Virginia Home Inspector License: Online & In-Person Training
ICA is fully approved by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), giving you a direct, state-sanctioned pathway to home inspector licensure. Our online program meets every DPOR requirement. Complete your training, pass the National Home Inspector Examination, and get licensed on your schedule.
Virginia Home Inspector License — Quick Facts
Pre-licensing hours required | Two DPOR-approved pathways: Option A: 70 contact hours + 25 supervised inspections (offered by ICA) Option B: 35 contact hours + 50 supervised inspections |
| Field training required | Yes — 25 or 50 supervised inspections depending on pathway chosen |
| Exam required | National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) |
| Application Fee | $80 |
| Insurance required | Yes — $250,000 general liability minimum |
| License renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE hours required | 16 contact hours per renewal cycle (per Board Regulation 18 VAC 15-40-72) |
| Governing body | Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors (DPOR) |
5 Steps to Becoming a Home Inspector in Virginia
1. Complete state-approved home inspection training
- Virginia gives you two pathways to satisfy the education and field training requirement. Choose the one that fits your timeline:
Option A (Offered by ICA) | Option B | |
Training hours | 70 contact hours | 35 contact hours |
Supervised inspections | 25 inspections | 50 inspections |
Best for | More classroom study, fewer field ride-alongs | Less classroom time, more hands-on field experience |
2. Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).
We thoroughly prepare all students for the exam with comprehensive training, a 200-page online study guide, and 700 exam prep practice questions. The NHIE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and costs approximately $225 per attempt. ICA’s exam prep is included to help you pass on the first try.
3. Complete your field inspection requirement
Complete a minimum of 25 ride-along inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed Virginia home inspector (required when paired with the 70-hour education path). Most new inspectors get paid for this work as on-the-job training.
4. Obtain $250,000 in general liability insurance.
Virginia requires proof of insurance coverage before your license is issued. ICA can connect you with insurance providers who specialize in coverage for home inspectors. For more information on VA home inspection requirements, visit the Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation site.
5. Apply online through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
The application fee is $80. Once approved, your license is valid for two years. Now you can start your own business or work as a home inspector.
Visit the Virginia regulatory website for more information.
Virginia Home Inspector Licensing Authority
| Governing body | Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors (DPOR) |
| Official website | dpor.virginia.gov |
Choose Your Path to Home Inspection Success
Every ICA package is built to meet Virginia’s pre-license education requirements. Choose the level that matches your goals, whether you want the essentials to get licensed or a full business-launch toolkit.
Finance your training: 0% APRor as low as $88/mo with Affirm. See if you qualify
Active-duty military, veterans, and first responders receive exclusive discounts. ICA is also approved for GI Bill® reimbursement, ArmyIgnitED. Learn more.
Select one of our Self-Paced Online + Classroom Training Packages listed below:
What's included in ICA's Training Packages?
ICA Training Packages |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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| 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 | |||
Virginia New Residential Structure Courses – NEW!
Looking for the Virginia New Resident Structure Training Modules? ICA is proud to offer two board-approved NRS courses.
A NRS specialty (New Residential Structure designation) grants a licensed Virginia home inspector authorization to conduct home inspections on any new residential structure. Applicants must hold a valid Virginia Home Inspector license prior to receiving approval for the NRS specialty and may not conduct inspections on new residential structures without this designation.
Virginia NRS Course Descriptions
Virginia 8-Hour New Residential Structure (NRS) Training Module for Home Inspectors
This comprehensive 8-hour Virginia NRS (New Residential Structure) course is designed for licensed home inspectors seeking to meet the state’s requirements for conducting NRS inspections. The course covers essential laws, regulations, and standards specific to inspecting new residential structures in Virginia. Through in-depth instruction, inspectors gain the knowledge needed to properly evaluate NRS projects, document findings, and remain compliant with Virginia Board of Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors requirements. Successful completion ensures inspectors are fully qualified to add the NRS designation to their license.
Virginia 4-Hour New Residential Structure (NRS) CPE Training Module for Home Inspectors
The 4-hour Virginia NRS (New Residential Structure) course provides a streamlined option for inspectors who already hold the NRS designation and need to renew their qualification. This refresher course highlights updates to Virginia codes, laws, and inspection practices, ensuring inspectors stay current with the latest requirements. It is an efficient, focused way to maintain compliance with the Virginia Board of Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors continuing education standards while strengthening expertise in new residential structure inspections.
You can purchase these courses separately below.
| Course Name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia 8-Hour New Residential Structure (NRS) Training Module for Home Inspectors This course provides the initial training required to obtain the Virginia NRS designation. | Online self-paced | $299.00Add to cart |
| Virginia 4-Hour New Residential Structure (NRS) CPE Training Module for Home Inspectors This course is approved as continuing education (CE) for inspectors who already hold the Virginia NRS designation. | Online self-paced | $149.00Add to cart |
Start your own
Free Trial Course Today
In this FREE on-demand webinar, you’ll learn:
- How much a home inspector makes
- The benefits of a career in home inspection
- The requirements to get your license
- What ICA’s training includes
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 Edcelerate Community powered by ICA: (a $99 value), which includes business 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.
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:
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- 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, 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.
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