With a surging housing market and new technology streamlining scheduling, billing, and reporting, becoming a home inspector is more accessible than ever. 

We’ve updated our home inspection licensing map to help you navigate home inspector requirements in 2025. Click on any of the states below for a detailed breakdown of licensing requirements and useful resources. 

Considering a career in home inspection? Spectora also offers a state-by-state comparison of the best markets for home inspectors.
 
START YOUR FREE TRIAL NOW

Need training? 

Every state has different home inspector requirements, but getting a home inspection certification will always give a new inspector an edge. Spectora partners with Inspection Certification Associates (ICA), the largest and most reputable home inspection training provider, to meet all your training needs in both the United States and Canada.

ALABAMA

Home inspectors are regulated in Alabama and must renew their licenses annually. As of 2021, Alabama Home Inspectors must complete 15 hours of approved continuing education annually. The Alabama Division of Construction Management is the regulating body.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete 120 hours of approved home inspector education and participate in 35 home inspections OR complete 35 hours of approved home inspector education and participate in 100 home inspections. 
  • Complete and file a notarized home inspector application and mail it to:

ATTENTION: HOME INSPECTORS REGISTRATION SECTION
Department of Finance/Division of Construction Management
P. O. BOX 301150
MONTGOMERY, AL 36130-1150

Or complete the application and pay online. 

  • Show proof of compliance with the American Society of Home Inspectors Standards and Ethics Examination and the National Home Inspector Examination. Both tests must be completed 18 months before submitting an application. 
  • Provide proof of drafting for 25 home inspection reports, 10 of which must be reviewed by a qualified home inspector. 
  • Provide proof of insurance coverage for $250,000 for errors and omissions, and proof of liability insurance for $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.
  • Pay the $300 registration fee by cashier check, money order, or bank check.

Contact Information

Alabama Division of Construction Management
P.O. Box 301150, Montgomery, Al 36130-1150
Contact: Phyllis Stallworth, Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (334) 242-4802
Email: phyllis.stallworth@realproperty.alabama.gov

ALASKA

Alaska home inspectors are regulated by the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. Licenses are to be renewed every two years and continuing education is required—four hours every year, or eight hours every two years.

Inspectors in Alaska must also obtain an Alaska Business License. You can register as a new home inspector, existing home inspector, or joint registration.

Licensing Requirements

  • New home inspector and joint registration applicants must pass exams offered by the International Code Council, including Residential Building Inspector, Residential Electrical Inspector, Residential Plumbing Inspector, and Residential Mechanical Inspector. 
  • Existing home applicants are required to pass the National Home Inspector Examination.
  • Complete the Alaska licensing application to obtain the appropriate certification.
  • As of 2003, the law requires home inspectors to carry insurance and a bond of $5,000.

Contact Information

The Division of Corporation and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Phone: (907) 465-2050
Email: HomeInspectors@Alaska.Gov

 

ARIZONA

Home inspectors are regulated in Arizona with annual renewal. Continuing education is not specified, but pre-licensing education requires a minimum of 84 hours. Experience requirements include 30 parallel home inspections for an inspector-in-training license. 

Licensing Requirements

  • To become a certified home inspector, you must pass the National Home Inspector Exam. 
  • The Arizona State Board of Technical Registration requires home inspectors to have financial assurance, such as errors and omissions insurance or a $25,000 bond. 
  • The application fee is $175. For more details, visit the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration website.

Contact Information

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

ARKANSAS

Inspectors are regulated in Arkansas. The Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board is the governing body and license renewal is needed annually. Licensing requires 80 pre-licensing hours and 14 annual hours of continuing education (CE)—eight of those CE hours must be classroom hours, and six hours can be online.

Licensing Requirements

  • As of January 1, 2023, prospective home inspectors are also required to complete an apprenticeship before becoming licensed. The apprenticeship training must include a minimum of three home inspections totaling no less than 10 hours. Find a list of current board-approved home inspector trainers here. 
  • You must attend a home inspector training school with a curriculum approved by the Board and 80 hours of classroom training.  Correspondence courses or online courses are not acceptable. The Board authorized a list of schools to teach the pre-registration curriculum.
  • Read the Arkansas code law regulating the practice of home inspection in Arkansas.
  • Pay registration fee of $250 per year. 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.

Create an online account and apply online or request an application by telephone from the Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board office.

View updated licensing requirements here.

Contact Information

Home Inspector Registration Board
900 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 296-1843

CALIFORNIA

California home inspectors are not state-regulated. However, the California Trade Practice Act (enacted in 1996) prohibits unethical home inspection practices.

The law encourages courts to consider the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) when determining whether an inspection meets the required standard of care.

More info can be found at the California Contractors State License Board.

For 24-hour licensing and consumer information, call 1-(800) 321-2752.

Top Markets in California

COLORADO

Home inspectors are not regulated in the state of Colorado. A 2017 bill was introduced to require licenses and failed to pass. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews, as well as some type of training and certification.

That said, it's a competitive state and there's a lot more to starting a business than a license. Read our guide on how to become a home inspector in Colorado here.

CONNECTICUT

Home inspectors are regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection, with renewal required every two years. Forty hours of pre-licensing is required, as well as 20 hours of CE. The department provides a list of its approved home inspection schools and pre-licensing courses.

To be eligible for a home inspector license, an applicant must:

  • Have completed high school or its equivalent.
  • Have completed at least one year as a home inspector intern and performed at least 200 paid inspections or completed a board-approved training program, obtained an intern permit, and conducted at least 100 supervised inspections with a licensed home inspector.
  • Have passed an oral, written, or electronic competency examination administered by the department.
  • Paid a fee of $200.

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

  • Have completed high school or its equivalent.
  • Have enrolled in and completed a board-approved training program.
  • Have an identified supervisor who is licensed as a home inspector, is in good standing, and has agreed to perform the supervisory functions required.
  • Have paid a $100 fee.

The application can be found here.

Contact Information

Department of Consumer Protection
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 901
Hartford, CT 06103
Email: dcp.occupationalprofessional@ct.gov

DELAWARE

Home Inspectors in Delaware are regulated by the state. The requirements differ whether you have an active license in another jurisdiction or are a new applicant.

To become a home inspector in Delaware, you have to apply to be a home inspector trainee if you don’t have a current license in another jurisdiction. Trainees are required to complete at least 75 supervised home inspections. These inspections can only commence after the trainee registration has been issued. 

If you are currently a licensed inspector, you can apply by endorsement.

Once you have completed a minimum of 75 inspections under supervision, you can take the exam to become licensed.

To Take the Exam

  • Submit copies of your classroom or online training certificates and proof of your 75 inspections. Training must total 140 hours and be approved by ASHI, the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
  • Send the Board verification that you have passed the National Home Inspector Examination, sent directly from the exam service to the Board office.

Contact Information

Division of Professional Regulation
Cannon Building, Suite 203
861 Silver Lake Blvd.
Dover, Delaware 19904
Phone: (302) 744-4500
Fax: (302) 739-2711
Email: customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov

 

FLORIDA

Florida is such a special state that we created a whole article to explain its licensing requirements!

Home inspectors are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. 

Licensing Requirements

  • Get 120 hours of training from one approved provider
  • Pass the NHIE exam through Pearson Vue
  • Obtain liability insurance
  • Pass a background check

Continuing education requirements include 14 hours of board-approved education each biennium.

Contact Information

Home Inspectors Licensing Program
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Phone: (850) 487-1395

Top Markets in Florida

GEORGIA

Home inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Georgia.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.

But even without regulation, there's still tons of work if you want to get your business started. We've made a full guide specific to Georgia.

Top Markets in Georgia

HAWAII

There is no state licensing requirement to become a home inspector in Hawaii.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended. 

IDAHO

Home inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Idaho.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended. 

ILLINOIS

Home inspectors are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Licensing Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Obtain a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete 60 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider
  • Perform five field events with an Illinois-licensed home inspector
  • Pass the Home Inspector Exam for Illinois (consists of NHIE plus a section on Illinois-specific statutes and regulations)
  • Submit an application and pay the $250 fee

Contact Information

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 W. Washington, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786

Chicago Offices
100 West Randolph, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601

Telephone: (217) 785-0800
Fax: (217) 782-7645

See our guide for becoming an Illinois home inspector for more tips and information. 

INDIANA

Home inspectors are regulated by the Home Inspectors Licensing Board—part of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Licensing Requirements

  • Submit an application, either online or mailed
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass background check
  • Complete a Board-approved training program and pass the NHIE
  • Carry a minimum of $100k in general liability insurance coverage
  • Pay an application fee

Contact Information

Home Inspectors Licensing Board
Tracy Hicks, Board Director
Marianna Kassenbrock, Assistant Director
Phone Number: (317) 234-3031
E-mail: pla12@pla.IN.gov

IOWA

Home inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Iowa. Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended. 

KANSAS

Home inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Kansas. Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended.

KENTUCKY

Home inspectors in Kentucky are regulated by the Board of Home Inspectors within the Office of Occupations and Professions.

Licensing Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Submit a 2”x2” passport photo
  • Pass a background check performed by the Kentucky State Police
  • Pass the National Home Inspectors Exam
  • Complete three unpaid home inspections under the supervision of a Kentucky licensed home inspector with written reports submitted
  • Complete 64 total credit hours of approved training
  • Complete 16 hours of field training, including not more than eight in a lab
  • Obtain certification of insurance 
  • Submit a completed application

Contact Information

Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors
Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero Street 2NE09
Suite B
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-7760

 

LOUISIANA

Home Inspectors are regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors.

They have a helpful how-to-get-licensed page that gives the following home inspector requirements.

Licensing Requirements

  • Apply for a criminal background check with the Louisiana State Police 
  • Complete a minimum of 90 hours of classroom education with an LSBHI-approved education provider 
  • Pass the NHIE Exam
  • Complete 30 hours of pre-licensing platform training and 10 live inspections with an approved in-field trainer
  • Attend a Report Writing Seminar given by LSBHI
  • Obtain insurance
  • Apply with the LSBHI and pay the $200 application fee

Contact Information

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

MAINE

Home Inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Maine. Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended. 

 

MARYLAND

Home Inspectors are regulated by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete a 72-hour on-site home inspector training course approved by the Commission
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Submit the completed application and fee
  • Have at least $150,000 in general liability insurance

Contact Information

Maryland Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors
1100 N. Eutaw St. Room 121
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Phone: (410) 230-6363
Email: appraiser@dllr.state.md.us

 

MASSACHUSETTS

Home inspectors in Massachusetts are regulated by the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors, specifically the Division of Professional Licensure and the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.

Directions on how to become an Associate Home Inspector can be found here, and include:

  • Complete an application and pay a $225 fee
  • 25 fee-paid home inspections
  • Pass a Board approved license exam
  • 75 hours of Educational Training Credits
  • Proof of Errors and Omissions Insurance

Directions on how to become a licensed Home Inspector can be found here, and include:

  • Complete an application and pay a $338 fee
  • 100 home inspections under direct supervision
  • Proof of mandatory Errors and Omissions insurance coverage
  • Continuing Education Certificates of Completion (12 hours)

Contact Information:

Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 272-4459
Email: homeinspectorsboard@mass.gov

 

MICHIGAN

Home Inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Michigan.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.

MINNESOTA

Home Inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Minnesota.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.

MISSISSIPPI

Home Inspectors in Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Home Inspector Board.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete high school or GED
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Complete an approved study course of 60 hours
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Provide proof of insurance for $250,000 for general liability and $250,000 for errors and omissions

Contact Information:

Mississippi Home Inspector Board
P.O. Box 12685
Jackson, MS 39236

Telephone: (601) 321-6970
Email: info@mrec.state.ms.us

MISSOURI

Home Inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Missouri.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.

MONTANA

Home Inspectors in Montana are regulated by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry as of January 01, 2020.

Licensing requirements

  • Complete 40 hours of comprehensive home inspection instruction or pass a department-approved national examination
  • Join a national home inspector association
  • Gain coverage under a workers’ compensation policy or obtain an independent contractor exemption certificate (ICEC) 
  • Obtain a minimum of $100,000 general commercial liability insurance and a minimum of $100,000 errors and omissions insurance
  • Register with the department by completing an application
  • Pay the $80 application fee
  • Document each person working under the registration as a home inspector

Contact Information:

Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Registration Section
PO Box 8011
Helena, MT 59604

Telephone: (406) 444-7734

NEBRASKA

Home inspectors are regulated by the state of Nebraska, but the state does not require licensing, pre-licensing education, continuing education, or field training. Beginning January 1, 2023, home inspectors are required to register with the Secretary of State’s Office prior to conducting a home inspection.

Home inspectors are encouraged to take the NHIE to establish credibility and enhance their professional qualifications. Liability insurance is also recommended.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Nebraska Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509-4608

Location:
1201 N Street, Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508
Email: sos.licensing@nebraska.gov 

 

NEVADA

Home inspectors in Nevada are regulated by the Nevada Real Estate Division of the Department of Business and Industry.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete application form (Form 573)
  • Obtain fingerprint verification forms from an approved vendor
  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved education
  • Observe at least 25 inspections performed by a certified general inspector or complete an approved 25-inspection course
  • Pass the Original Inspector of Structures exam within the 12 months prior to applying
  • Obtain $100,000 in errors and omissions and general liability insurance
  • Pay the $365 fee

Contact Information
State of Nevada Real Estate Division
2501 E. Sahara Avenue, Ste. 101
Las Vegas, NV 89104-4137
Telephone: (775) 687-4280

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Home Inspectors in New Hampshire are regulated by the Board of Home Inspectors – Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

Licensing Requirements

  • Pay a $200 fee
  • Complete the application
  • Provide proof of liability insurance
  • Provide proof of passing the NHIE or equivalent board-approved exam
  • Complete 80 hours of board-approved education

Contact Information

NH Board of Home Inspectors
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-2152
Email: HomeInspector@oplc.nh.gov 

NEW JERSEY

New Jersey home inspectors are regulated by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete application
  • Complete an approved study course of 180 hours, which shall include not less than 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections supervised by a licensed home inspector OR
  • Perform not less than 250 fee-paid home inspections in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector
  • Obtain errors and omissions insurance of $500,000 per occurrence

Contact Information

State Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors
P.O. Box 45015
Newark, New Jersey 07101
Contact: Michael DeFrancisci, Acting Executive Director
Phone: (973) 504-6460

NEW MEXICO

Home inspectors in New Mexico are licensed and regulated through the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department.

The licensing application can be found here. 

Contact Information

The New Mexico Home Inspectors Board
5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Suite B
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 222-2926
Email: home.inspectors@rld.nm.gov

NEW YORK

Home Inspectors are licensed and regulated through the Division of Licensing Services.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete high school or GED
  • Complete 140 hours of approved education, including at least 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector, professional engineer, or architect OR
  • Perform at least 100 home inspections (paid or unpaid) under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector, professional engineer, or architect
  • Pass the NY State Home Inspector License Examination or the NHIE
  • Pay a $250 application fee
  • Provide proof of liability insurance

Contact Information

New York State Department of
State Division of Licensing Services
1 Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
Phone: (518) 474-4429

For more details, check out our guide on how to become a home inspector in New York.

NORTH CAROLINA

Home inspectors in North Carolina are regulated by the Department of Insurance Home Inspector Licensure Board.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete both a board-approved 120-hour classroom course and an 80-hour field training course to meet education and experience requirements
  • Pass the North Carolina State Home Inspector Licensing Examination, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions to be completed within four hours
  • Undergo a criminal history check as part of the application process
  • Obtain general liability insurance
  • Demonstrate financial responsibility by providing proof of one of the following:
    • Minimum net assets of $5,000
    • Surety bond of at least $5,000
    • Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance coverage of $250,000
  • Pay application fee of $35
  • Pay exam fee of $80
  • Pay license fee of $160

Contact Information

North Carolina Home Inspector License Board
325 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27603-5926

Mailing Address:
Office of State Fire Marshal
1201 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1201
Phone: (919) 647-0027

NORTH DAKOTA

Home inspectors in North Dakota are regulated by the Secretary of State.

Licensing Requirements

  • Be 18 years of age
  • Complete the application
  • Submit proof of passing an approved exam
  • Submit proof of current insurance coverage of at least $100,000
  • Pay the $200 registration fee

Contact Information

Secretary of State
600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108
Bismarck, ND 58505-0500
Phone: (701) 328-2924 

OHIO

Home inspectors are regulated by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing and a seven-member Ohio Home Inspector Board.

The state government voted into law in January 2019 that all home inspectors must be licensed if they are being compensated by clients. This bill became effective in November 2019, and the state began accepting applications in 2021. 

Licensing Requirements

  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Complete at least 80 hours of qualifying education
  • Complete and pass the NHIE
  • Complete 10 parallel inspections supervised by a certified home inspector OR 40 hours of curriculum-based experience plus one peer review
  • Provide proof of general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate
  • Obtain errors and omissions insurance with a minimum coverage of $250,000
  • Pay the $250 application fee

Contact Information

Ohio Department of Commerce
77 South High Street, 23rd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6133
Phone: (614) 466-4100

 

OKLAHOMA

Home inspectors in Oklahoma are regulated by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete 90 hours of approved training
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Obtain general liability insurance of at least $50,000

Home Inspector Application

Contact Information

Construction Industries Board
Oklahoma State
2401 NW 23rd Street, Suite 2F
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Phone: (405) 521-6550

OREGON

Home inspectors are regulated by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete 60 hours of Oregon-approved education or accumulate 20 points of qualifying experience
  • Pass the NHIE exam
  • Submit a completed application packet along with a $150 non-refundable certification fee, which covers administrative processing costs

Contact Information

Construction Contractors Board
700 Summer Street NE, Suite 300
P.O. Box 14140
Salem, Oregon 97309-5052
Phone: (503) 378-4621

PENNSYLVANIA

Home inspectors in Pennsylvania are not formally licensed by the state. However, a few steps are still required to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania.

Home inspectors are regulated by the Attorney General’s Office. The state has a rule that to be a home inspector, the individual must be a member of a nonprofit organization.

Additionally, Pennsylvania home inspectors are required to carry errors and omissions and general liability Insurance. 

See their resources on consumer protection.

Contact Information

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney
General Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-3391

RHODE ISLAND

Effective July 1, 2013, home inspectors in Rhode Island are regulated by the Contractors Registration and Licensing Board.

Licensing Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old and of good moral character
  • Complete high school or equivalent
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Assist in at least 50 home inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector
  • Be a licensed associate home inspector for no less than one year, and perform no less than 100 paid home inspections
  • Obtain errors and omissions and general liability insurance, each with a minimum coverage of $500,000

After licensing, home inspectors must complete 12 credit hours of continuing education every two years, including at least one hour on standards of practice.

Contact Information

State Building Office
560 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 200
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: (401) 921-1590

SOUTH CAROLINA

Home inspectors in the state of South Carolina are regulated by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete the application
  • Pay the $80 fee
  • Complete the Verification of Lawful Presence Form
  • Provide proof of 50 home inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector (this includes completing the "Work Experience" section of the application and attaching summary reports of each inspection with addresses) OR 
  • Document at least one year of experience under a supervising licensed home inspector
  • Pass the Home Inspector Technical Examination
  • Undergo and pass a criminal background check
  • Obtain general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $250,000

It's important to note that in South Carolina, licenses expire on June 30 of each even-numbered year.

Contact Information

Residential Builders Commission
110 Centerview Dr.
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 896-4696
Email: Contact.RBC@llr.sc.gov

 

SOUTH DAKOTA

Home inspectors are regulated by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.

Licensing Requirements

Contact Information

South Dakota Real Estate Commission
118 West Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3600
Email: dlr.realestate@state.sd.us

 

TENNESSEE

Home inspectors in the state of Tennessee are regulated by the Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Licensing Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school degree or GED
  • Complete 90 hours of a commissioner-approved training program
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Obtain general liability insurance of at least $500,000
  • Obtain E&O insurance (no minimum)

Forms and Downloads can be found here.

Contact Information

Home Inspector Licensing Program
500 James Robertson Pkwy, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1138
Phone: (615) 741-1831

TEXAS

Texas is such a special state that we made an entire article to explain its home inspector requirements!

Home inspectors in Texas are regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). They have some of the most thorough oversight and documentation in the country, so you can find links below.

The application to become an Apprentice Inspector can be found here.

The application to become a Real Estate Inspector can be found here.

Contact Information

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
1700 N. Congress Ave., Suite 400
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 936-3000

Top Markets in Texas

UTAH

Home inspectors are currently not regulated by the state of Utah.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended.

VERMONT

Home inspectors are regulated by the Vermont Secretary of State.

Steps for Applying by Certification

  1. Submit a completed application and $100 non-refundable application fee
  2. Submit evidence that you are certified and have ACI Membership through ASHI
  3. Provide Verification of Good Standing from your initial state of licensure, if applicable

Steps for Applying by Examination

  1. Submit a completed application and the $100 non-refundable application fee, payable to the Vermont Secretary of State.
  2. Submit evidence that you completed 80 hours of education through an approved course provider.
  3. Submit evidence that you passed the National Home Inspector Examination, administered through Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP).
  4. If applicable, provide Verification of Good Standing from your initial state of licensure and your most recent state of licensure.

Contact Information

Office of Professional Regulation
89 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Montpelier VT 05620-3402
Phone: (802) 828-3228

VIRGINIA

Virginia has transitioned from a voluntary certification program to a mandatory licensure program.

Follow this link for training modules, programs, and licensure requirements.

Contact Information

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233-1485
Phone: (804) 367-8595
Email: dpor@dpor.virginia.gov 

 

WASHINGTON

Home inspectors in the state of Washington are regulated by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Licensing Requirements

Contact Information

Home Inspectors Department of Licensing
PO Box 3917
Seattle, WA 98124-3917
Phone: (360) 664-6487
DOLINTHomeInspectors@dol.wa.gov

Top Markets in Washington

WASHINGTON D.C.

Home Inspectors are currently not regulated by Washington D.C.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended.

WEST VIRGINIA

Home inspectors in West Virginia are regulated by the West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office.

Licensing Requirements

  • Complete a state-approved exam
  • Complete 80 hours of state-approved education
  • Pass the NHIE
  • Pay a $150 application fee
  • Obtain general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $250,000
  • Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting by the West Virginia State Police and the FBI

Contact Information

Office of the State Fire Marshal
1207 Quarrier St, 2nd Floor
Charleston, WV  25301
Phone: (304) 558-2191

WISCONSIN

Home inspectors are regulated by the state of Wisconsin, through the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Licensing Requirements

  • Submit an application through the LicensE portal
  • Pay the $55 credential fee
  • Submit proof of background (not subject to a pending criminal charge, not convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or other offense related to the practice of home inspection)
  • Pass the NHIE 
  • Achieve a score of at least 85% on the Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Examination
  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours of pre-registration instruction, with at least 20 hours dedicated to hands-on training in home inspections and report writing
  • Complete 40 hours of continuing education each biennium to maintain professional competency

Contact Information

Department of Regulation and Licensing
1400 East Washington Ave.
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-2112
Email: dsps@wisconsin.gov  

WYOMING

Home inspectors are not regulated by the state of Wyoming.

Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association are recommended.

spectora free trial cta

 

Get the Tools You Need Today!

Navigating home inspector requirements in your state is the first step toward building a successful career. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro looking to stay ahead of the game, knowing your state’s requirements helps you make informed decisions about your next move.

The right training and resources can also make all the difference. Partnering with Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) equips you with the essential education to meet your state's requirements while Spectora provides the business tools to streamline your inspections, reports, and client interactions.

Ready to accelerate your home inspection career? Start your free trial with Spectora today!

Start Your Free Trial