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Ohio Home Inspection Certification & Home Inspector Training

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 as an ohio home inspector. Access our comprehensive, real-world training materials online anytime, anywhere—perfect for any schedule. If you want to become a home inspector in ohio, obtaining your ohio home inspector license is your first step.

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Ohio Home Inspector License Requirements at a Glance

Requirement

Ohio Details

State license required?

Yes

Pre-licensing training

80 hours of classroom education

Field training required

40 hours of field training (completed via one peer review or 10 parallel inspections)

State/National exam

National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)

Minimum age

18 (Must have a high school diploma or GED)

Application fee

$250

Fingerprinting

Yes, dual background checks required (state BCI and national FBI via Webcheck fingerprinting)

State insurance requirement

Minimum $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate in General Liability

License renewal cycle

Every 3 years

CE hours required

14 hours annually (42 hours every 3 years)

Governing body

Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (under the Department of Commerce)

How to Become a Home Inspector in Ohio

Ohio requires a license to work as a home inspector. Follow these steps to meet all state requirements and launch your career.

Step 1: Complete 80 Hours of Approved Classroom Training

Register for ICA’s Online Home Inspector Certification Program. ICA’s 80-hour online home inspection course is fully approved by the Ohio Home Inspection Board to meet the full educational requirement for a new Ohio home inspector’s path to licensing. This 80-hour online course covers all essential areas of home inspection. Inspection Certification Associates is approved (registered) with the OHSBCCS. Our online class is widely recognized as the best home inspector training available.

Step 2: Complete the 40-Hour Curriculum of Experience

Complete our approved 40-hour Curriculum of Experience Course. To satisfy the strict requirements in Ohio, you must complete 40 hours of field training. You can achieve this by completing either one peer review or 10 parallel inspections. Click here to view our Curriculum of Experience approval letter from the state of Ohio: OH Course Approval.

Step 3: Pass the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE)

Take and pass the National Home Inspectors Exam. Also known as the national home inspector examination (NHIE), you must pass the exam to prove your competency. We provide robust exam prep to help you conquer this license exam.

Step 4: Submit Dual Background Checks and Your Application

Before conducting home inspections legally, you must submit your application to the Ohio Department of Commerce (Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing). Ohio uniquely requires dual background checks: a state BCI check and a national FBI record check via Webcheck fingerprinting. Congratulations! Now you can start your own business or work as a home inspector. Visit the Ohio regulatory website for more information.

Ohio Home Inspector Licensing Authority

Ohio home inspector certification is regulated by the following state agency. Always verify current requirements directly with the board.

Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing

 

Official Website

com.ohio.gov

Licensing Page

com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/real-estate-and-professional-licensing/

Phone

614-466-4100

Address

77 South High Street, 20th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

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.

Select one of our Online + Live Webinar & Field Training Packages listed below:

ICA Training Packages
Foundation
Premier
Elite
Online Home Inspection Course
ICA’s award-winning online home inspection course is available to you on-demand 24/7, and features fully narrated videos by our expert instructors.
  • Lifetime Course Access and Support
    Your ICA course never expires, and is continually updated. Enjoy expert support by our veteran team.
  • Bonus Course Library
    ICA’s training package includes 14 extra courses such as our NEW! Build Your Business Course, Thermal Imaging, Pool & Spa Inspection, Termite Inspection, Septic Inspection and many more.
Multiple Live Classroom Locations
ICA has live classes in 17 states and counting! Check our website to see if we offer classes in your area. Learn more
Digital Badge
ICA partners with Credly, a widely trusted digital credentialing company, to provide our graduates with a versatile and secure digital badge. Learn more.
Report Software Included at No Extra Charge
This is an invaluable tool that allows you to produce attractive reports for your inspections. ICA includes full report software for life. Learn more.
Home Inspector Pro Software 90-Day Free Trial NEW!
Home Inspector Pro is a premium, feature-rich report writing software that grows with you and your business. With your ICA subscription, you can try it out risk-free for 90 days.
ICA Perks – Exclusive Offers and Discounts
ICA offers discounts and free trials for a wide range of products and services relevant to your home inspection career. Learn more
InterNACHI Business Development and Technical Textbooks NEW!
$100 InterNACHI Membership Discount NEW!
Receive a $100 InterNACHI Membership discount for your first year.
Edcelerate powered by ICA NEW!
Gain access to ICA Edcelerate, a community built for home inspection professionals, instructors, and students looking to grow their careers and stay connected to the industry. Participate in live coaching, exclusive events, and curated content and resources while building relationships that matter. Enjoy access to job opportunities, real-world insights, and a space designed to support your growth and impact in the field.
1-Year InterNACHI Membership NEW!
The nation’s most prestigious professional association for home inspectors, with resources and services to take your career to the next level. Enjoy a one-year membership on us, a value of $499!
ICA 360 1-Year Membership
An extensive library of professional development resources such as topical webinars, over 60 videos of virtual inspections, and much more.
NHIE e-Book Study Guides NEW!
Two high-quality eBook study guides written by the authors of the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), normally valued at $150. Learn more
Mold & Radon Inspection Certifications NEW!
Mold & Radon courses (available for selected states) allow you to provide valuable extra services, a value of up to $555. Learn more
Commercial Inspection
ICA’s online course includes commercial inspection training to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
ICA Elite Inspector (IPI) Digital Badge NEW!
ICA’s highest designation, showing your expertise in home inspection with specialties in mold and radon. Learn more

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.
Download Course Catalog

State Specific Home Inspection FAQs

How do I obtain your Ohio home inspector certification?

To get your home inspection license in Ohio, you must complete 80 hours of classroom education, 40 hours of field experience, pass the NHIE, pass dual background checks, and submit your application to the state board.

A licensed home inspector shall complete at least 14 hours of continuing education annually. Because your license is valid for three years, an inspector shall complete at least 42 hours of continuing education before renewal. You can fulfill this by taking our continuing education classes.

According to the BLS, home inspectors in Ohio earn an average of $62,000 to $75,000 per year, making a career in home inspection highly rewarding. You can start earning quickly after you become a certified home inspector.

  • 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.

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.