How to Become a Home Inspector in North Carolina

Thinking of becoming a home inspector in North Carolina? In the Tar Heel State, home inspectors are regulated by the Home Inspector Licensure Board under the Department of Insurance. 

Unlike many other states in the U.S., North Carolina requires home inspectors to be licensed to practice. In the guide below, we'll walk you through becoming a home inspector in North Carolina.

Related: How to Become a Home Inspector in the U.S.  

Complete Classroom Training and Field Training

North Carolina has relatively intensive education requirements for home inspectors. To become a home inspector, you'll need to complete a 120-hour classroom course and 80 hours of field training. Classroom training must be through a North Carolina-approved home inspection school, and you'll need to do your fieldwork under a licensed home inspector in the state. 

Both classroom training and field work will prepare you to start inspecting homes and give you the information you need to do the job well.     

Pass the North Carolina State Exam

 Before applying to become a  home inspector, you'll have to pass the North Carolina Home Inspector License exam. The exam is offered multiple times throughout the year and is administered through the Department of Insurance in Raleigh. 

Make sure to complete pre-licensing coursework before you take the exam so you're thoroughly prepared. You can find the 2023 exam dates here. 

Get Insurance Coverage

As a home inspector in North Carolina, you are required to carry insurance. And you'll need to show proof of coverage before even applying for your license.

You're required to carry a minimum of $250,000 in general liability insurance cover and one of the following:

• Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, minimum $250,000
• Minimum net assets of no less than $5,000, determined by the board
• A surety bond between $5,000 and $10,000, determined by the board  

Submit to a Criminal Record Check

In North Carolina, you'll need to undergo a criminal history record check and disclose your criminal history (if you have one) to become a home inspector. Find North Carolina-approved background check providers here.

Nobody's perfect. If you have a record, the state takes the seriousness of the crime into account and how long ago the crime was in determining whether or not you can become a licensed home inspector. That speeding ticket you had to go to court for 10 years ago probably won't break your chances of becoming a home inspector. 

Apply and Pay Fee

Once you've finished your training, passed the exam, and secured insurance coverage, you're ready to apply to be a home inspector. You'll have to pay an $80 fee when you submit your application, but you'll be able to make that back in no time with a few home inspections under your belt. 

Start Inspecting

Now that you're licensed, the process of becoming a practicing home inspector begins. Whether you're starting your own home inspection business or joining a multi-inspector company, there are still a few more steps you'll need to take before you actually start inspecting homes. 

Find Your Software

As a home inspector, you have to wear many hats; you're a marketer, an admin, and an inspector. You don't have time to waste with antiquated or poor-quality software. The best home inspection software will save you time and add sophistication to your inspection reports, and provide all the tools you need for a smooth, professional inspection from start to finish. 

Market Your Business

If you're joining a pre-existing home inspection company, you won't have to market yourself too much. But if you're striking out on your own, marketing is everything. 

Marketing your home inspection business is no easy feat, but we have plenty of tips to help get you started. 

Continuing Education 

More training? North Carolina requires home inspectors to take continuing education before license renewal each year. 

NC licensed home inspectors must complete continuing education annually by September 10th.  You're required to take four hours of a board-developed update course and eight hours of elective courses. If you don't complete the annual CE, you won't be able to renew your license. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do NC home inspectors make?

The average North Carolina home inspection costs $443. A home inspector who does 100 home inspections in a calendar year would make an average salary of $44,300. However, it's important to keep in mind that a career in home inspection is highly variable and what you make will depend on how you price your inspections and how many you do in a year.  

Is the NC home inspector exam difficult?

If you complete your pre-licensing course and spend time studying, you shouldn't have trouble with the North Carolina home inspector exam. Because the exam is offered multiple times throughout the year, you can retake it relatively quickly if you don't pass the first time. 

Should I join an association?

Joining a home inspector association like InterNACHI or the ICA is a great way to access resources and a community of inspectors to learn and grow from. While it's certainly not required, many home inspectors join for the resources available.