Five Steps for Becoming a Home Inspector
Just how do you become a home inspector? While home inspection licensing requirements vary by state, the certification process can typically be completed in five steps.
1. Check Your State’s Licensing Requirements
Familiarize yourself with your state’s home inspector requirements to prepare for training. Requirements for home inspector certification can vary significantly from state to state. For instance, Florida and North Carolina mandate over 100 hours of training and passing a state exam, while states like Illinois, Virginia, and Connecticut require hands-on field training supervised by a certified inspector before taking the exam for licensure. Other states, like California, have no certification requirements for home inspectors. Knowing your state’s requirements will help you chart the most cost- and time-efficient path toward certification.
Visit our state home inspection licensing requirements page to determine the specific requirements for your state.
2. Complete an Accredited Home Inspection Training Program
Even if your state has minimal requirements, completing an accredited home inspection training and certification program is a crucial step to getting started. A quality program will provide the necessary knowledge and support to help you find success in the field, both during your training and throughout your new career.
ICA’s comprehensive online training allows aspiring home inspectors to learn at their own pace from anywhere with an internet connection. While most students finish the course in 3 to 4 weeks, some have completed it in as little as 10 days, depending on the individual’s learning style and availability. Training materials are accessible around the clock, allowing students to study on a schedule that doesn’t interfere with existing jobs or other life commitments.
Depending on your location, you may be required to complete classroom field training in addition to ICA’s online course. Our team can help you determine which courses you need.
3. Pass Your State Examination (If Required)
Depending on your location, you may need to pass an examination before getting your home inspection license. The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) is the most common certification test. We recommend taking these exams as soon as possible after training, while the information is fresh.
ICA offers a helpful Home Inspector Exam Prep Course with 700 practice questions to help you take the test with confidence. As an ICA student, you can take the practice exam as often as you need, without any extra fees!
4. Apply for Your Home Inspector License (If Required)
If your state requires licensure, you may now submit your application. Most cases will involve submitting a copy of your ICA certification and proof of passing the required exam. With approval from your state’s regulatory board, you will receive a license and license number that allows you to begin practicing.
If your state does not require a license, you can skip this step!
5. Start a Home Inspection Business or Seek Employment
Once you’ve met the qualifications to be a home inspector, it’s time to use your newly acquired expertise in the field! Consider starting your own home inspection business or seeking employment with an existing company.
Getting your home inspection license opens the door to a uniquely flexible career. Use your new certification to work part-time, become your own boss, or gain experience with a mentor before striking out on your own. The choice is all yours.
Bonus Step: Keep Your Home Inspection Career Skills Fresh
Once you’ve completed your training, earned your certification and begun working in the field, consider exploring the additional opportunities offered by ICA’s Bonus Inspection Courses.
While some training institutions may charge additional fees for continuing education credentials, ICA School provides them free of charge to graduates of our Home Inspector Training and Certification Course. Expanding your services can broaden your client base and boost your income. For those employed by an established home inspection firm, these additional certifications enhance your value to the employer and contribute to career advancement.