North Carolina Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become a North Carolina Home Inspector

  • North Carolina home inspection education hours: 120 hours
  • Inspections: 80 hours field with 10 site visits
  • Exam Required: NC Exam
  • Application Fee: $35 (other fees may apply)
  • Insurance Requirements: General Liability for a minimum of $250,000 plus one of the following: a) minimum net assets (somewhere between $5k and $10k); b) a bond (somewhere between $5k and $10k); or c) E&O Insurance for $250,000
  • Notarized application and fingerprints are not required
  • Background check is required
  • No minimum age requirement
  • High School Diploma or GED is required

Home Inspection License Expiration: Annually on 9/30

North Carolina Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • 12 hours annually
  • NOTE: newly licensed individuals who have not taken the Board approved 200 hour prelicensing course are required to take an additional 4 hours of CE for their first 3 years of licensure
  • NC Licensed Home Inspectors must complete their CE annually by September 10th. AHIT students must complete their CE courses by September 9th so they may be reported to the Board by September 10th

North Carolina State Licensing Board

Get Your North Carolina Home Inspection License

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Prerequisites:

  • No minimum age requirement
  • GED or High School Diploma required

 

1. Complete a 120-hour North Carolina-Approved Home Inspection Course

Enacted in 1993, The North Carolina Home Inspection Licensure Act mandates that all home inspectors must obtain a license. The first step in obtaining a North Carolina Home Inspector License is completing the required 120-hour North Carolina-approved home inspection course. Professional home inspection training from a reputable home inspection school is key to understanding common business practices as well as establishing yourself as a trusted expert.

2. Conduct 80 Hours in the Field With 10 Site Visits

The next step in acquiring your North Carolina Home Inspector License is completing the required 80 hours in the field with 10 site visits. This experience provides you with real-world, hands-on training that will make your transition into the field seamless. Getting connected with a trainer is simple — just enroll in our 80-hour field training course.

3. Pass the North Carolina State Home Inspection Exam

After you’ve completed your education and field requirements, it’s time to take the North Carolina State Home Inspection Exam. The exam registration fee is $80, and it’s offered several times throughout the year at the North Carolina Department of Insurance in Raleigh. Enroll in your Pre-Licensing education early to allow yourself plenty of time to complete your courses/field work and study before you take the exam.

4. Obtain a Background Check

The Home Inspector Licensure Board requires applicants to disclose and consent to a criminal history record check pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 93B-8.1 Applicants may secure a complete criminal records check from several sources, including:

5. Provide Proof of Insurance With Required Policies

Per the state’s rules and regulations, a license won’t be issued unless you have an insurance policy (or policies) that meets the state’s minimums for coverage. The insurance requirements for a home inspector licensee in North Carolina are:

A General Liability policy that covers a minimum of $250,000 and one of the following:

  1. Own assets (not bank owned) that total a value between $5,000 and $10,000 (this will be evaluated by the board)
  2. A surety bond between $5,000 and $10,000 (determined by the board)
  3. An errors & omissions insurance policy that covers at least $250,000

6. Pay $35 Application Fee and Apply to Be a Home Inspector

Once everything has been completed, it’s time to apply for your Home Inspector License. The application costs $35 and can be completed online through the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. If a license is granted, an additional $160 licensing fee applies and 12 hours of Continuing Education is required annually to maintain your license.

 

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