Become a Home Inspector
I coach aspiring and beginning home inspectors to successfully enter the industry and grow their business.
8 Questions To Ask Before Becoming A Home Inspector!
Decide if a career as a home inspector is the right choice!
Are you interested in becoming a home inspector? There are several benefits to joining the industry. Many home inspectors start their own business, while some choose to work for a company. Below are some of the benefit of becoming a home inspector:
There are six steps we recommend taking to becoming a home inspector.
Download and Read 8 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Home Inspector.
Take the FREE online Practice Exam to get an idea of things you will need to know.
Know the difference between a home inspection certification and home inspection license.
Research state specific requirements.
Take our coursework for certification or prerequisite coursework for state requirements to state or national exam.
Start your own home inspection business.
STEP 1: Download and Read 8 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Home Inspector
STEP 2: Take FREE Online Inspector Examination
About The Exam
This exam consists of 120 questions that are randomly generated from a much larger (and constantly evolving/expanding) pool of questions. This means that each time you take the exam it will be completely unique (there are over 1,000,000,000 versions of the exam). You will have 60 minutes to complete all 120 questions.
STEP 3: Know The Difference Between CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSING.
Home Inspection Certification
In states that are not regulated and do not require licensing, a home inspection certification shows that you have received training to provide a quality home inspection. This helps provide confidence of real estate agents and clients that you are qualified. After completing our program, you will receive your certificate of training as proof of completion and learning. You can add that certificate to your resume, your website, and with potential clients to show you know how to do the service they’re paying you for. Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Home Inspection Licensing
In states that are regulated and require licensing, many states require some form of approved pre-licensing certification training AND passing an examination. In addition, some states require completing a specific number of inspections under the guidance of another inspector, or any combination of these or other requirements. Review you state-specific requirements below.
STEP 4: RESEARCH STATE REQUIREMENTS
I’ve compiled the steps you’ll need to start your new career as a home inspection professional. Follow the steps below to learn more about your state's home inspection education requirements.
Non-Regulated States
California, Colorado, District of Colombia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming
Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your home inspection business!
Specific details for each state are below.
ALABAMA
Home inspectors are regulated in Alabama by the Alabama Division of Construction Management is the regulating body.
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.
ALASKA
Alaska home inspectors are regulated by the Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
Inspectors in Alaska must also obtain an Alaska Business License. You can register as a new home inspector, existing home inspector, or joint registration.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course and pass the National Exam.
ARIZONA
Home inspectors are regulated in Arizona by The Arizona State Board of Technical Registration.
A minimum of 84 hours of training pre-licensing is required, as well as experience requirements (30 parallel home inspections for an “inspector-in-training” license, and 100 home inspections for a home inspector license).
You must pass the National Home Inspection Exam (NHIE) to become a certified home inspector in the state.
ARKANSAS
Inspectors are regulated in Arkansas. The Home Inspector Registration Board is the governing body and
license renewal is needed annually.
80 pre-licensing hours are required.
Complete an apprenticeship prior to becoming licensed. The apprenticeship training must include a minimum of three home inspections totaling no less than 10 hours.
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.
CALIFORNIA
California home inspectors are not regulated. However, the California Trade practice act (enacted
in 1996) prohibits unethical home inspection practices. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and
some type of training/certification.
The law encourages courts to consider the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of ASHI and CREIA
(California Real Estate Inspection Association) when determining whether an inspection meets the required standard of care.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
COLORADO
Home Inspectors are not regulated in the state of Colorado. A 2017 bill was narrowly shot down to require licenses. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
That said, it's a competitive state and there's a lot more to starting a business than a license.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
CONNECTICUT
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection, with renewal required every 2 years. 40 hours of pre-licensing is required, as well as 20 hours of CE. They list their approved home inspection schools and pre-licensing courses available.
To be eligible for a home inspector license, an applicant must:
1) Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
2) Have earned a home inspector intern permit and performed not less than 100 home inspections in accordance with subsection (c) of section 20-493b;
3) Have passed an oral, written, or electronic competency examination administered by the department; and
4) Paid a fee of $290.
To be eligible for a permit as a home inspector intern, an applicant must:
1) Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent
2) Have enrolled in and completed a board-approved training program
3) Have an identified supervisor who is licensed as a home inspector, is in good standing, and has agreed to perform the supervisory functions required
4) Have paid a $220 fee
The application can be found here.
DELAWARE
Home Inspectors in Delaware are regulated by the state. The requirements differ whether you have an active license in another jurisdiction or are applying new.
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. 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. Training must total 140 hours and be approved by ASHI, NAHI, or InterNACHI, as well as proof of your 75 inspections.
FLORIDA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Complete 120 hours from one approved training provider. Pass the NHIE, FABI, InterNACHI, or CI-HPI exam
GEORGIA
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
HAWAII
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
IDAHO
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
ILLINOIS
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Complete 60 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider. Complete 5 ride along inspections with a licensed inspector. Pass the Home Inspector Exam for Illinois (NHIE plus a section on Illinois-specific statutes & regulations).
INDIANA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Home Inspectors Licensing Board (Part of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency).
Complete an approved 62-hour home inspection course. Of those 62 hours, 50 can be completed online and 12 must be completed in a hands-on environment. Take and pass the National Home Inspector Exam.
IOWA
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Kentucky
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
LOUISIANA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors.
Perform 30 hours of field training with a Louisiana Licensed Home Inspector. Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam.
MAINE
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
MARYLAND
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Complete 72 hours of approved home inspection classroom training. Take my live Pre-Licensing Course at the College of Southern Maryland. The course is offered during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE)
Start your own business!
MASSCHUSETTES
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.
Complete 75 hours of classroom training to become approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE)
Complete 25 directly supervised inspections with a Massachusetts licensed home inspector.
MICHIGAN
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
MINNASOTA
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
MINNASOTA
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
MISSISSIPPI
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Mississippi Home Inspector Board.
Complete an approved 60-hour home inspection course.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE)
Start your own business!
MISSOURI
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
MONTANA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.
Complete an approved 40-hour home inspection course or take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE).
Start your own business!
NEBRASKA
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
NEVADA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Nevada Real Estate Division.
Complete an approved 40-hour home inspection course.
Take and pass the Nevada State Home Inspectors Exam.
Observe at least 25 inspections performed by a certified inspector.
Start your own business!
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Board of Home Inspectors.
Complete an approved 80-hour home inspection course.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam.
Start your own business!
NEW JERSEY
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee.
Complete 140 hours of classroom home inspection training and 40 hours of field inspection training to become a licensed home inspector.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam.
Start your own business!
NEW MEXICO
Home Inspectors are regulated by the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department.
Complete an approved 80-hour home inspection course.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam.
Start your own business!
NEW YORK
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Division of Licensing Services.
Complete 100 hours of New York approved home inspector education.
Attend 40 hours of NYDOS approved field training.
Take and pass the NYS written examination.
Start your own business!
NORTH CAROLINA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Home Inspector Licensure Board.
Complete an approved 120-hour home inspection training course.
Complete 80-hours of home inspection field training.
Take and pass the North Carolina Home Inspectors Exam.
Start your own business!
NORTH DAKOTA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Secretary of State. Submit proof of passing an approved exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course and pass the National Exam.
Start your own business!
OHIO
Home Inspectors are regulated by the State of Ohio.
Complete an approved 80-hour home inspection training course.
Complete 10 parallel inspections OR approved curriculum with a peer review.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam.
Start your own business!
OKLAHOMA
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
Complete an approved 90-hour home inspection training course.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam.
Start your own business!
OREGON
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
Submit a completed Qualifying 20 Points and Documentation form.
Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam.
Start your own business!
PENNSYLVANIA
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Join a recognized home inspection industry membership organization. We provide our graduates a free one month membership to InterNACHI upon completion of our home inspection course.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
Rhode Island
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Contractors Registration and Licensing Board. Pass Rhode Island state exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Assist in at least fifty (50) home inspections in the presence of a licensed home inspector.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
South Carolina
Home Inspectors are regulated by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. Pass South Carolina state exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
South Dakota
Home Inspectors are regulated by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. Pass South Dakota state exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
TENNESSEE
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Pass Tennessee state exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
Utah
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
Vermont
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Vermont Secretary of State.
Complete an approved 80-hour home inspection training course.
Pass the National Home Inspection Exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Start your own business!
Virginia
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Complete an approved 70-hour home inspection training course.
Pass the National Home Inspection Exam.
Complete 25 ride-along inspections with a licensed home inspector.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Start your own business!
Washington
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Complete Washington State Home Inspectors Board-approved, 120-hour Fundamentals of Home Inspection course.
Pass the National Home Inspection Exam.
Complete 40 hours of field training.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Start your own business!
Washington, DC
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
West Virginia
Home Inspectors are regulated by the West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office.
Complete an approved 80-hour home inspection training course.
Pass the National Home Inspection Exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Start your own business!
Wisconsin
Home Inspectors are regulated by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Complete an approved 80-hour home inspection training course.
Pass the National Home Inspection Exam.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Start your own business!
Wyoming
Home Inspectors are currently not regulated. Clients and agents will want to see customer reviews and some type of training/certification.
Liability insurance and certification through a reputable home inspection training association is recommended.
Complete our online Principals Home Inspection: Systems & Standards Certification Course.
Start your own business!
Step 5: Take our coursework for certification or prerequisite coursework for state requirements to state or national exam.
Our fully revamped interactive online course offers aspiring home inspectors a basement-to-chimney guide to the modern inspection profession. For every major house system, this course explains the component problems, their practical implications, and the inspection strategies for finding them. No other introduction offers the breadth and the depth of this course. Including 11 hours of video instruction, hundreds of detailed technical illustrations, color photographs, interactive exercises, progress quizzes, and comprehensive exams, this is the most complete home inspection course on the market.
You will also receive these courses as well:
The Success Mindset: A-Z steps to Become A Successful Home Inspector
Step 6: Start your own home inspection business.
Once your complete the above steps, you are ready to start your own business. I provide ongoing coaching/mentoring to help you become a successful home inspector. If you are already certified and/or licensed and want to launch and grow your business, the courses below will help you. Save more when you bundle them together.
The Success Mindset: A-Z steps to Become A Successful Home Inspector
Coaching/Mentoring
Prepare to transition to become a home inspection and walk you through the process.
Learn ways to grow your business with ancillary services, avoid marketing pitfalls, and more.
Increase your brand exposure to attract new clients and get repeat business,
Book a call with me!
Schedule your free 30 minute call with me now!
Meet Ditanyan Sye
I have over 20 years of experience in education as a Teacher, Administrator, Principal's Coach, Data Facilitation Coordinator and Educational Consultant. I have a Master's degree in Education (Curriculum Specialist), Master's in Public Administration, Project Management Certificate and Certified Life Coach.
I am a licensed Certified Professional Inspector and started my home inspection business in 2020 and I am also a college professor at the College of Southern Maryland where I teach the Maryland and Virginia Pre-Licensing Course for aspiring home inspectors.
I coach aspiring and new home inspectors become successful in the industry. Aspiring home inspectors are coached to prepare for the national exam and how to start a home inspection business by avoiding the pitfalls no one tells you about.
New home inspectors are coached how to maintain and grow their business through brand exposure, partnerships, ancillary services, leveraging reviews, reputation management and more.
Both aspiring and new inspectors are coached to overcome limiting beliefs which serve as a major roadblock to success. This foundational step is crucial in order to have success in the industry.
Nathan
"It was a pleasure to take a home inspection class taught by Professor Sye and he made it a rewarding and engaging learning experience. The class was one of the best I have ever taken! He demonstrated that he cares for his students by taking the time to get to know each of them and making sure that they thoroughly understood the material. Not only is he a Home Inspector master, but his business acumen is unmatched. The class would have been worth more than the cost for the business knowledge and mentoring alone."
Eliza
"The Home Inspection class is excellent!! I am a landlord/homeowner and the information is very helpful. I knew after the second class that I had made the right decision. I do not plan on becoming a Home Inspector, but the knowledge is very powerful for my landlord business and my own personal home upkeep. Ditanyan Sye is an excellent professor. He is very knowledgeable and funny. He has a wealth of experience and willing to share. This class would be an asset to anyone with a home, real estate investors and planning on becoming a home inspector."
Allen
"Ditanyan was my instructor for the 80 hour, home inspectors pre-license course at CSMD. The fact that he is a practicing home inspector added great value to the course. Ditanyan's approach to teaching the course was so complete, he motivated me to become even more focused on "sponging" in this entire book. He made himself more available than any previous instructor I've had. The facilities were lacking in hands on learning, so Ditanyan made it available to shadow actual home inspections! He was always early. He is very personable. I am lucky to have had him at this critical stage of my business's growth. Thanks so much, Ditanyan!"
Denzel
As a student with no prior experience, Mr.Sye helped me grasp concepts foreign to my knowledge in increments that helped better my understanding and curve my learning deficiencies. When I say I have no prior experience I mean NONE! This wasn't a problem to our teacher as he takes students from all levels of home improvement and bundles that into steady foundation we call all start from. Questions are welcomed, as the majority of my understanding came from asking about exactly what I see. The lessons are designed so that the hard hitting questions would be brought up during class and you would only have to focus on memorizing key components or understanding whole systems on your free time.