Washington Home Inspector License: Training, Exam & Requirements
Washington State requires a license to work as a home inspector, and the path starts with the right training. The Washington State Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board, under the WA Department of Licensing (DOL), oversees all licensing in the state. Every applicant must complete a 120-hour fundamentals course, complete 40 hours of field training with five actual inspections, and pass both the state and national components of the home inspector exam before they can legally perform inspections for compensation.
ICA is a fully approved Washington home inspector training provider. Our 120-hour live webinar course meets the Board’s curriculum requirements, and our field training program satisfies the 40-hour hands-on requirement, all from a single provider, on a schedule that works for you.
Washington Home Inspector License: Requirements at a Glance
| State license required? | Yes, required by Washington State DOL before performing inspections for compensation |
| Governing body | Washington State Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board (under WA Dept. of Licensing) |
| Pre-licensing education | 120-hour Board-approved Fundamentals of Home Inspection course |
| Field training | 40 hours with an experienced home inspector – minimum 5 actual inspections with written reports |
| Education validity | Field training reports must be completed within 2 years of application |
| Exam | Both state AND national components required (Washington Home Inspector Examination) |
| Exam fee | $300 (paid when you schedule your exam) |
| Exam retake | $125 state portion · $250 national portion · 30-day wait between attempts |
| Exam eligibility window | Must pass all portions within 2 years of application approval |
| Background check | Required for all applicants |
| Application method | Online via SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account – or by mail |
| Licensing fee | $720 (paid with license application) |
| Total government fees | ~$1,020+ (exam + license, before training costs) |
| License renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE required | 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period |
| Commercial inspectors | Not licensed by DOL — regulated separately by county/municipality |
How to Become a Home Inspector in Washington: 5 Steps
Step 1
Complete a 120-hour Board-approved Fundamentals of Home Inspection course.
Washington requires every home inspector applicant to complete a Washington-approved 120-hour Fundamentals of Home Inspection course from a program on the Board’s approved course list. ICA’s 120-hour live webinar course meets the full curriculum requirements set by the Washington State Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board and is available in daytime, evening, and accelerated formats. ICA is a DOL-approved provider.
Step 2
Complete 40 hours of field training with 5 actual inspections.
After your coursework, you must complete 40 hours of hands-on training with an experienced home inspector, including a minimum of 5 actual home inspections with written reports. Field training and 5 actual inspections must be completed within the two years before submitting your exam application. ICA offers field training in select Washington locations. Contact us to find upcoming dates near you.
Step 3
Apply for the Washington Home Inspector Exam through SecureAccess Washington (SAW).
Submit your Home Inspector Examination Application online through your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account at the DOL’s website. Include your certificate of completion from your Board-approved course. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an exam approval letter with your assigned ID number and instructions to schedule your exam with the testing vendor. Please contact the board for any questions.
Step 4
Pass the Washington Home Inspector Exam (state + national components).
Washington requires candidates to pass both the state and national portions of the Home Inspector Examination. The exam fee is $300, paid when you schedule your exam. At the testing site, select “Real Estate” as the category and “Washington Home Inspector Program” as the program. If you need to retake a portion, the state retake fee is $125 and the national retake fee is $250; a 30-day waiting period applies. You must pass all portions within your 2-year eligibility window. ICA’s training includes practice questions and exam preparation designed to help you take and pass the national home inspector exam with confidence.
Step 5
Apply for your WA home inspector license and begin your career.
Once you’ve passed both exam components, submit your license application (either online through SAW or by mail), along with your pass/fail reports and the $720 licensing fee. Note: A criminal background check is required as part of the application. After approval, you can print your license for free through your SAW account or request a copy by mail ($5). Your WA home inspector license is valid for two years and requires 24 hours of continuing education credits at each renewal.
Washington State Home Inspector Licensing Authority
Washington is a licensed state. No person may perform home inspections for compensation without a valid license issued by the Washington State Home Inspectors Board. The following govern the licensing process:
| Governing body | Washington State Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board under the WA Department of Licensing (DOL) |
| Official licensing page | dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/home-inspectors → View Washington licensing requirements |
| Apply/manage license | professions.dol.wa.gov (SecureAccess Washington SAW account required) |
| DOL phone | 360-664-6500 |
Your Washington Home Inspector Training: Three Packages, One Approved Provider
ICA offers three home inspection training packages designed to meet Washington’s requirements and fit different schedules, budgets, and career goals. Every package includes the full Board-approved 120-hour live webinar course, our 40-hour field training program, and lifetime access to everything you need to meet the Washington home inspector license requirements from a single provider. Compare plans below to find your perfect fit.
Select one of our Live Webinar Packages (120 Hours) & Field Training Classes (40 Hours) listed below:
| Location | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|
WASHINGTON - FIELD TRAINING |
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| Spokane, WA | August 13-16 2026Field Training: 8am - 6:30pm | $800.00Add to cart |
| Seattle, WA | August 27-30 2026Field Training: 8am - 6:30pm | $800.00Add to cart |
| Seattle, WA | November 5-8 2026Field Training: 8am - 6:30pm | $800.00Add to cart |
| Seattle, WA | December 17-20 2026Field Training: 8am - 6:30pm | $800.00Add to cart |
| Spokane, WA | December 17-20 2026Field Training: 8am - 6:30pm | $800.00Add to cart |
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 | |||
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- 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
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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.
How Much Do Home Inspectors Make in Washington State?
Washington is one of the stronger markets for home inspectors in the country. The average home inspector salary in Washington State is approximately $70,000–$93,000 per year, with full-time inspectors in high-demand markets like Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma at the top of that range. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for SOC code 47-4011, Washington’s median inspector earnings consistently rank above the national average.
ICA’s Washington home inspector training starts at $1,795. Most graduates recoup their full investment within their first few months of active inspections.
View Washington home inspector salary data on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website → View data
Washington Home Inspector License: FAQ
Does Washington State require a home inspector license?
Yes, Washington is a fully licensed state. Anyone who examines the conditions of a home for a fee must hold a valid license issued by the Washington State Home Inspectors Board (under the DOL) before performing inspections. Working without a license is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
What are the education requirements to become a home inspector in Washington?
Washington requires every applicant to complete a 120-hour Board-approved fundamentals of home inspection course from an approved provider. ICA’s 120-hour live webinar course meets the full curriculum requirements and is available in daytime, evening, and accelerated formats. Your coursework must be completed before you can submit your exam application.
What is the field training requirement for the Washington home inspector license?
After completing your 120-hour course, you must complete 40 hours of field training with an experienced home inspector that includes a minimum of 5 actual home inspections with written reports. Field training and 5 actual inspections must have been completed within the two years before your exam application. ICA offers field training in multiple Washington locations.
What is the Washington Home Inspector Exam, and what does it cost?
The Washington Home Inspector Exam consists of both a state component and a national component. The exam fee is $300, paid when you schedule your exam with the testing vendor. You must pass both components within your 2-year eligibility window. If you need to retake a portion, the state retake fee is $125 and the national retake fee is $250, with a mandatory 30-day waiting period between attempts.
How much does it cost to get a home inspector license in Washington?
The government fees alone total approximately $1,020+: $300 for the exam and $720 for the license application fee. This does not include the cost of your 120-hour pre-licensing course or field training. Veterans may be eligible for partial fee reimbursement through the GI Bill. Contact ICA to learn more about our military discounts and programs.
How do I apply for my Washington home inspector license?
After passing both exam components, submit your license application online through your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account at the DOL website or by mail. You’ll need to include your pass/fail exam reports, a criminal background check, and the $720 licensing fee. Once approved, you can print your license for free through your SAW account or request a copy by mail for $5.
How often do I need to renew my Washington home inspector license?
Washington home inspector licenses renew every two years. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits per renewal period. ICA offers CE courses for Washington home inspectors. Visit our Washington CE page to see what’s available.
Does Washington have reciprocity with other states?
Washington does not currently have a formal reciprocity agreement with other states. If you hold a current license from another state and are moving to Washington, your military experience or training may help meet some requirements. Contact the Washington State Home Inspectors Board at dol.wa.gov to confirm current reciprocity policies before applying.
Keep Exploring Your Path to a Home Inspection Career in Washington
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 in Washington
- WA Continuing Education Courses: Board-approved CE to maintain your license
- Home Inspector Salary: Earning potential and career outlook for home inspectors in WA
- Mold & Radon Certifications: Expand your Washington inspection services with specialty certifications
- NHIE Exam Prep: eBook bundle and prep resources to pass the national exam
- Commercial Inspection Certification: Go beyond residential and expand your WA business
- 90-Day Insurance Coverage: Bridge your coverage gap from day one
- What’s Included With ICA Training: Everything you get with your Washington home inspector education
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