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.

Lists of Licensed Arborists

Rhode Island Arborist Licenses

To apply for or renew an arborist license, you must have:

  1. A current RI Arborist License (for an arborist license renewal).
  2. A passing score on the RI Arborist Exam within the last 12 months.
  3. 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 Arborist 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.

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 exam starts 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 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

View Upcoming Exam Dates

Questions about the exam, location, or results: contact Lou Allard, U&CF Program Coordinator at robert.e.allard@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 spring 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 Lou Allard, U&CF Program Coordinator at robert.e.allard@dem.ri.gov