1. Prepare for Your Career With Connecticut’s State-Recognized Home Inspection Courses

While Minnesota does not require a license to work as a home inspector, there are different types of inspections and business practices by which home inspectors must legally abide. Professional home inspection training from a reputable school is key to understanding those business practices as well as establishing yourself as a reliable expert.

2. Pass the National Home Inspector Exam

After completing your home inspector education, 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 form and submit it with the receipt to the VA for reimbursement.

3. Begin to Network, Make Connections, and Join Professional Associations in Minnesota

Networking is a crucial part of owning a business. If you’re looking to connect with other Minnesota home inspectors, check out the Midwest Association of Home Inspectors (MAHI). There are also multiple national organizations you can join, including the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

4. Provide Proof of Liability/Errors & Omissions Insurance

Everyone makes mistakes—it’s simply human nature. But when you’re a home inspection professional, even a small error can lead to major legal and financial consequences. That’s why carrying general liability and/or errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is essential to protecting your career and livelihood.

General liability insurance for small businesses typically costs around $40 per month, while E&O coverage averages about $59 per month. To find the best rates and the right coverage for your needs, connect with a licensed insurance agent familiar with the home inspection industry, reach out to members of local trade associations, or compare policies online.

5. Register Your Business or Join a Multi-Inspector Firm

Once you’ve completed your Home Inspection Training and passed the NHIE, you’re ready to launch your career. You can start your own home inspection business—either as a sole proprietor or by forming an LLC—and consult a tax professional to get set up. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to build experience and enjoy a steady stream of leads, consider joining an established multi-inspector firm. No matter which path you choose, there’s more than one way to succeed in the rewarding and growing field of home inspection.