New York Home Inspector License: Online Courses & Requirements
ICA provides the roadmap you need to meet your state’s home inspection training requirements. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, our course will prepare you to earn your license and succeed in the field. Access our comprehensive, real-world training materials online anytime, anywhere—perfect for any schedule. With our step-by-step home inspection courses, you can finish your initial training in as little as 3 weeks.
New York State Home Inspector Requirements at a Glance
Requirement | New York Details |
State license required? | Yes |
Pre-licensing training | 140 hours total (100 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of field-based training) |
Field training required | 40 hours under the direct supervision of a home inspector licensed by NYS |
State/National exam | New York State Written Examination (Note: NY DOES NOT use the NHIE) |
Minimum age | 18 (Must have a high school diploma or equivalent) |
Application fee | $250 application fee + $50 exam fee |
Fingerprinting | Not explicitly required by NYSDOS for this specific license |
State insurance requirement | Minimum $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate in General Liability |
License renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
CE hours required | 24 hours every 2 years |
Governing body | NYS Department of State (NYSDOS), Division of Licensing Services |
How to Become a Home Inspector in New York
New York requires a license to work as a home inspector. Follow these steps to meet all state requirements and launch your career.
Step 1: Complete 100 hours of approved classroom training
Complete 100 hours of New York-approved home inspector education in this initial module. This coursework is strictly approved by the Department of State. ICA provides this training through scheduled online webinar sessions via livestream, available as a daytime fast-track program or a night class. You can finish quickly or take up to 12 months. We also offer self-paced online materials for study.
Step 2: Complete 40 hours of New York field training
Our upcoming field training dates and locations are listed near the bottom of this page. Students can complete the field training (which can be paid or unpaid) before, during or after completion of the 100 hour webinar class. These inspections must be conducted under the supervision of a home inspector who is actively licensed in NY.
Step 3: Pass the New York State Written Examination
(Note: While the original standard is the national test, New York actually requires you to take the specific New York State Written Examination). To achieve licensure, you must have taken and successfully completed and passed the nys written examination. ICA fully prepares all home inspection students for these exams with a 200-page online study guide textbook along with 700 practice questions in our exam prep portal.
Step 4: Secure general liability insurance
To become a home inspector in New York, you must be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed high school or its equivalent. You must also provide proof of general liability insurance for $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate when applying for your Home Inspector License before applying for a home inspector license from New York state.
Step 5: Apply for your New York license and start your business
Congratulations! Now you can start your own business or work as a licensed home inspector and New York professional. Visit the New York regulatory website (the nys department of state, division of licensing services) for more information on legislative updates.
New York Home Inspector Licensing Authority
New York home inspector certification is regulated by the following state agency. Always verify current requirements directly with the board.
New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) – Division of Licensing Service | |
|---|---|
Official Website | |
Licensing Page | |
Phone | 518-474-4429 |
Address | 1 Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12231 |
ICA Provider # | |
ICA CE Provider # | |
Choose Your Path to Home Inspection Success
Tailor your training with ICA’s three comprehensive packages. Each option is packed with the tools you need to launch and excel in your home inspection career. Compare plans below to find your perfect fit.
STEP 1) Choose between our Daytime or Nighttime Live Webinar (100 Hours)
STEP 2) Choose a 40-hour New York Field Training Course
| Location | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NEW YORK – FIELD TRAINING | ||
| Long Island, NY | 40 Hour Field Class April 16-19, 20268:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Kingston, NY | 40 Hour Field Class May 14-17, 20268:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Brooklyn, NY | 40 Hour Field Class June 11-14, 20268:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Syracuse, NY | 40 Hour Field Class July 9-12, 2026 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Long Island, NY | 40 Hour Field Class July 16-19, 20268:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| White Plains, NY | 40 Hour Field Class August 27-30, 2026 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Long Island, NY | 40 Hour Field Class September 17-20, 20268:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Albany, NY | 40 Hour Field Class September 24-27, 20268:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Syracuse, NY | 40 Hour Field Class October 1-4, 2026 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
| Brooklyn, NY | 40 Hour Field Class October 22-25, 20268:00 AM to 6:30 PM Daily | $800.00Add to cart |
ICA Programs Designed for Active-Duty & Veterans
Are you an active-duty service member, transitioning, or retired veteran looking for a well-paid and respected civilian career?
ICA has multiple programs to help!
Flexible, Comprehensive and Built for Your Success
Our training combines online learning and hands-on field training to deliver a complete, state-approved program that’s accessible, affordable and flexible.
Earn a competitive salary:
Earn a competitive salary while running your own business. How does your state stack up?
Set your own pace:
Edcetera offers affordable online and in-person learning options that meet state requirements and fit into your busy schedule.
Eliminate stress:
We work closely with leading associations and tailor training to each state’s standard to take the guesswork out of complex regulatory requirements.
Learn from experts:
Our trainers are the best of the best and are licensed in the states in which they’re teaching.
Celebrate your accomplishments:
We make it easy to track your success and stay on top of annual requirements.
Support at every step:
Instructors and peer-led communities will support your growth and development as well as answer questions about how to launch and grow your business.
Trusted by thousands:
Edcetera is trusted by thousands of students as well as leading academic institutions and professional associations.
ICA Provides You With All the Tools You Need to Become a Successful Home Inspector
From mastering inspections to running your own business, our course covers everything you need to know.
What’s Included
- Unlimited Course Access and Support: Even after the course is over, you can return and revisit all of the ICA materials.
- Comprehensive Training and Resources: Registration includes essential resources, powerful tools to start your own business and exclusive bonus materials.
- BONUS Courses and Material: Master inspections for roofs, structural components, exteriors, plumbing, electrical systems, and more.*
- Report-Writing Software: All ICA students receive Report Form Nitro Inspection Report Software ($399 value) at no extra cost. This software simplifies the home inspection process, making it easy to generate and share reports.
- One-Year Access to Edcetera Home Inspection: (a $99 value), which includes buisness management skills, advanced training, marketing training and access to tools and templates.
* Bonus materials depend on each state’s unique regulations.
Plus Bonus Tools and Resources for Success
- Free Access to Report Form Nitro: A top industry report-writing tool, included with your training (valued at $399).
- Lifetime Course Access: Complete the course at your own pace and revisit materials anytime.
- Exclusive Membership: Gain a free one-year membership to Edcetera Home Inspection, offering ongoing support through webinars, on-demand videos, PDFs and community access.
- Additional Training: Access bonus courses and prep resources for a well-rounded home inspection education.
State Specific Home Inspection FAQs
How do I become a home inspector in New York?
Becoming a home inspector in New York takes three steps:
- Complete 100 hours of New York-approved home inspector education. ICA offers this through a live webinar. Check out our upcoming dates.
- Attend 40 hours of NYDOS-approved field training. We offer this over two consecutive weekend sessions. See our upcoming dates and locations.
- Take and pass the New York State Written Examination, for which our course fully prepares you.
Are there any requirements for becoming a home inspector in New York? To become a home inspector in New York, you must be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed high school or its equivalent. You must also provide proof of general liability insurance for $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate when applying for your Home Inspector License before applying for a home inspector license from New York state.
How much money do New York home inspectors make? The average salary for a home inspector in New York is approximately $79,883-$104,783 per year according to Salary.com.
How much money should a home inspector charge for a home inspection in New York? The typical cost for a home inspection in New York ranges from $400 to $600, depending on the size and age of the property.
What are the continuing education requirements in New York?
To maintain your active license, you are required to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education within their two-year license renewal period prior to the expiration date in order to renew their license. You must complete 24 hours of approved coursework before the specific expiration date in order to renew your status.
ICA Home Inspection Certification FAQ
- When can I expect to know the details of my live class?
The instructors and our operations team will send you emails 2-3 days prior to your class. The class locations will be provided in this email along with other important information related to your live class.**As a note, the locations of the houses will be within an hour or so from your purchased class location.
- What is the exact location of my field training?
As a home inspector, you typically have to travel to the residences as part of the job. With our field trainings, the expectation should be that you may need to travel an hour or so from your purchased class location in order to get the full experience. We of course try and keep the house locations as close to the city we advertise but sometimes we need to go outside of that range to get our students the best learning experience to inspect different types of houses.
- Will I receive a certification?
Yes, we email you a copy of your National Certification of Home Inspector certificate. ICA graduates also receive a digital certification badge for use on business materials and social media.
- What inspection report should I use?
ICA graduates receive Report Form Nitro software for free (a $400 value). This user-friendly report can be printed, filled out by hand, or completed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. A mobile app version is also available.
- Is there a time limit to complete the online course?
No. You can complete the course at your own pace.
- Will I receive a list of necessary tools?
Yes. We provide a full list of required tools, including a moisture meter and combustible gas detector—all for approximately $200.
- What is included in ICA’s membership portal, Edcetera Home Inspection?
Success in home inspection requires more than just licensing. Edcetera Home Inspection provides:
-
- Business management training
- Advanced home inspection education
- Marketing & networking resources
- Access to tools & templates
- A professional community for ongoing support
- Do you provide marketing materials for my business?
Yes! Our Edcetera Home Inspection portal includes business templates, webinars, downloadable PDFs, and everything you need to start and grow your home inspection business.
- Can I start my own business after completing this course?
Absolutely! Most graduates start their own successful home inspection businesses. Our course includes training on marketing and business startup.
- What if I have questions during the course?
We offer full student and graduate support—even if you have questions while performing an inspection!
- Do I need to be a home builder to become a home inspector?
No. Our training prepares students from all backgrounds to become successful home inspectors. - Does a home inspector need to get on the roof of the home?
No. Home inspectors should not go on the roof of the home. Per current standards of practice, the proper way to inspect a roof is to stand back and use binoculars. A few home inspectors have even started using small drones to inspect a roof, but that is not very common yet. Over ninety percent of home inspectors use the binocular technique for inspecting the roof of a home. - Does ICA offer discounts for military service members?
Yes! ICA is proud to support all our military service members. All active and former military personnel receive an exclusive discount for ICA’s home inspection training. ICA is also approved for no-cost home inspection training through the ArmyIgnitED Credentialing Assistance Program, Air Force COOL, and GI Bill® Tuition Reimbursement for veterans. Learn more.
- Should I join an association after I am a certified home inspector?
ICA home inspection graduates are eligible for a free one month membership to a recognized association upon completion of our online home inspection course. ICA is affiliated with both the American Society of Home Inspectors and InterNACHI. These two professional organizations are well-respected in our industry, and offer further professional development opportunities.
State Specific Home Inspection FAQs
How much do home inspectors make in Michigan?
The average salary for a home inspector in the state is around $64,030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With proper training, you can quickly build a profitable career.
Does Michigan require a license to work as a home inspector?
No, michigan does not require a license. The state is completely unregulated, meaning there are no required pre-licensing hours or state boards to report to.
Why should I become a certified home inspector if there is no license?
Because anyone can legally inspect homes in Michigan, lenders prefer working with licensed home inspectors or certified professionals. Earning your home inspector certification proves to clients that you are a reliable expert who understands the skills needed for the job.
What are the national prerequisites to become a home inspector in Michigan?
There are no national prerequisites or state-mandated education courses. However, completing a reputable training program is the industry standard.
Do I need insurance to work as a home inspector in Michigan?
While not legally required by the state, obtaining general liability and errors and omissions insurance is practically mandatory to protect your business and satisfy the requirements of real estate agents.
Should I take the inspector exam in Michigan?
Yes. Although you do not legally have to pass the national home inspector exam, taking it provides an independent verification of your knowledge. Practice exams are available to help you prepare.
Keep Exploring Your Path to a Home Inspection Career
Everything you need to get licensed, prepare for your exam, and grow your home inspection business all in one place.
- How to Become a Home Inspector: Full guide to launching your career
- Exam Prep: Study guides and prep resources to pass your state exams on your first try
- Home Inspector Salary: Earning potential and career outlook for home inspectors
- Mold & Radon Certifications: Expand your New York inspection services with specialty certifications
- 90-Day Insurance Coverage: Bridge your coverage gap from day one