R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-34-11: Licensing of professional nurses.

(a) By examination. The applicant is required to pass a written or computerized adaptive testing examination determined by the board of nurse registration and nursing education. Upon successful completion of that examination, the applicant shall receive a license to practice nursing as a professional nurse.

(b) Without examination by endorsement. A license to practice nursing as a professional nurse may be issued without examination to an applicant who is licensed by examination as a professional nurse under the laws of another state or territory if, in the opinion of the board of nurse registration and nursing education, the applicant meets the qualifications required of professional nurses in this state.

(c) Applications. The board of nurse registration and nursing education shall act on each application within ninety (90) days of its submission.