For those wondering how to become a Home Inspector in North Carolina, you will be happy to know it is a straightforward process. Still, it also requires quite a few hours of learning from experienced professionals to obtain your license. Although the required hours seem daunting, this article will lay it out in 5 steps.
This guide will be the best way to set yourself up for success and help you begin your new, fulfilling career. Once these five steps are completed, you should feel confident, properly educated, and prepared to start your new career in the inspection industry.
What you should know before becoming a Home Inspector in North Carolina
Before obtaining your Home Inspector License in North Carolina, you should know the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Act states that anyone who wishes to be compensated for completing a home inspection must be licensed. The law also states that anyone not licensed may still conduct a home inspection, but they are not legally allowed to be compensated for the service.
North Carolina Home Inspector license requirements
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Before starting home inspection education, you must have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
120 Hours of Approved Classroom Education
North Carolina requires all home inspection license applicants to complete at least 200 hours of education from an approved course, but at least 120 of those hours must be completed within a classroom setting.
80 Hours of Approved Fieldwork Education
North Carolina requires all home inspection license applicants to complete at least 200 hours of education from an approved course, but at least 80 of those hours must be completed in the field with at least ten separate site visits.
Submit to a Criminal History Record Check
You must submit your information for a criminal history check before being approved for a North Carolina home inspection license.
Pass the North Carolina Home Inspection Exam
The North Carolina Home Inspection Exam is scheduled at least every other month in Raleigh, and to pass the exam, you must obtain at least a 70% grade.
How to Become a Home Inspector in North Carolina? A complete 5-step guide to getting a North Carolina state inspection license
Step 1 — Complete 200 Hours of Education from a Board-Approved Course
Once you start your journey toward becoming a Home Inspector in North Carolina, your first step is completing at least 200 hours of education from an approved course. Meeting this requirement must include at least 120 hours of education within the classroom and at least 80 hours of instruction in the field, with ten or more site visits
The North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board has eight sponsors that they recognize as an organization offering an approved course:
- Pillar To Post Home Inspections
- The Home Inspection Training Center, The School of North Carolina
- American Home Inspectors Training Institute
- Central Piedmont Community College
- InterNACHI
- National Property Inspections, Inc.
- Inspection Certification Associates
- National Institute of Building Inspectors
When completing your education, it is essential to remember that your board-approved coursework must be done within three years of your application for a home inspection license. For more information and contact information for each course, you can visit this page on the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board’s website.
Pro Tip
The North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board also states that those who have been licensed for at least six months as a general contractor under Article 1 of Chapter 87 of the General Statutes, as an architect under Chapter 83A of the General Statutes, or as a professional engineer under Chapter 89C of the General Statutes are not required to complete the 200 hours of education from a board-approved course. A person who qualifies under this sub-subdivision of the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Act (§ 143-151.51. (a) (5) c.) on or after October 1st, 2011, must also remain in good standing with their respective licensing board.
Step 2 — Register for and pass the North Carolina Home Inspection Exam
The North Carolina Home Inspection Exam in Raleigh is scheduled at least every other month. These exams are slated to begin at 8 am and are traditional “paper and pencil” exams. Computer-based exams are now offered to be taken at this office but are only by appointment. Although some may be more comfortable with the traditional paper and pen tests, there is an advantage to taking the computer-based exam in that your test results will be provided immediately, and the score is automatically recorded.
To view the up-to-date exam schedule, visit the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board’s website. Registering for the exam can be done on this page, including a $35 application fee and an $80 exam registration fee. Upon passing the exam and obtaining the required amount of insurance, having a license issued to you as a new Home Inspector will be accompanied by a $160 fee.
Pro Tip
You must obtain at least a 70% grade to pass the exam. The North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Act states that the questions on the exam will test your knowledge about the administrative rules adopted by the Board, G.S. 143, Article 9F, inspections of the building structures and their components, and electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems and appliances.
Step 3 — Purchase the Required Amount of Insurance
Before having a North Carolina Home Inspector license issued to you, the state requires you to have a certain amount of insurance to protect you and your customers. The state lists these two requirements of insurance for Home Inspectors:
- At least $250,000 of general liability insurance
- This can be either individual coverage or coverage under your employer
- At least one of the following:
- Minimum net assets that will be decided upon by the Board, which will be between $5,000 and $10,000
- A bond in an amount determined by the Board, which will be between $5,000 and $10,000
- At least $250,000 in errors and omissions insurance (E&O insurance)
- This can be either individual coverage or coverage under your employer
Pro Tip
These insurances will help protect your business if a client files a claim or lawsuit because they feel you overlooked something that eventually costs them money to fix. No one is exempt from making mistakes, and that includes Home Inspectors. Being prepared for these unfortunate instances is an important step you need to take for yourself and your business.
Step 4 — Maintain your Continuing Education Requirements
As a licensed Home Inspector in North Carolina, you must complete 12 CE (continuing education) hours annually by September 10th, except for those licensed from June 1st through September 30th. Those 12 CE hours must include 4 hours of a Board-developed Update course and 8 hours of elective courses.
For a complete list of Board-approved courses to fulfill your CE requirements, visit this page.
Pro Tip
To remain in good standing with the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board and stay up to date on everything happening within the home inspection world, you must be committed to continuing your education. The state does not require many hours to be put towards your continuing education efforts, but it’s essential not to leave this critical step to the last minute each year.
Step 5 — Register Your Business or Join a Firm
An important decision you must make as you embark on this new journey is whether to work for yourself or join an established home inspection firm. If you plan on working for yourself, a critical step you cannot miss is registering your business with the State of North Carolina and forming a legal entity. Visiting a business lawyer can help you with all the necessary steps and paperwork, but this can also be done independently if you have the time and patience to do the research yourself.
Pro Tip
If you plan on joining an established home inspection firm, all the complex legal work has already been done! All you need to do now is market yourself to the firms you’re interested in joining and decide which is best for your goals and career path!
How long does it take to become a Home Inspector in North Carolina?
The length of time it takes to become a Home Inspector in North Carolina depends on how much time you dedicate to your new career. The time it takes someone to complete 200 hours of education and pass the North Carolina Home Inspection exam will vary from person to person and from course to course. Some courses may get you fully trained and ready for the exam in a matter of a couple of months, while others you may be able to complete in 6+ months.
Everybody is different and has varying schedules, and since the only time limit set within North Carolina is that the 200 hours of coursework must be completed within three years of licensure application, Home Inspectors have the freedom to choose a pace within that timeframe that fits within their life and career goals.
How much does it cost to become a Home Inspector in North Carolina?
The cost of becoming a Home Inspector in North Carolina will depend on a few different choices. Two main factors are which training school and course you enroll in and how many times it takes to pass the North Carolina Home Inspector Exam. Some board-approved partners who offer qualifying courses offer their education for free for their members, which can be as little as $49/month. In contrast, other partners will provide packages for their education for over $2,000. With cost in mind, it is best to research all education options and decide which route offers what you are looking for in your new career.
Another cost factor is whether you would like to register as your legal business entity instead of joining a home inspection company. If you decide you would instead work for yourself, forming a legal entity can cost upwards of $2,000 or more if you have the help of a lawyer.
What’s the best Home Inspector training in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board requires you to complete at least 200 hours of education from an approved course. At least 120 hours must be in the classroom, and at least 80 must be field instruction with ten or more site visits.
The North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board lists eight sponsors they recognize as an organization offering an approved course. For more information on each class, visit their websites:
Pillar To Post Home Inspections
The Home Inspection Training Center, The School of North Carolina
American Home Inspectors Training Institute
Central Piedmont Community College
National Property Inspections, Inc.
Inspection Certification Associates
National Institute of Home Inspection
Final points on how to be a Home Inspector in North Carolina
Those choosing to start their journey as a Home Inspector in North Carolina will have a few choices. The steps are straightforward, but the education will take some time. Choosing the best school and course for your 200 hours of instruction will be an important decision on how you want to start your new career.
North Carolina also ranks as one of the most affordable states to live in within the country and is becoming more and more popular for families and individuals looking to relocate from other states. According to the 2020 Census, North Carolina’s population has grown by about 900,000 since 2010. This creates an excellent opportunity for Home Inspectors to gain business year-round.
Some essential items to remember about becoming a Home Inspector in North Carolina include:
- You must complete 200 hours of education before becoming licensed; 120 must be classroom instructed, and 80 must be field work, with at least ten site visits.
- Passing the North Carolina Home Inspector Exam is only offered in Raleigh and is held a few times a year, with computer-based exams only being held in the same office by appointment.
- License applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and abide by a criminal background check.
- Continuing your education with at least 12 hours of Board-approved courses is required.
If you’re considering a Home Inspector in North Carolina as a career and would like to partner with a company that can provide you with all of the business-related tools you’ll need to complete inspections efficiently, reach customers through marketing efforts, and more — contact our team at HomeGauge.com today.
FAQs
How hard is it to become a Home Inspector in North Carolina?
Becoming a Home Inspector in North Carolina is not too difficult, but it will require time and dedication. Following the five recommended steps in this article will help keep you on track and help you start your new career as a Home Inspector in North Carolina successfully!
Do you need a license to become a Home Inspector in North Carolina?
Yes. You must first obtain a license for those looking to be paid as a Home Inspector in North Carolina.
How much do Home Inspectors make in North Carolina?
As of publication, a Home Inspector makes an average of $53,719/year in North Carolina.
What’s the best Home Inspector training in North Carolina?
There isn’t one course or school that can be classified as the “best Home Inspector training” in North Carolina because everyone’s needs and expectations are different. Do your research to find what option is best for YOU, but to get you started, here are the approved educational programs that have helped many Home Inspectors before you:
- Pillar To Post Home Inspections
- The Home Inspection Training Center, The School of North Carolina
- American Home Inspectors Training Institute
- Central Piedmont Community College
- InterNACHI
- National Property Inspections, Inc.
- Inspection Certification Associates
- National Institute of Building Inspectors
Disclaimer: The information in this article should be used as a guide and was accurate at the time of publishing. Check with your state authorities for the most up-to-date regulations.