R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-6-34

(a) After July 1, 1991, and at any time prior to January 1, 1992, the division shall, without examination, upon payment of the fees provided in this chapter, issue a €œcertificate ACF€ or €œcertificate CF€ to any applicant for the certificate who presents satisfactory evidence that he or she has the qualifications for the type of license applied for, and who has been engaged in the occupation or business of installing, servicing, maintaining, and testing of electric signs covered by the license within this state for a period of five (5) years in the case of a €œcertificate ACF€ and three (3) years in the case of a €œcertificate CF€ prior to July 1, 1991. Any person who, being qualified to obtain a €œcertificate ACF€ or €œcertificate CF€ under this section, is prevented from making application for it because of service in the armed forces of the United States during the period between July 1, 1991, and January 1, 1992, has three (3) months after discharge to make an application. No person is liable for prosecution for making electric sign installations, services, maintenance, or tests, without a license for the first six (6) months after July 1, 1991.

(b) Any apprentice having completed a training period of not less than two (2) years is eligible to take a journeyperson€™s examination; provided, after September 1, 1995, and at any time prior to March 1, 1996, any apprentice employed and sponsored by a sign company is eligible to take a journeyperson€™s examination, notwithstanding the previously mentioned training period.