Home Inspector Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

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

Licensing Required

Yes

Exam Required

National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)

Total Education
Hours

40

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 South Dakota

1

Complete 40 Hours of State-Approved Education

South Dakota requires applicants to complete a 40-hour state-approved home inspection course to meet the initial requirements for becoming a Registered Home Inspector.

2

Pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)

Once your education is complete, you must pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). The NHIE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering three key areas: Property and Building Inspection, Analysis of Findings and Reporting, and Professional Responsibilities. You must achieve a scaled score of 500 or higher to pass the exam. The exam fee is approximately $225, and if you do not pass, you must wait 30 days before retaking the exam.

3

Apply to Become a Registered Home Inspector

Submit your completed application, along with:

  1. Proof of completed education (Form 101)
  2. Original score report from the NHIE
  3. SD and FBI fingerprint cards with a $43.25 fee
  4. Non-refundable application fee of $200

4

Complete 100 Home Inspections

After becoming a Registered Home Inspector, you must complete at least 100 home inspections over the course of one year to qualify for upgrading to a Licensed Home Inspector.

5

Upgrade to Licensed Home Inspector

Once you have completed the necessary inspections, apply to upgrade to a Licensed Home Inspector, providing documentation of your experience.

Continuing Education Requirements for Home Inspectors in South Dakota

Hours Required

24 hours

Renewal Cycle

Every 2 years

Additional Requirements: Renewal forms are available online from October 1st through June 30th of the renewal year. Learn more.

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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 South Dakota. 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.

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Knowledge Center

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Do you need a license to be a home inspector in South Dakota?

Yes, you must be licensed to perform paid home inspections in South Dakota.

2.

What is the salary of home inspectors in South Dakota?

The average salary of home inspectors in South Dakota is $56,000 per year, with a range from $29,500 to $89,500 annually.

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