1. Complete 60 Hours of Oregon-Approved Education or 20 Points of Experience

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board requires a license or 20 points of certain experience to work as a home inspector. Oregon has a point system that can be used in lieu of a traditional licensing course, with the prospective inspector gaining points from different real-world experiences. For example:

• One point is awarded for each class in construction, remodeling, engineering, architecture, building design, building technology, or real estate that’s completed with a passing grade from an accredited college or university. Courses must be a minimum of 3 credits or 3 continuing education units (CEU).
• Two points are awarded for each completed 12 months of working or teaching at an accredited college or university, trade school, or private business for monetary compensation in construction, remodeling, engineering, architecture, building design, building technology, or real estate.
• One point is awarded for completing a ride-along with an Oregon-certified home inspector during an inspection.
• You’re awarded four points for each 12 months of working for monetary compensation as a full-time home inspector.
• A recommendation from an Oregon-certified home inspector awards you one half-point.
• A building codes certification issued by a government agency awards you one point.

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.

3. Pay $150 Application Fee & Apply to Be a Home Inspector

A strong network is a solid foundation for any business, but it’s especially beneficial to those becoming a home inspector in Oregon. Each home inspector has their own methods for networking. Some host events, others join leads groups, and many volunteer with local charities. Whatever your method might be, just remember that it takes time. Joining the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Oregon Chapter is a great way to learn from more experienced members and get off the ground sooner.

4. Purchase General Liability Insurance and/or Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Once you’ve completed your 60 hours of education or 20 points of experience and passed the National Home Inspector Exam, you’ll apply for your license. To do this, you’ll need to submit an application and pay the $150 application fee.