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Home Inspector Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

The requirements to become a home inspector, including education and examination, vary by state. Here is what to consider if you want to become an inspector in North Carolina.

Licensing Required

Yes

Exam Required

North Carolina State Exam

Total Education
Hours

120 hours classroom course + 80 hours field training course

Minimum Age Requirement

No minimum age requirement

Citizenship
Requirements

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

6 Steps to Become a Home Inspector in North Carolina

1

Complete a 120-Hour Pre-Licensing Course

Candidates must complete a North Carolina-approved 120-hour pre-licensing course. This requirement, established by the North Carolina Home Inspection Licensure Act, covers business practices and essential inspection skills.

2

Complete 80 Hours of Field Training

Applicants must complete an 80-hour field training course, which includes conducting 10 supervised site visits. This hands-on training provides practical experience and prepares candidates for real-world inspections.

3

Pass the North Carolina State Home Inspector Exam

The state exam is administered at the North Carolina Department of Insurance in Raleigh multiple times a year. The exam fee is $80, and thorough preparation is recommended.

4

Undergo a Background Check

Applicants must submit a criminal history record check through an approved provider, such as the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) or CastleBranch.com.

5

Obtain Insurance

North Carolina requires home inspectors to have:

  1. A General Liability policy with at least $250,000 in coverage
  2. One of the following:
    • Assets valued between $5,000 and $10,000
    • A surety bond between $5,000 and $10,000
    • An Errors & Omissions policy with at least $250,000 in coverage

6

Submit Your Application

Complete the online application through the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. Include the $35 application fee. If your license is granted, a $160 licensing fee applies.

Continuing Education Requirements for Home Inspectors in North Carolina

Hours Required

12 hours annually

Renewal Cycle

Annually by September 30

WIN Home Inspection

Kickstart Your Home Inspector Career

If you’re serious about becoming a home inspector in North Carolina, you should also explore various career paths, including becoming a franchise owner. WIN Home Inspection can help you navigate this process. In addition, you'll receive in-house training (covers 35+ essential home inspection services) that is fully approved and meets all the requirements for becoming a certified home inspector in North Carolina. This program includes franchise fees, so there are no outside schooling or additional costs. You'll also receive a home inspector certification in North Carolina for specialized services such as sewer scope inspections and drone roof inspections, which can help increase your salary.

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Knowledge Center

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What is the salary of home inspectors in North Carolina?

The average annual salary of a home inspector in North Carolina is $50,000, with top earners making up to $81,000. Entry-level salaries start at approximately $27,000.

2.

Is the North Carolina home inspector exam hard?

Like any test, the difficulty of the North Carolina home inspector exam depends on preparation. Familiarize yourself with the format, study diligently, and get sufficient rest before the test.

3.

How many questions are on the North Carolina Home Inspector Exam?

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, including 25 pre-exam questions that are not scored. Candidates have four hours to complete the test.

4.

What is the North Carolina license period for home inspectors?

Home inspectors must complete 120 hours of classroom training and 80 hours of field training. Licenses must be renewed annually by September 30.

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