South Carolina Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become a South Carolina Home Inspector

  • Home inspection education hours: 120 hours
  • Exam Required: 1. NHIE OR South Carolina specific exam and 2. SC Residential Business management and law exam
  • Application Fee: $80 (other fees may apply)
  • Notarized application is required
  • Background check required only with certain arrests/convictions
  • Fingerprints are not required
  • Social Security card and Driver’s License are required
  • Minimum age requirement: 18
  • Previous Experience: if applying without examination

Home Inspection License Expiration: 6/30 every two years (even)

South Carolina Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • No continuing education is required for renewal

South Carolina State Licensing Board

 

Get Your South Carolina Home Inspection License

South Carolina Professional Home Inspector Training is a nationally respected, high-quality program designed to set you up for success. Whether you choose live instruction or online learning, you’ll receive comprehensive training and direct support from experienced home inspector instructors who are invested in your future—you’re never just a number here.

Our instructor-led live courses in South Carolina equip you with the core tools and knowledge needed to launch and grow a successful inspection career.

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Prerequisites:

  • Home inspectors must be 18 years of age.

1. Complete a 120-Hour South Carolina-Approved Home Inspection Course

The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation requires all home inspectors to obtain a license. The first step in obtaining a South Carolina Home Inspector License is completing the required 120-hour South Carolina state-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. 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. Complete a Background Check if Prior Convictions Exist

If you possess a prior conviction, the state of South Carolina requires that you submit to a national and statewide background check. It’s important to note that a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify an applicant from licensure.

4. Pay $80 Application Fee and Apply

Once everything has been completed, it’s time to apply for your Home Inspector License. The application costs $80 and can be completed online through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation website. If applying by mail, be sure to have your application notarized and include payment.

 

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