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How Long Is Home Inspector Training?
Are you wondering if becoming a home inspector is worth the upfront investment? The average home inspector makes more than $70,000 a year, so it’s a rewarding career to enter. Plus, you’ll have a steady workload because many mortgage lenders require a home inspection before closing.
The caveat is, like any skilled trade, you’ll need training first. So, how long is home inspector training? Keep reading to learn the answer with our quick guide.
How Long is Home Inspector Training, Exactly?
Home inspector training can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Several factors come into play here.
- State licensing requirements vary. The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is used in 35 states for home inspector licenses. Passing the exam is also a requirement for membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors.
- You might need to take a minimum number of classroom hours (in person or online) before embarking on your field training. Again, this varies by state. Some states require no training hours, while others could have 80 to nearly 200 hours of classroom study. The NHIE recommends at least 80 hours of classroom training before taking the exam. North Carolina requires 120 hours of pre-licensing education (80 in the field), and New Jersey requires 180 hours.
- How much time can you devote to your training? If you train part time, it will take you longer than full-time training. Don’t forget exam preparation time.
- Do you want specific certifications to add to your basic license? You can become certified in radon or mold inspections, but that will take additional time and effort. The upside is that you could charge a higher fee if you include these inspections as part of your normal work.
How Much Does Home Inspector Training Cost?
Home inspector training costs can range from $600 to $5,000. Again, these costs can change from state to state.
- It costs $225 to take the NHIE. You must take the exam at one of the 300 testing centers nationwide. If you fail the first attempt, you’ll have to pay the fee again to retake the exam after waiting 30 days. The NHIE recommends purchasing two manuals to prepare for the exam. The two manuals recommended by the NHIE cost $80 each in e-book form or $129.50 each in print.
- The NHIE fee and manuals don’t factor in training courses. Training courses can be as basic or advanced as you need them to be. Basic courses run around $600. Comprehensive instruction or advanced training with business tools can reach $1,300 to $3,000.
- Field training and ride-alongs are a vital part of your home inspector training costs. You’ll incur transportation costs in addition to any fees the training program has. You might pay $100 for a single shadowing session. Comprehensive packages that bundle classroom work and field training could be $1,400 to $5,000 on the high end.
What Certifications Do You Need to Be a Home Inspector?
What certifications you need to become a home inspector may change from state to state. For example, Florida requires a license, but California does not.
- We highly recommend becoming a licensed home inspector through NHIE. It’s the most widely recognized credential in the industry. Remember, a certification is different from a license. Check with your state and local laws first.
- Consider joining the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a professional organization devoted to your trade. ASHI has a more advanced certification than NHIE alone. In addition to passing the NHIE, you need to perform 250 fee-paid inspections under ASHI’s guidelines. Then, you complete the ACI application and pay the certification dues of $45 a month or $449 annually.
- Do you want to work outside of the United States? Think about joining the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). This organization has an online inspector examination that’s free to take. You could earn a Certified Professional Inspector credential after completing InterNACHI’s courses.
Your Dedication Determines Your Direction
How long home inspector training is depends on how much time you want to dedicate to your craft. If you think of training as a full-time job, let’s say it takes 200 hours to complete the basic requirements and to study for your exam. It’s possible to complete home inspector training in five to six weeks (200 hours divided by 40 hours a week is five weeks).
If you want to slowly transition from one career to another without making any drastic moves, let’s say you can devote five hours per week for training while balancing your current job and family obligations. That’s about 40 weeks, or around 10 months, to complete your training.
This industry is flexible when it comes to earning a certification. That’s where a steadfast training partner comes into play.
Becoming a Home Inspector Doesn’t Need to Be Stressful
WIN Home Inspection provides end-to-end support with training and licensing guidance at no additional cost to you. We want you to have the easiest road possible to a fulfilling career. Our support team can help you navigate your state’s requirements, exam preparation, and hands-on training.
When you train with a WIN franchise, you get more than just a team backing you up. Tap into a structured training program, proven systems, ongoing support, proprietary technology, brand recognition, and entrepreneurial opportunities as part of a practical option when entering the vibrant field of home inspections. We look forward to hearing from you as you embark on your new journey.
