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How to Become a Home Inspector in
Ready to become a home inspector in North Carolina? Follow these key steps to fully understand North Carolina’s licensing requirements and training to successfully launch your career as a home inspector.
Home Inspector Licensing Requirements in North Carolina
Start here to ensure you’re fully compliant and ready to succeed by understanding the licensing requirements for home inspectors 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
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:
- A General Liability policy with at least $250,000 in coverage
- 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
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 North Carolina. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
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.
2.
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.
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.