State-by-State Home Inspector Licensing Requirements for 2026

The demand for home inspectors is currently increasing. Several cities across the United States are beginning to embrace the benefits of remote video inspections. So if you’re planning to start a business, this year presents an excellent opportunity to enter the industry. With new technology simplifying scheduling, billing, and reporting, becoming a home inspector is more accessible than ever.

However, when it comes to licensing, things can get complicated in the U.S. Requirements vary widely from state to state. Some states require a formal licence that includes coursework, exams, and even supervised inspections, while others don’t mandate state licensure at all — though they may still recommend (or require) membership in a professional association or compliance with trade-practice regulations.

In this blog, we’ll simplify the path to becoming a home inspector and give you a state-by-state guide to all current licensing requirements.

How To Become A Home Inspector

Step #1: Complete a Home Inspector Training Program.
Start by enrolling in a recognized home inspection course. Most states require formal training that covers building systems, safety standards, and report writing. Online and in-person options are available. The following are some of the topics that you should study:

• Safe work practices and on-site inspector safety
• Essential standards every home inspector must know
• Residential plumbing systems and components
• Residential electrical system inspection basics
• Roof systems and common roofing defects
• HVAC system components and inspection procedures
• Identifying structural issues in homes
• Exterior components and inspection techniques
• Attics, insulation, ventilation, and interior inspections
• Deck construction, safety, and inspection methods
• Moisture intrusion causes, detection, and prevention
• Fireplaces, stoves, and chimney inspection fundamentals
• Residential Standards of Practice
• Home inspector ethics and professional conduct

Step #2: Pass the Required Licensing Exam.
Many states require the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) or a state-specific exam. Taking the exam early helps you understand the knowledge areas you’ll need to focus on.

Step #3: Conduct Supervised or Mock Inspections.
Some states require supervised field inspections. Where it isn’t mandatory, completing several mock inspections is still recommended to build confidence and real-world experience. Make sure you understand the key features of the right home inspection software. It is essential for building a successful business.

Step #4: Complete Ethics and Standards of Practice Training.
Most licensing boards require training on ethics and standards of practice to ensure inspectors follow consistent, professional guidelines. These modules are often included in your training provider’s curriculum.

Step #5: Apply for State Licensure.
Submit your state application, along with proof of training, exam results, background checks, and any required insurance (such as E&O or general liability insurance).

Step #6: Join a Professional Association.
While optional in some states, joining a recognized organization like InterNACHI® or ASHI provides ongoing education, professional credibility, and resources that help you grow your inspection business.

States Requiring Home Inspector Licenses

Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of where licenses are required (and what that typically means), and where they are not.

Alabama

Alabama regulates home inspectors through the Alabama Division of Construction Management, requiring annual licence renewal and 15 hours of continuing education each year. To qualify, you must complete either 120 hours of approved education plus 35 inspections, or 35 hours of education plus 100 inspections. Applicants must pass both the ASHI Standards and Ethics Exam and the National Home Inspector Examination within 18 months of applying, submit 25 drafted inspection reports (with 10 reviewed), show proof of required E&O and liability insurance, and pay a $300 registration fee. You can mail your application or complete the application online.

Contact Information

ATTENTION: HOME INSPECTORS REGISTRATION SECTION
Department of Finance/Division of Construction Management
P. O. BOX 301150
MONTGOMERY, AL 36130-1150

Alaska

Alaska home inspector applicants must abide by rules set by Department of Commerce and Economic Development. You must also pass some tests to get an Alaska Business License and pay a bond of $5,000. Once you become a home inspector, you need to have continuing education – 4 hours every year.

Contact Information

The Division of Corporation and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Phone: (907) 465-2050
Email: HomeInspectors@Alaska.Gov

Arizona 

To become an inspector in Arizona, you need to complete 84 hours of pre-licensing education, 30 home inspections for experience, and pass the National Home Inspector Exam. The application fee is $175 and a bond of $25,000 is also required. Licenses are to be renewed every year.

Contact Information

Arizona State Board of Technical Registration
1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 240
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 364-4930

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. does not currently regulate the home inspection profession.
Although no licence is required, new inspectors are strongly encouraged to carry liability insurance and pursue certification through a reputable training organisation to build credibility and protect their business.

Arkansas

To become a home inspector in Arkansas, you need to complete 80 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of apprenticeship, which should include three home inspections for experience. The registration fee is $250-$350 per year depending on when you submit your application. Call the home Arkansas Home Inspector Office to register or register online.

Contact Information

Home Inspector Registration Board
900 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 296-1843

California

California does not currently regulate or license home inspectors, but anyone operating a home inspection business is still expected to follow professional ethics and industry best practices. If you’re interested in becoming a home inspector in California or want guidance on getting started, you can contact the state’s consumer hotline at 1-(800) 321-2752.

Colorado

Colorado does not regulate home inspectors, and a proposed licensing bill in 2017 did not pass. Since there are no formal state requirements, clients and real estate agents typically look for inspectors who can show solid training, recognised certifications, and strong customer reviews.

Connecticut

Anyone aspiring to become a home inspector in Connecticut must have completed high-school or its equivalent, have 200 paid inspections, and have conducted 100 supervised inspections with a licensed home inspector. There will be a written and oral exam and a registration fee of $200.

Contact Information

Department of Consumer Protection
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 901
Hartford, CT 06103
Email: dcp.occupationalprofessional@ct.gov

Delaware

To work as a home inspector in Delaware, newcomers must first register as a Home Inspector Trainee unless they already hold an active license from another state. Once registered, trainees must complete at least 75 supervised home inspections — and these can only begin after the state officially issues the trainee credential.

Florida
Florida requires home inspectors to be licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Applicants must complete 120 hours of approved training, pass the NHIE, carry liability insurance, and clear a background check, with 14 hours of continuing education every two years.

Georgia

Georgia does not regulate home inspectors, but professionals are encouraged to obtain liability insurance and reputable training or certification. Despite the lack of licensing, the state offers strong business opportunities.

Hawaii

Hawaii has no formal licensing requirements for home inspectors. However, obtaining liability insurance and recognised certification is strongly recommended.

Idaho

Idaho does not regulate home inspectors. Aspiring inspectors are encouraged to pursue liability insurance and certification through a trusted training organisation.

Illinois

Illinois regulates home inspectors through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Requirements include being at least 18, having a high school diploma or GED, completing 60 hours of approved education, completing five supervised field events, passing the state exam (including NHIE), and submitting a $250 application.

Iowa

Iowa currently does not regulate home inspectors. If you're planning to enter the field, it’s wise to secure liability insurance and complete certification through a recognised home inspection training organisation.

Kansas

Kansas also has no state-level licensing requirements for home inspectors. Because of this, getting certified through a reputable training provider and carrying liability insurance can help establish trust with clients.

Kentucky

Kentucky oversees home inspectors through the Board of Home Inspectors under the Office of Occupations and Professions. Applicants must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, complete 64 hours of approved training, complete supervised inspections, pass the NHIE, obtain insurance, and submit a full application with a passport photo.

Louisiana

Louisiana regulates home inspectors through the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors. To qualify, you’ll need a state police background check, 90 hours of classroom education, 30 hours of platform training, 10 live inspections, a report-writing seminar, insurance coverage, and a completed application with a fee.

Maine

Maine does not have licensing regulations for home inspectors. Still, new inspectors are encouraged to carry liability insurance and pursue reputable training or certification to build credibility.

Maryland

Maryland requires home inspectors to be licensed through the Department of Labor. Applicants must complete a 72-hour approved training course, pass the NHIE, submit an application with fees, and maintain at least $150,000 in general liability insurance.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts regulates home inspectors through the Board of Registration. To become an Associate Home Inspector, you’ll need 75 hours of education, 25 fee-paid inspections, a passed exam, and proof of E&O insurance. For full licensure, requirements include completing 100 supervised inspections, maintaining mandatory E&O coverage, and completing 12 hours of continuing education.

Michigan

Michigan does not currently regulate home inspectors. However, aspiring inspectors are strongly encouraged to carry liability insurance and earn certification through a reputable home inspection training organisation to build trust and credibility with clients.

Minnesota

Minnesota has no formal state regulation for home inspectors. Even so, obtaining liability insurance and certification from a recognised training provider is recommended to enhance professionalism and protect your business.

Mississippi

Mississippi regulates home inspectors through the Mississippi Home Inspector Board. Applicants must be at least 21, have a high school diploma or GED, complete a 60-hour approved course, pass the NHIE, and provide proof of $250,000 in both general liability and E&O insurance.

Mississippi Home Inspector Board
P.O. Box 12685, Jackson, MS 39236
(601) 321-6970 | info@mrec.state.ms.us

Missouri

Missouri currently does not regulate home inspectors. To strengthen credibility, many inspectors choose to carry liability insurance and complete certification with a reputable training organisation.

Montana

Montana regulates home inspectors through the Department of Labor & Industry. Requirements include 40 hours of approved instruction or passing a national exam, joining a national inspector association, obtaining workers’ compensation coverage or an ICEC, and securing at least $100,000 in liability and E&O insurance.

Montana Department of Labor & Industry
PO Box 8011, Helena, MT 59604
(406) 444-7734

Nebraska

Nebraska regulates home inspectors through mandatory state registration, although licensing and education are not required. As of January 1, 2023, inspectors must register with the Secretary of State before conducting inspections. The state recommends liability insurance and passing the NHIE to boost credibility.
Nebraska Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608, Lincoln, NE 68509
sos.licensing@nebraska.gov

Nevada

Nevada home inspectors are regulated by the Nevada Real Estate Division. Applicants must complete 40 hours of approved education, observe or complete 25 inspections, pass the state exam, submit fingerprints, hold $100,000 in liability and E&O insurance, and pay the $365 fee.

Nevada Real Estate Division
2501 E. Sahara Ave. Ste. 101, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(775) 687-4280

New Hampshire

New Hampshire regulates home inspectors through the Board of Home Inspectors. Requirements include 80 hours of approved education, proof of liability insurance, passing the NHIE or board-approved exam, completing the application, and paying the $200 fee.

NH Board of Home Inspectors
7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2152 | HomeInspector@oplc.nh.gov

New Jersey

New Jersey licenses home inspectors through the Home Inspection Advisory Committee. Applicants must complete a 180-hour approved course with 40 hours of supervised fieldwork or complete 250 supervised inspections. E&O insurance of $500,000 per occurrence is required.

State Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors
P.O. Box 45015, Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6460

New Mexico

New Mexico home inspectors are licensed through the Regulation & Licensing Department. Applicants must complete the state licensing application and meet all board-specified requirements.

New Mexico Home Inspectors Board
5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 222-2926 | home.inspectors@rld.nm.gov

New York

New York regulates home inspectors through the Division of Licensing Services. Candidates must complete 140 hours of education (including 40 hours of supervised fieldwork) or complete 100 supervised inspections, pass the state exam or NHIE, carry liability insurance, and pay the $250 application fee.

NY Department of State – Licensing Services
1 Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY 12231
(518) 474-4429

North Carolina

North Carolina licenses home inspectors through the Home Inspector Licensure Board. Requirements include 120 hours of classroom training, 80 hours of field training, passing the state exam, a background check, obtaining liability insurance, proving financial responsibility (via net assets, bond, or E&O), and paying all applicable fees.

NC Home Inspector License Board
325 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 647-0027

North Dakota

North Dakota regulates home inspectors through the Secretary of State. Applicants must be at least 18, pass an approved exam, provide proof of $100,000 liability insurance, complete the application, and pay the $200 fee.

Secretary of State
600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505
(701) 328-2924

Ohio

Ohio requires home inspectors to be licensed through the Department of Commerce. Applicants must pass a background check, complete 80 hours of education, pass the NHIE, complete supervised inspections or curriculum-based experience with peer review, and secure liability and E&O insurance.

Ohio Department of Commerce
77 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-4100

Oklahoma

Oklahoma licenses home inspectors through the Construction Industries Board. Requirements include 90 hours of approved training, passing the NHIE, obtaining at least $50,000 in general liability insurance, and submitting the application.
Oklahoma CIB
2401 NW 23rd Street, Suite 2F, Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 521-6550

Oregon

Oregon home inspectors are regulated by the Construction Contractors Board. Licensing requires 60 hours of approved education or 20 qualifying experience points, passing the NHIE, and submitting the application with a $150 certification fee.
Oregon CCB
700 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97309
(503) 378-4621

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not issue home inspector licenses, but inspectors must belong to a nonprofit home inspector association and carry both E&O and general liability insurance. The Attorney General’s Office oversees compliance and consumer protection.

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-3391

Rhode Island

Rhode Island licenses home inspectors through the Contractors Registration and Licensing Board. Applicants must complete supervised inspections, be an associate inspector for at least one year, pass the NHIE, and hold $500,000 in both liability and E&O insurance. Continuing education is required every two years.

State Building Office
560 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 921-1590

South Carolina

South Carolina regulates home inspectors through the Residential Builders Commission. Requirements include documented supervised inspections or one year of supervised experience, passing the technical exam, background check, and holding at least $250,000 in liability insurance. Licences renew every even-numbered year on June 30.

Residential Builders Commission
110 Centerview Dr., Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-4696