1. Complete a Virginia-Approved 70-Hr. Home Inspection Course

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requires a license to work as a home inspector. By taking the 70-hr. required Virginia-approved home inspector course, including ebooks, you’ll master the required education and learn about topics on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). No more than half of your state-required training can be completed online.

2. Pass the National Home Inspector Exam

fter completing your home inspector courses, the next step in establishing yourself as a trusted expert is passing the National Home Inspector Exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions (25 of which are not scored) covering three major domains, or sections, that every home inspector should know. Those domains are:

• Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
• Analysis of Findings and Reporting
• Professional Responsibilities

Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location). Due to the unignorable cost of taking the exam, we highly recommend taking an Exam Prep course to greatly increase your chances of passing on the first try. If an individual does not pass, they must wait 30 days before taking the exam again.

Fun Fact: Veterans taking the National Home Inspector Exam are eligible for reimbursement through the GI Bill. Those who choose to exercise this benefit must complete a VBA-22-0803-ARE and submit it with the receipt to the VA for reimbursement.

3. Complete Ride-Along Home Inspections in Virginia

Perform 25 inspections under the direct supervision of a professional Virginia inspector. Join professional associations in Virginia. Local chapters are a great way to connect with other inspectors.

4. Obtain General Liability Insurance of $250,000 per Occurrence

Home inspectors in Virginia must have general liability insurance coverage in the amount of $250,000 or more. Once you’ve provided proof of general liability coverage, you will be issued a license for a two-year term beginning on the effective date that appears on your license. 

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors offers insurance for home inspectors. To learn more, visit NACHI.org/Insurance.

4. Submit Required Documentation & Application to the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation

To earn your Virginia Home Inspector License, you must submit a completed application form to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation with the required $80 fee.