The requirements you have to meet to become a licensed home inspector may depend on where you live. In most places, however, a basic level of education and some formal training are required. For example, you typically will need to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent and complete a training course in home inspection. Depending on where you live, you may have the opportunity to take a home inspection course in a traditional classroom, online, or even through the mail. Once you have completed a training course, you will typically then have to meet the requirements of a licensing organization and fill out an application for your credential, and in many cases, you will have to pass a licensing examination as well.
The educational requirements you will have to meet to become a licensed home inspector may depend on where you live and hope to work. In most cases, however, you will need a high school or general educational development (GED) diploma to pursue this career. This level of education is often required by the organization responsible for licensing home inspectors as well as by the schools that offer home inspection training.
Once you have earned a high school diploma or GED, you will most likely have to go on to seek formal training in home inspections. You can look for such training programs at community colleges as well as through independent schools that focus on home inspection training. You may also find this type of training course online and through the mail. With so many options available, you can choose the option that best suits your learning style and current schedule of availability.
The subject matter you will learn in a home inspection training course may depend on where you choose to study. In most cases, however, these courses will cover such subjects as door and roof inspections, heating systems, plumbing, electric and gas systems, and building and safety codes, as well as many other important topics. When choosing a program, it is crucial to select one that will cover all of the topics the licensing organization will expect you to know.
In most areas, after you have completed a training program, you will have to meet the requirements of a licensing organization to become a licensed home inspector. For example, you may have to prove that you've had acceptable training, pay a fee, complete an application, and pass an exam. In some locations, you may also need experience as a registered inspector before you can become a licensed home inspector.
