Arborist Licensing in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires that all practitioners of arboriculture be licensed. The Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator oversees the licensing and exams for arborists working in RI. This includes all Tree Wardens, as defined in RI General Law § 2-14. In 2019 there were more than 700 arborists licensed in RI.
- RI statute regarding licensure
- Rules and Regulations for Licensing and Registration of Arborists (250-RICR-70-00-1)
Arborist license and exam applications can now be submitted online
Arborist license applications, license renewals, and exam applications can now be submitted online.
See the how-to guide below for detailed information on how to access the portal, set up an account, and submit your arborist related forms.
STANDARD RI Arborist Exams now available in SPANISH
Just request a Spanish version of the exam when you arrive.
Spanish study materials can be purchased from the International Society of Arboriculture: www.isa-arbor.com/store/category/57/
Rhode Island Arborist Licenses
To apply for or renew an arborist license, you must have:
- A current RI Arborist License (for an arborist license renewal).
- A passing score on the RI Arborist Exam within the last 12 months.
- An ISA Arborist Certification or approved equivalent state arborist license.
Exams are offered several times per year and require pre-registration and payment of an exam fee of $25.00. Please log into the DAFE Online Permit Application Portal to submit an RI Arborist License Exam Application at https://demri.my.site.com/agr/s/login/. The registration form and $25 fee must be received no later than two (2) weeks prior to the date of the exam.
Please note:
- No refunds or credits for exam “no shows”.
- If retaking the exam within 12 months of the original exam date the fee is $10.
- The exam requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.
- Upon successful completion of the exam, the $25 yearly license fee is required.
- Exemptions to the exam may be permitted upon proof of up-to-date arborist certification with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The $25 license fee will apply.
If you have an ISA certification or an approved equivalent state arborist license and need to apply for an RI arborist license, please log into the DAFE Online Permit Application Portal to submit an RI Arborist License Application at https://demri.my.site.com/agr/s/login/.
Exam Location and Time
All exams are held at: The Foundry, 235 Promenade Street, Suite 300, Providence, RI 02908 (Directions / Parking & Exam Room Information)
The exams are held on the last Friday of January, March, June and October. The exams start at 9:00 AM.
Types of Exams
There are two categories of licensed arborists and associated exam:
- Standard Arborist License: issued to persons who pass an examination which includes all phases of arboriculture, available in English or Spanish, OR,
- Limited Utility Arborist License issued to persons who pass a reduced examination limited to trimming, pruning, limbing, removal, identification of trees, and safety practices relating directly to providing clearance for the safe and reliable operation of utility lines and equipment. This is allows the practitioner to work with/for RI utilities but not in general arboriculture.
Upcoming Exam Dates
Questions about the exam, location, or results: contact Beth Bannar, UCF Program Specialist, at elizabeth.bannar.ctr@dem.ri.gov
Rhode Island State Arborist Licensure Renewal
The Rhode Island Arborist License expires December 31 and must be renewed yearly. Reminders are sent out in the fall for the license fee of $25 to maintain licensed status. Licenses that have been lapsed for more than 12 months are required to retake the exam with all associated fees.
Questions about license standing or payment: contact Beth Bannar, UCF Program Specialist, at elizabeth.bannar.ctr@dem.ri.gov