/Pump Installers/Water Treatment, Home Inspectors: These disciplines are covered under separate statutory authorizations and similar procedural frameworks under CRLB's jurisdiction.

✅ Summary Table

Area	Details
Who Must Register	Contractors, remodelers, most subcontractors on RI property
Education Requirements	5 hrs initial (in-person); 5 hrs every 2 years; commercial contractors exempt
Continuing Education	Board-approved providers only; documentation to be retained for 2 cycles
Complaints & Enforcement	ADR, hearings, fines, suspensions, license revocation
Scope of Authority	Regulates general contractors, subs, commercial roofers, inspectors, contractors in specialty trades