R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-107.4
The state building commissioner shall be a member of the classified service, and for administrative purposes shall be assigned a position in the department of business regulation. Qualifications for the position of the state building commissioner shall be established in accordance with provisions of the classified service of the state, and shall include the provision that the qualifications include at least ten (10) years' experience in building or building regulations generally, and that the commissioner be an architect or professional engineer licensed in the state or a certified building official presently or previously employed by a municipality and having at least ten (10) years' experience in the building construction or inspection field.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-107.4