Want to be a home inspector? You might need a license!

If you’re reading this guide, you’re either thinking about becoming a home inspector or in the beginning stages of learning what it takes to succeed in the industry. Either way, this is your go-to resource for figuring out whether the state you operate in requires a license.

Home Inspector Licensing Requirements

Before we get into the state-specific requirements, it’s important to know that there are 24 states that require inspectors to obtain a license. Even if your state doesn’t require licensing, it’s still a good idea to get one because it shows future clients you’re certified, and you can charge a higher rate in the process. Although state licensing requirements vary (see below), being a home inspector requires familiarity with construction, home renovation, plumbing, and electricity.

Enrolling in training courses is highly beneficial too because education and ongoing training are critical to staying current and succeeding in the field. Online and in-person courses offered by organizations like American Home Inspection Training (AHIT) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) are excellent resources.

Below is an overview of the licensing requirements for home inspectors in each state, so buyers and sellers know the minimum standards inspectors will have to meet to offer their services.

Alabama

Who regulates home inspectors: Alabama Building Commission

How to get your license:

  • Complete and file a home inspector license application
  • Mail a home inspection license application to the Alabama Building Commission
  • Provide proof of compliance with the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors, National Home Inspector Examination, and American Society of Home Inspector Standards and Ethics
  • Provide proof of insurance that includes $250,000 for errors and omissions and proof of liability insurance in the amount of $20,000 for injury or damage to property, $50,000 for injury or damage to any one person, and $100,000 for injury or damage, including death, to more than one person. (If you don’t have insurance, we can help get a quote in under 10 minutes!)
  • Proof of qualifications as applied to a specialty (i.e., electrician)
  • Payment of state registration fee (currently $300) that is payable by cashier check, money order, or bank check

Contact:

Alabama Building Commission
RSA Plaza, 770 Washington Ave #444
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 242-4082

Alaska

Who regulates home inspectors: The Department of Commerce and Economic Development

How to get your license:

  • Complete continuing education requirements to renew their license every two years
  • Offer proof of a bond in the amount of $10,000
  • Pay a non-refundable $100 application fee and $250 registration fee
  • Pass the state examination and file the Alaska licensing application
  • Obtain the Alaska Business License to get proper certification

Contact:
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1535
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 269 – 8100

Arizona

Who regulates home inspectors: The Arizona State Board of Technical Registration

Arizona requires home inspectors to renew their licenses annually. The state also requires home inspectors to show proof of continuing education each year (14 hours after year one and seven hours after each subsequent year).

How to get your license:

  • Proof of completion of an approved training program showing a minimum of 84 hours of training
  • A log of 30 parallel inspections with a certified home inspector
  • Applicants must have a notarized affidavit signed by each parallel inspector to be included with your submitted parallel inspection log)
  • Submit an application fee of $175
  • Application forms and more information on the documents required to become a home inspector in Arizona can be found here

Contact:
Arizona State Board of Technical Registration
1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 240
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364 – 4930

Arkansas

Who regulates home inspectors: Home Inspector Registration Board

How to get your license:

Mail the application to the Board office along with the following items:

  • Pre-registration Education Certificate from an Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board Approved Educator
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • Certified true copies of documents showing you have successfully completed both parts of the competency examination
  • A check or money order for the registration fee. The registration fee is $250.00 per year. However, for applications received between July 1 and December 31, the fee is $375. That registers you for the balance of the year plus the following calendar year.

Other requirements:

Licenses must be renewed each year. More information about how to become a licensed home inspector in Arkansas is available here.

Contact:

The Home Inspector Registration Board
900 W Capitol Ave, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 683-3710

California

Who regulates home inspectors: California does not regulate home inspectors. However, the California Trade Practice Act of 1996 prohibits unethical practices. It encourages inspectors to abide by the California Real Estate Inspection Association and the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of ASHI.

Find more information at the California Contractors State License Board.

Colorado

Who regulates home inspectors: Colorado does not regulate home inspectors. Practicing home inspectors typically present proof of their certification or training to home buyers and sellers.

Still, Colorado is a competitive state for home inspectors and clients typically check reviews and certificates of home inspectors.

Connecticut

Who regulates home inspectors: Department of Consumer Protection

Inspectors must renew their licenses every two years and show proof of 20 hours of continuing education.

How to get your license:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • A home inspector intern permit and proof of performing not less than 100 home inspections
  • Pass an oral, written, or electronic competency examination administered by the department
  • File application
  • Pay a fee of $200
  • The state requires applicants to complete pre-licensing courses that have to be taken at one of the approved home inspection schools

To be eligible for a permit as a home inspector intern, an applicant needs:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • Completed a board-approved training program
  • Have a supervisor who is licensed as a home inspector, is in good standing, and has agreed to be your supervisor
  • Pay a $100 fee
  • Complete an online application here

Contact:
Department of Consumer Protection
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901
Hartford, CT  06103-1840
(860) 713-6100

Delaware

Who regulates home inspectors: The State of Delaware

Home inspectors must renew their licenses every year (years ending in odd numbers). Inspectors must show proof of continuing education and pay their renewal fee.

How to get your license:

  • Register as a Home Inspector Trainee and complete the required home inspections
  • Apply for registration as a Home Inspector Trainee only if you do not hold a current license as a Home Inspector in another jurisdiction
  • If you hold a current Home Inspector license in another jurisdiction, apply by endorsement
  • Complete at least 75 supervised home inspections as required for Delaware Home Inspector licensure; you may only start accumulating the required inspections after your trainee registration is issued
  • You and your supervising home inspector must maintain records of your home inspections on the Experience Log, which will be required when you apply for Home Inspector licensure by examination
  • To take the exam, you need to submit copies of your classroom or online training certificates; training must total 140 hours and be approved by ASHI, NAHI, or InterNACHI
  • Submit a verification that you have passed the National Home Inspector Examination; the verification has to be sent directly from the exam service to the board office
  • A certificate of $50,000 of errors and omissions insurance and at least $250,000 of liability insurance has to be sent by the insurance carrier. (Don’t have insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!)

What to do prior to applying for a license:

To apply for a license or submit a service request, you must first have a DELPROS user account. To log in or create a DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services) user account:

  1. Go to: https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage
  2. Click GO on the Apply/Manage a License and Service Requests
  3. If you do not have a DELPROS user account, click the register button on the left side of the page for new users
  4. If you already have a DELPROS user account, enter your email address and password on the right side for existing and click the login button

DELPROS allows you to save your incomplete application and return to it later to finish the process. You only have six months to submit your application once you begin.

Contact:
Division of Professional Regulation
Cannon Building, Suite 203, 861 Silver Lake Blvd
Dover, Delaware 19904
(302) 744-4500

Florida

Who regulates home inspectors: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

How to get your license:

  • Pass an exam and pass a background check
  • Current inspectors must carry proof of insurance and take continuing education coursework (provided free by the department) every other year (years ending with even numbers). Don’t have insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!

Here are the pre-licensing requirement for Florida home inspectors:

  • 120 hours from one approved training provider that covers the 8 components of a home
  • Pass the NHIE, FABI, InterNACHI, or CI-HPI exam
  • Obtain commercial general liability insurance in the amount of $300,000
  • Pass background check
  • Submit an application
  • Pay an application fee of $230; make check payable to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

To learn more about home inspector requirements in Florida, click here.

Contact:
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
(850) 487-1395

Georgia

Currently, the state of Georgia does not regulate its home inspectors. However, inspectors are encouraged to carry liability insurance.

Hawaii

The state of Hawaii does not currently regulate or license its home inspectors.

Idaho

Idaho does not regulate home inspectors, but they are encouraged to carry liability insurance. Don’t have insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!

Illinois

Who regulates home inspectors: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

How to get your license:

  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • Provide proof of a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete 60 hours of pre-license education course (from an approved agency)
  • Complete 5 ride-along inspections with an Illinois-licensed home inspector with a minimum of 5 years of experience
  • Pass the Illinois State Home Inspectors Exam
  • Pay a $250 fee

Contact:

Division of Professional Regulation
320 W. Washington St.
Springfield, IL 62786
(217) 785-0800

Indiana

Who regulates home inspectors: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

How to get your license:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Pass a background check
  • Submit an application here
  • Complete a state-approved training program and pass the NHIF
  • Pay an application fee of $50; pay by credit or debit card for applications submitted online at IN.gov
  • Once approved, inspectors need to obtain insurance with general liability coverage of at least $100,000. Don’t have insurance yet? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!

Contact:
Home Inspectors Licensing Board
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 234-3009

Iowa

Iowa does not regulate home inspectors. It encourages home inspectors to carry liability insurance.

Kansas

The state of Kansas does not regulate its home inspectors currently. Home inspectors are encouraged to obtain liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association.

Kentucky

Who regulates home inspectors: The Board of Home Inspectors

How to get your license:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Submit a completed application
  • Pay a $250 fee
  • Pass the National Home Inspectors Exam
  • Pass a recent background check
  • Show proof of 64 credit hours of approved training
  • Complete 3 unpaid home inspections under the supervision of a Kentucky licensed home inspector with written reports
  • Provide evidence of 16 hours of in-the-field training

Contact:
Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors
656 Chamberlin Avenue, Suite B
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 782-0563

Louisiana

Who regulates home inspectors: Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors

How to get your license:

  • Pass a criminal background check with the Louisiana State Police and submit the results to the board
  • Complete a minimum of 90 hours of education with an LSBHI-approved Education Provider
  • Pass NHIE Exam
  • Complete 30 hours of pre-licensing platform training, as well as 10 inspections with an approved in-field trainer
  • Attend Report Writing Seminar given by LSBHI-approved providers
  • Obtain insurance: $300,000 per year for errors and omissions with a maximum deductible of $5,000 plus $300,000 of general liability insurance with a maximum deductible of $5,000. (Need insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!)
  • Apply with the LSBHI – this step must be done last
  • All licensing requirements must be completed within 36 months of commencement
  • File an application and submit an application fee of $200

Contact:
Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors
5211 Essen Lane, Suite 9
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 248-1334

Maine

Maine does not regulate its home inspectors. Home inspectors are encouraged to obtain liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association.

Maryland

Who regulates home inspectors: The Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

How to get your license:

  • Complete 72 hours of approved training with a licensed home inspector
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Carry at least $150,000 in general liability insurance
  • Submit the application form and a $325 fee

Contact:
500 North Calvert Street, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(410) 230-6363

Massachusetts

Who regulates home inspectors: The Division of Professional Licensure and the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors

How to get your license:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Pass the state’s license exam
  • Provide proof of 75 hours of educational credits
  • Complete application
  • Pay the application fee and license fee which total $338

To learn more about how to become a licensed home inspector in Massachusetts, check this page.

Contact:
Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 701-8709

Michigan

Michigan doesn’t regulate its home inspectors. Home inspectors are encouraged to obtain liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association.

Minnesota

The state of Minnesota does not regulate its home inspectors.

Mississippi

Who regulates home inspectors: Mississippi Home Inspector Board

How to get your license:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Be at least 21 years of age or older
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Complete an approved 60-hour study course
  • Show proof of insurance ($250,000 liability insurance minimum)
  • Submit online application

Contact:

Mississippi Home Inspector Board
Lefleur’s Bluff Tower, Suite 300
4780 I-55 North, Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 321-6970

Missouri

The state of Missouri does not currently regulate home inspectors. Home inspectors are encouraged to obtain liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association.

Montana

Who regulates home inspectors: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

How to get your license:

  • Be a member of a National Home Inspector Association
  • Show proof of 40 hours of home inspection instruction or have passed the state-approved home inspection exam
  • Carries a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in errors and omissions insurance. (Don’t have insurance yet? Get quote in under 10 minutes!)
  • Be covered under a workers’ compensation policy or has an independent contractor exemption certificate (ICEC) for the occupation of home inspection
  • Pay an $80 application fee and provide a completed application
  • A document that each person working under the registration as a home inspector

Contact:
Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Registration Section
PO Box 801
Helena, MT 59604
(406) 444-7734

Nebraska

The state of Nebraska does not regulate its home inspectors.

Nevada

Who regulates home inspectors: The Nevada Real Estate Division of the Department of Business and Industry

How to get your license:

  • Fill out this application form
  • Be fingerprinted
  • Provide a copy of the course certificate; a minimum of 40 hours is required for the residential, 50 hours for the general, or 60 hours for the master Inspector
  • Show proof of observing 25 home inspections with a licensed general inspector or a certified master inspector the certificate of completing the approved 25 inspections course
  • Pass a state-approved home inspector exam
  • Carry a minimum of $100,000 in general liability insurance and $100,000 in errors and omissions insurance
  • Pay a $365 application fee

Contact: (775) 684-1904

New Hampshire

Who regulates home inspectors: Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

How to get your license:

  • Submit an application and pay a $200 application fee
  • Show proof of liability insurance (no amount specified) Need insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!
  • Provide evidence of passing the NHIE exam (or another board-approved equivalent exam)
  • Complete 80 hours of board-approved training

Contact:
Office of Professional Licensure & Certification
7 Eagle Square
Concord NH, 03301
(603) 271-2152

New Jersey

Who regulates home inspectors: Home Inspection Advisory Committee

How to get your license:

  • Complete 180 hours of approved education and training (including at least 40 unpaid hours of field inspections supervised by a licensed home inspector)
  • Alternatively, applicants can submit proof of accompanying a licensed home inspector on 250 paid home inspections that were completed under the supervision of a licensed home inspector
  • Carry a minimum of $500,000 in errors and omissions insurance
  • Submit an application

Contact:
P.O. Box 45043
Newark, New Jersey 07101
(973) 504-6233

New Mexico

Who regulates home inspectors: New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department

To renew their license every three years, home inspectors must provide proof of 60 hours of continuing education.

How to get your license:

  • Pass the NHIE or a state-approved exam equivalent
  • Complete 100 home inspections with a certified home inspector
  • Meet insurance requirements
  • Submit application
  • Pay the $250 initial application fee and the prorated license fee for a 1, 2, or 3- year license

Contact:

Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
5500 San Antonio Drive
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 476-4500

New York

Who regulates home inspectors: Division of Licensing Services

How to get your license:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Show proof of 140 hours of approved education and training; of those hours, 40 must be unpaid field-based inspections in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect, regulated by NYS
  • Perform no less than 100 home inspections (paid or unpaid) with a licensed home inspector licensed by NYS or a professional engineer or architect regulated by NYS
  • Pass the state’s written exam
  • Secure, maintain, and file proof of a certificate of liability coverage with the Department of State, which shall be a minimum amount of $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate. (Need insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!)
  • Submit application
  • Pay a $250 license application fee 

Contact:
Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
123 William Street
New York, NY 10038
(518) 474-4429

North Carolina

Who regulates home inspectors: Office of the State Fire Marshall – Home Inspector Licensure Board

How to get your license:

  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Pass a state-approved home inspector exam
  • Submit application
  • Pay an application fee of $35, an exam registration fee of $80, and license fee of $160
  • Complete 120 hours of training and 80 hours of in-the-field training
  • Obtain liability insurance of $250,000 and one of the following: Minimum assets not less than $5,000; Surety bond not less than $5,000; E&O insurance of $250,000. (Need insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!)

Contact:
Home Inspector Licensure Board
325 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 647-0000

North Dakota

Who regulates home inspectors:  North Dakota Office of the Secretary of State

How to get your license:

Contact:
Secretary of State
600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108
Bismarck ND 58505-0500
(701) 328-2900

Ohio

Who regulates home inspectors: The State of Ohio Department of Commerce

How to get your license:

  • Pass a criminal records check
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete 80 hours of classroom or online pre-licensing education
  • Complete 40 hours of field experience or 10 parallel inspections
  • Pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)
  • Submit application
  • Pay a $250 fee
  • Obtain general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 or $300,000 aggregate
  • Complete 14 hours of continuing education during the 3-year license period

Contact:
Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
77 South High Street, 2nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-4100

Oklahoma

Who regulates home inspectors: The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board

How to get your license:

  • Pass the NHIE
  • Show proof of completing 90 hours of state-approved training
  • Carry a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance
  • Complete and submit an application
  • Pay a $250 initial license fee and $30 application fee

Contact:
Oklahoma Construction Industries Board – Home Inspector Division
2401 NW 23rd, Suite 2F
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 521-6550

Oregon

Who regulates home inspectors: The Oregon Construction Contractors Board

How to get your license:

  • Complete the state Qualifying Points and Documentation form
  • Complete a state application
  • Pay $150 for certification and certification renewals (every two years)
  • Pass the NHIE exam

Contact:
Oregon Construction Contractors Board
P.O. Box 14140
Salem, Oregon 97309-5052
(503) 378-4621

Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania does not license its home inspectors. Instead, the Attorney General’s Office provides oversight and regulation.

Rhode Island

Who regulates home inspectors: The Contractors Registration and Licensing Board

How to get your license:

  • Perform at least 100 home inspections with a licensed home inspector
  • Pass a state-approved exam to qualify as a home inspector

Contact:
Contractors Registration and Licensing Board

560 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 200
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 921-1590

South Carolina

Who regulates home inspectors: The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission

How to get your license:

  • Submit a Verification of Lawful Presence Form
  • Have proof of certification by an approved home inspection organization
  • Pass a background check
  • Perform at least 50 home inspections with a licensed home inspector
  • Pay the $80 application fee
  • Complete an application

Contact:
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission
110 Centerview Dr.
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 896-4696

South Dakota

Who regulates home inspectors: The South Dakota Real Estate Commission

How to get your license:

  • Pass a state-approved course
  • Pass an exam
  • Complete the application
  • Submit $300 for the application fee

To become a licensed home inspector, applicants must be registered for no less than 1 year and perform at least 100 home inspections for compensation, with a submitted experience log

Contact:
South Dakota Real Estate Commission
221 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 101
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3600

Tennessee

Who regulates home inspectors: The Department of Commerce and Insurance

How to get your license:

  • Complete 90 hours of state-approved training
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Pay a $300 application fee
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Carry a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance. Carry errors and omissions insurance (no minimum amount stipulated). (Need insurance? Get a quote in under 10 minutes!)
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Submit an application

Contact:
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-2241

Texas

Who regulates home inspectors: The Texas Real Estate Commission

How to get your license:

  • Become an apprentice inspector
  • Obtain an intermediate license (real estate inspector)
  • Show proof of completing state-approved education and training
  • Pass state-approved exams
  • Submit an application and pay a $120 application fee
  • Pass a background check
  • Complete annual continuing education requirements

Contact:
Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
P.O. Box 12188
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 459-6544

Utah

The state of Utah does not regulate the licensure of home inspectors.

Vermont

Who regulates home inspectors: The Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation

How to get your license:

  • Be a certified member of ACI
  • Complete at least 80 hours of state-approved education and training
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Submit an application and $100 non-refundable application fee

Contact:
Vermont Secretary of State
89 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Montpelier VT 05620-3402
(802) 828-3228

Virginia

Who regulates home inspectors: The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

How to get your license:

  • Complete at least 70 hours of state-approved education and training
  • Complete 25 home inspections with a licensed home inspector
  • Pass a state-approved home inspector exam
  • Complete 16 hours of continuing education to renew a license, and license expiration dates are posted to applications
  • Submit an application and pay an $80 fee

Contact:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Maryland Drive, Fourth Floor
Richmond, VA 23233-1485
(804) 367-8500

Washington

Who regulates home inspectors: The Washington State Department of Licensing

How to get your license:

  • Complete the 120-hour Fundamentals of Home Inspection Course
  • Complete 40 hours of training in the field
  • File an exam application and pass the exam
  • Pass a state-approved exam
  • Pay a $300 application fee
  • Complete the home inspector license application

Contact:
Washington State Department of Licensing
P.O. Box 3917
Seattle, WA 98124
(360) 664-6487

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. does not currently regulate home inspectors. Home inspectors are encouraged to get liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association.

West Virginia

Who regulates home inspectors: The West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office

How to get your license:

  • Complete 80 hours of state-approved education
  • Submit an application
  • Purchase $250,000 of liability insurance
  • Pass the state exam

Contact:
Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, State Fire Marshal’s Office
1207 Quarrier St, 2nd Floor
Charleston, WV  25301
(304) 558-2191

Wisconsin

Who regulates home inspectors: The Department of Safety and Professional Services

How to get your license:

  • Have a clean background (no felonies)
  • Pass a state-approved home inspector exam.
  • Submit application
  • Pay a $44 fee

Contact:
Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI  53705
(608) 266-2112

Wyoming

Wyoming does not currently regulate home inspectors.

Finally, always check with your state for any updated regulations, whether you’re applying for a license for the first time or renewing it. This proactive approach ensures you remain compliant and well-prepared in your home inspection career.

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