Home Inspector Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Start here to ensure you’re fully compliant and ready to succeed by understanding the licensing requirements for home inspectors in Illinois.

Licensing Required

Yes

Exam Required

National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)

Total Education
Hours

60 hours + 5 mock inspections

Minimum Age Requirement

18 years

Citizenship
Requirements

Must be a citizen of the US or a lawfully admitted alien

Steps to Become a Home Inspector in Illinois

1

Complete 60 Hours of Illinois-Approved Education

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requires applicants to complete a 60-hour home inspection course from an approved provider.

2

Perform 5 Mock Home Inspections

As part of the education requirement, you must successfully perform and document five mock home inspections under the supervision of a licensed inspector.

3

Pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)

The NHIE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as property inspection, analysis of findings, and professional responsibilities. The exam costs $225 and requires a score of 500 or higher to pass. You can schedule your exam through PSI, the designated testing provider.

4

Submit Your Application and Pay the $250 Fee

Once you’ve passed the exam, submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The application form can be found online, and there is a $250 application fee. Send your completed application to:

IDFPR – Division of Real Estate
Real Estate Education Section
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786

Continuing Education Requirements for Home Inspectors in Illinois

Hours Required

12 hours

Renewal Cycle

Every two years, with a renewal deadline of November 30th

WIN Home Inspection

In-House Training for 35+ Essential Home Inspection Services

WIN Home Inspection offers an in-house training program that is fully approved and meets all the requirements for becoming a certified home inspector in Illinois. Our robust training covers 35+ essential home inspection services and is included in the franchise fees, so no outside schooling or additional costs. This includes certifications in specialized services such as sewer scope inspections and drone roof inspections. By joining WIN, you gain access to state-approved training and state-of-the-art tools and technologies, including our proprietary report writing software, which has been a game-changer for our inspectors. If you're interested in leveraging a complete package that sets you up for success in the home inspection industry, contact us today to learn more about starting your business with WIN.

Home inspectors group training
Home Inspectors licensing training
WIN Home Inspection training, working on their laptops and ipad
WIN Home Inspector with mic
Knowledge Center

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What is the salary of home inspectors in Illinois?

Home inspectors in Illinois earn an average salary of $83,500 annually, with a range from $72,000 to $94,000.

2.

How many questions are on the Illinois Home Inspectors exam?

The Illinois home inspection exam consists of 200 questions. A passing score is 500 or higher.

3.

How long does it take to become a home inspector in Illinois?

To become a licensed home inspector, you must complete 60 hours of training, conduct 5 mock inspections, and pass the NHIE with a score of 500 or higher.

Scroll to Top