R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-4-17: Preparation of employment lists.

The personnel administrator shall, as in his or her estimation the need requires, prepare for the several classes of positions in the classified service statewide or regional lists of persons eligible for original appointment to positions in those classes. Each employment list shall include the names of those persons who have shown by competitive tests that they possess the qualifications which entitle them to be considered eligible for appointment to any position in the class or classes for which the list is prepared.