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

While South Dakota 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 home inspection school is key to understanding those business practices as well as establishing yourself as a trusted expert. Many home inspection associations and industry professionals agree that this coursework is essential to setting yourself up for success from the start.
Additionally, real estate agents, potential employers, and lenders prefer working with individuals who hold a home inspector certification because the smooth operation of their business relies on yours. This expertise gives certified home inspectors a critical edge in finding new and repeat business.

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 South Dakota

A strong network is a solid foundation for any business, but it’s especially beneficial to those becoming a home inspector in South Dakota. 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 South Dakota 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

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.

6. Pay the $300 Fee and Register to Be a South Dakota Home Inspector

To earn your South Dakota home inspector license, you must submit an application. You must pay the $300 fee associated with the home inspector license application.

The application form is available online on the South Dakota Secretary of State website.Make checks payable to “South Dakota Secretary of State.”

Mail your application, fee, and certificate of insurance to:
1201 N St., Ste. 120 Lincoln, NE 68508 or PO Box 94608 Lincoln, NE 68509