Alabama Licensure
Home Inspector License Requirements:

1)  Notarized home inspector’s application (MANDATORY)

2)  Proof of qualifications in ONE of the categories listed (A-C).

3)  Show proof of compliance of  American Society of Home Inspectors Standards and Ethics
Examination, and show proof of compliance of the Examination Board of   Professional Home
Inspectors; National Home Inspector Examination.

4)  $250,000.00 of errors and omissions insurance coverage shall also be required, as  well as
general liability insurance $20,000,$50,000,$100,000. Yes, form(s) provided to you by your insurance
companies are acceptable. If insurance documents are not submitted with application, it will be
returned.

5)  $300.00 registration fee payable by cashier cash, money order, bank check,  
(CASH, PERSONAL, AND COMPANY CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED).

         (FOR RENEWALS ONLY):
YOU MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF NUMBERS: 1, 2, 4, and 5.

If you do not meet the above requirements for a first time license or renewal, your application will not be
processed.

For more in formation or a copy of the statute contact the
Alabama Building Commission, (334) 242-
4082, (334) 242-4182 fax, e-mail buildcom@bc.state.al.us.

Alaska
Alaska Licensure (Chapter 134 SLA enacted in 2003). In Alaska, home inspectors and associate home
inspectors will be issued a certificate of registration by the Department of Community and Economic
Development. To be a registered home inspector, an individual must: 1) pass the National Home
Inspector Examination, 2) meet the educational and experience requirements as determined by the
Department, 3) submit a complete application for registration within one year of passing the exam, 4) not
have been convicted of specific crimes in the past seven years of the date of the application, 5) not have
had the authority to perform home inspections revoked in the state or another jurisdiction, 6) not be the
subject of an unresolved criminal complaint or unresolved disciplinary action in the state and 7) pay the
appropriate fees. For the renewal of certificates, the Department will require at least eight hours of
continuing competency activity in each licensing period. The Department will set the registration fees for
home inspectors and associate home inspectors and determine the disciplinary actions and penalties
for violating the terms of the certificate of registration. The law also sets home inspection requirements
for residential loans purchased or approved by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. The law
requires that a written report fulfilling certain requirements be submitted to the person requesting the
inspection upon completion of an inspection that will remain valid for 180 days after the inspection and
allows for civil action to be taken against home inspectors for one year after performing the inspection.

The law requires the home inspector to carry insurance (employement and general Laibility of at
least and a bond of $5,000. The law went into effect in 2003 and all home inspectors are required to
have a license by July 1, 2004.

For more information contact the home inspector licensing examiner at the The Department of
Commerce, Community, and Economic Development at (907) 465-5470 phone, (907) 465-2974 fax or e-
mail brenda_Donohue@commerce.state.ak.us .

Arizona
Arizona Certification (Title 32, Chapter 1 enacted in 2002). The Arizona State Board of Technical
Registration (BTR) certifies and regulates the practice of home inspectors. The law requires 80 hours of
education, successful completion of the National Home Inspector Examination, and evidence of
successfully completed home inspections. In addition, the law requires that certified home inspectors
have one of the following financial assurances:

1) Errors and Omissions Insurance in the amount of $200,000 in the aggregate and $100,000 per
occurrence, 2) a $25,000 bond or proof of assets in that amount, or 3) an alternate financial
assurance mechanism approved by the BTR with a value of at least $25,000. The law states that loss
of or failure to obtain financial assurance is grounds for revocation of certification.

For more specific information regarding certification requirements, please go to the BTR website and,
under Regulations on the Table of Contents panel, click on "Applicable Statutes" (see A.R.S.§ 32-122.02
or "Applicable Rules" (see A.A.C. R4-30-247).

For further information, contact Manual Maltos,
Home Inspector Certification Program administrator.

Arkansas
Arkansas Registration (Act 1328 of 2003) repealed and replaced (Act 791 of 1997). Unde r the "Arkansas
Home Inspector Registration Act," all home inspectors in the state must register with the Sec retary of
State. Applicants must pass the National Home Inspector Examination. In addition, home inspectors
must conduct all inspections in adherence to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of ASHI, the
Arkansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors, or an equivalent professional home inspection
association. The law also prohibits inspectors from performing repairs on a structure that he has
inspected within the last 12 months. In order to register under the law, an applicant must procure
general liability insurance of at least $100,000. These requirements, along with the duties and
responsibilities of the Board, complaint and disciplinary procedures, continuing education requirements
and more can be found In the Rules and Procedures of the Arkansas Home Inspector Registration
Board.

For more information, contact the Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board.

California
California Trade practice act (Chapter 338) enacted in 1996. The law in California prohibits unethical
home inspection practices, including repairing properties that home inspectors have inspected in the
previous 12 months. The law encourages courts to consider the Standards of Practice and Code of
Ethics of ASHI and the California Real Estate Inspection Association when determining whether an
inspection meets the required standard of care.

For more information, contact the California Contractors State License Board at 1-800-321-2752,
(916) 366-9130 fax.

Connecticut
Connecticut Licensure (Public Act No. 99-254 enacted in 2000). Connecticut law requires home
inspectors to be licensed under the "Home Inspection Licensing Board." In order to be eligible for a
home inspector license, an applicant shall: 1) have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
2) have either been engaged as a home inspector intern for not less than one year and not performed
less than 200 home inspections for compensation or taken and successfully completed a board-
approved training program, earned a home inspector intern permit, and performed not less than 100
home inspections under the direct supervision and in the presence of a licensed home inspector; 3)
have passed an oral, written, or electronic competency examination; and 4) have paid a $200 fee. In
order to receive a permit as a home inspector intern, an applicant shall: 1) have successfully completed
high school or its equivalent; 2) have enrolled in and completed a board-approved training program; 3)
have an identified supervisor who is licensed as a home inspector, is in good standing, and has agreed
to perform the supervisory functions required; and 4) have paid a $100 fee.

For more information, including Regulations, applications, etc. contact the Department of Consumer
Protection, Licenses Service Division at (860) 713-6145   (860) 713-7230
e-mail: occprotrades@po.state.ct.us

Georgia
Georgia Trade practice act (Chapter 3, Title 8) enacted in 1994. Georgia law requires home inspectors to
provide written documents containing certain information with regard to inspections. This written
document must include the scope of the inspection, including the structural elements and systems to be
inspected, that the inspection is a visual inspection, and that the home inspector will notify, in writing, the
person on whose behalf such inspection is being made of any defects noted during the inspection.

For more information, contact the Secretary of State, Construction Industry License Board.
(478) 207-1300 phone  (478) 207-1363 fax

Illinois
Illinois Licensure ( 225 ILSC 441 enacted in 2001). Illinois law creates the Illinois Home Inspector
License Act and establishes a Home Inspector Advisory Board within the Office of Banks and Real
Estate (OBRE), which is charged with regulating home inspectors. To obtain a license, an applicant
must: 1) be at least 21 years of age, 2) obtain a high school diploma or GED, 3) as a prerequisite for
sitting for the examination, succ essfully complete 60 hours of pre-license education from an education
provider approved and licensed by OBRE, and 4) take and successfully pass the Home Inspector
Examination for Illinois, which consists of the National Home Inspector Examination and a section
concerning Illinois statutes and regulations. Licensed home Inspectors are required to perform
Inspections that meet the minimum standards of practice established by rule as adopted by the OBRE.
The law also exempts certain professionals from licensure as a home inspector while acting under the
scope of their licenses. The law became effective January 1, 2003.

For more information, including statute, Rules, applications, contact the Office of Banks and Real
Estate at (217) 782-3000 phone and (217) 558-4297 fax
.

Indiana
Indiana Licensure (P.L. 145 enacted In 2004). P.L. 145 established the Home Inspectors Licensing
Board to regulate home inspectors and associate home inspectors. The Board shall be responsible for
setting the fees for licenses, investigating complaints concerning licensees and establishing continuing
education requirements. The Board shall adopt a code of ethics, standards for competent performance
of home inspections and standards for inspection reports. Under P.L. 145, licensing requires that a
candidate: 1) be at least 18 years of age, 2) graduated from high school or earned a GED diploma, 3) not
have been convicted of specific crimes, 4) complete a Board approved training program or course and
pass an exam approved by the Board, 5) carry general liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000
and 6) pay a fee. The law also provides that a person who performs home inspections for compensation
without a license commits a Class B Infraction. It also provides that any civil complaints based upon the
profes sional services of a licensed home inspector must be filed within two years of the date the
alleged Infraction occurred. This law takes effect July 1, 2004.

For more information contact the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at (317) 234-3009 phone or
(317) 232-2312 fax, or Email: pla9@pla.in.gov.

Kentucky
Kentucky Licensure (KRS 198B.700) enacted in 2004. (The Kentucky Home Inspector Licensing Law
requires home inspectors to be licensed and defines the requirements of licensure. An inspector must
be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, complete a board-approved
training program, pass an examination approved by the board, and submit a certificate of insurance.
Inspections must be conducted in accordance with the standards of practice of ASHI or NAHI or their
equal. The law created the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors, to which the Governor appointed eight
members, including one member each from ASHI, NAHI, and the Kentucky Real Estate Inspection
Association. The law also establishes license renewal criteria, including continuing education of 30
hours for two years. Licensed inspectors must carry liability insurance in the amount of $250.000.

For more information contact the Kentucky Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Frank
Dempsey, (502) 573-0373, extension 144, (502) 573-1057 fax, e-mail frank.dempsey@ky.gov

Louisiana
Louisiana Licensure (Chapter 17-A of Title37) enacted in 1999. Louisiana law creates the "Louisiana
Home Inspectors Licensing Act." It creates the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors within the
Department of Economic Development and requires the Board to establish minimum qualifications for
licensing and allows the Board to charge and collect fees. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and
must have successfully completed high school or its equivalent, and passed the National Home
Inspector Examination. Applicants must show evidence of successful completion of at least 120 hours of
instruction, at least 30 hours but no more than 40 of which must be in course work containing actual
practical home inspections. Home inspectors are required to provide a written report of the home
inspection, and are prohibited from, at the time of inspection and for a reasonable time thereafter,
advertising or soliciting to perform repair services on the home upon which the inspection was
performed. As a condition of renewal of a license, a home inspector must show evidence of completion
of 20 hours of continuing education. Active licensees are required to carry errors and omission
insurance, and the Board must establish a group insurance program.

For more information, including General Rules, Standards of Practice, applications and more, contact
the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors at 225-248-1334 phone or 225-248-1335 fax

Maryland
Maryland Trade practice act enacted in 1992. Maryland law requires home inspectors to disclose
professional qualifications and the scope of the inspection within the home inspection contract. The law
also requires home inspectors to conduct home inspections in accordance with the standards of
practice set forth by a professional home inspection trade association such as ASHI or the National
Association of Home Inspectors.

Licensure ( Chapter 470) enacted in 2001. [Note: the following describes the law passed in 2001.
However, this passage from the Maryland Web site makes clear that the law is not cur rently in effect for
budgetary reason

"The law for the licensing and regulation of Home Inspectors has been deferred until an appropriation to
fund the program is allocated. Therefore, there will be no activity relative to the licensing, training or
regulation of home inspectors. At this time, there is no date available as to when the licensing program
will begin. Updates to the program will be posted on this site as they occur."]

Maryland law creates the State Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors to regulate
home inspectors in the state. The Commission is charged with establishing a code of ethics and
standards of practice for licensed home inspectors, and providing a copy of such standards to each
licensed home inspector. To qualify for licensure prior to July 1, 2002, an applicant must complete two of
the following conditions: 1) complete a minimum of 48 hours of an on-site training course approved by a
national home inspection organization of the Commission, 2) complete a minimum of 2 years of relevant
work experience as determined by the Commission, 3) complete at least 100 home inspections for
compensation, or 4) submit proof of full membership in or certification by ASHI or NAHI . Effective July 1,
2002, an applicant for a home inspector license shall: 1) have completed a minimum of 48 hours of an
off-site training course, 2) have a high school diploma or its equivalent, 3) have general liability
insurance in an amount not less than $50,000, 4) submit an application sanctioned by the Commission,
5) pay the application fee of $50 to the Commission. The law also exempts certain professionals from
licensure as a home inspector while acting under the scope of their licenses, and provides a reciprocity
provision for licensed home inspectors from other states.

For more information, contact the Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing at (410) 230-
6165 phone or (410) 333-6314 fax.

Massachusetts
Massachusetts Licensure (Chapter 146) enacted in 1999. Massachusetts law requires home inspectors
and associate home inspectors to be licensed under the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors. The
Board is required to: 1) establish the requirements for licensure and for the standards of professional
and ethical conduct; 2) establish standards for continuing education; 3) authorize and conduct
examinations; 4) grant licenses to qualified applicants; and 5) establish penalties. The law also requires
that the Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation publish an informational
brochure on home inspections which must be issued to home buyers at the signing of an offer to
purchase. Lic ensed home inspectors must: 1) have successfully completed high school or its
equivalent; 2) have been engaged as a licensed associate home inspector for not less than one year
and have performed not less than 100 home inspections under the supervision of a licensed home
inspector; 3) have passed the National Home Inspector Examination; and 4) paid the appropriate fee. A
licensed associate home inspector must: 1) have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
2) have performed not less than 25 home inspections in the presence of a licensed home inspector; 3)
have passed the National Home Inspector Examination; 4) have an identified supervisor who is a person
licensed in good standing as a home inspector; and 5) paid the appropriate fee. Licensed home
inspectors and associate home inspectors must carry errors and omissions insurance in an amount not
less than $250,000. Also, a home inspector or associate home inspector may not attempt to limit liability
for negligent or wrongful errors or omissions by use of a clause within a performance contrac t that limits
the cost of damages from negligent or wrongful errors or omissions.

Amendment to Current Law( Ch. 146 of 1999) enacted in 2001. The amended section of the law
(Chapter 17 of 2001) extends the time period during which the Board may issue a temporary license to
an applicant seeking licensure as a home inspector. The law moves the effective date back to November
1, 2001 from May 1, 2001 and establishes the criteria under which a temporary license may be issued. A
temporary license may be issued if: 1) an individual has been engaged in home inspection for not less
than three years prior to the effective date and has performed at least 100 inspections for compensation,
or 2) an individual has been engaged in the practice of home inspection for not less than one year prior
to the effective date, and has performed at least 125 inspections for compensation. Temporary licenses
shall terminate in 90 days, or whenever the applicant furnishes proof of having passed a licensing
examination approved by the Board, whichever occurs first.

For more information, including Rules and Regulations, contact the Board of Registration of Home
Inspectors at (617) 727-4459 phone or (617) 727-2197 fax
.

Mississippi
Mississippi Licensure (Chapter 71) enacted in 2001. Mississippi law requires home inspectors to be
licensed by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission (Commission) and is given the following powers:
1) receiving and approving applications for licensure and collecting fees, 2) implementing
recommendations made by the Home Inspector Advisory Board, 3) adoption of a code of ethics and
standards of practice 4) developing a licensing exam (the Commission adopted the National Home
Inspector Examination to assess minimum competence) which meets nation ally recognized standards,
as well as developing applications and licensing forms, 6) adopting rules and regulations for
administering the law. The. The law also created a five person Home Inspector Regulatory Board
(Board), members of which are to be licensed inspectors, and appointed by the Governor. The Board
serves in an advisory capacity to the C ommission, and was given the following duties and powers: 1)
responsibility for matters relating to the code of ethics, standards and qualifications, 2) holding hearings
and preparing examination specifications for licensure, 3) conducting investigations, 4) further defining
regulation, educational and equivalent experience, and 5) recommending suspension or revocation of
licenses. To qualify for a license under this act, a person must: 1) have successfully completed high
school or attained an equivalency degree, 2) be at least 21 years old, 3) have successfully completed an
approved course of study of at least 60 hours, which may include field work as required by the
Commission, 4) pass the National Home Inspector Examination, and 5) provide a certificate of
insurance for errors and omissions and general liability. Certain individuals acting under their
profession or license are exempted from additional licensure by the Commission for "visual inspections"
--specialty and general contractors, architects, engineers, financial institution employee, licensed real
estate broker, appraiser or home builder. There is also a three-year limitation included for clients
seeking to recover damages from an inspection, a reciprocity provision, and a grandfather clause
included in the act.

For more information, including forms, education providers and more, contact the Real Estate
Commission (Home Inspector Regulatory Board) at (601) 932-9191
.

Montana
Montana Trade Practice Act ( Chapter 14, Title 30) enacted in 1999. Montana law, the Home Inspection
Trade Practices Act, prescribes what elements must be identified in a home inspection and defines
prohibited activities by a home inspector.

For more information, c ontact the Office of Building Codes and Inspection at (406) 841-2040 phone
or (406) 841-2050 fax
.

Nevada
Nevada Certification (NRS 645D.120 and NAC 645D.210) enacted in 1997. Nevada law provides for the
certification of home inspectors of structures by the Real Estate Division of the Department of Business
and Industry. An applicant for certification as a certified residential Inspector : (a) must furnish proof to the
Division that he has successfully completed 1) not less than 40 hours of academic Instruction In
subjects related to structural Inspections In courses approved by the Division or equivalent experience
as an Inspector, and 2) an examination approved by the Division, and (b) must possess a high school
diploma or Its equivalent. Experience as an Inspector must demonstrate ability of the applicant to
produce a credible Inspection report according to the stand ards and requi rements set In the statute and
codes. Applicants must submit to the Division a log of Inspections performed for a fee on a form
supplied by the Division. Applicants must submit proof that they have errors and omissions insurance of
at least $100,000 and general liability insurance of at least $100,000. The law also provides that a
purchaser may not recover damages from a seller on the basis of an error or omission in the disclosure
form that was caused by the seller's reliance upon information provided to the seller by a certified
inspector of real estate.

For more information, contact the Department of Business and Industry, Real Estate Division
(775) 687-4280 phone (775) 687-4868 fax

New Jersey
New Jersey Licensure (Chapter 8, Title 45) enacted in 1998. New Jersey's "Home Inspection
Professional Licensing Act," sets specific educational and experience requirements in order to become
a licensed home inspector. All home inspec tors are required to: 1) complete high school or its
equivalent; 2) serve as a licensed associate inspector for at least one year; 3) perform at least 250
inspections; 4) carry $500,000 in insurance; and 5) pass the National Home Inspector Examination.
Inspectors do not have to be a member or candidate of ASHI in order to take the exam. In order to
become a licensed associate home inspector under the law, an inspector must: 1) perform at least 50
inspections in the presence of a licensed inspector; and 2) pass the National Home Inspector
Examination. Also, the law provides that, if home inspectors fail to disclose problems or accept payment
from another party in the transaction, they can lose their license. Home inspectors are regulated by a five-
member Home Inspection Advisory Committee, housed under the State Board of Professional
Engineers and Land Surveyors.

In 2003, Public Law 2003, Chapter 77 was passed, amending the grandfathering requirements and
extending the grandfathering window by one year, until June 30, 2004. Home Inspectors now have until
December 31, 2005 to obtain their licenses.

In 2005, Public Law 2005, Chapter 201 was passed. The law states that to b e eligible for home
inspector licensure an applicant has two options: (1) successfully complete an approved course of study
not less than 180 hours, as prescribed by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land
Surveyors, after consultation with the State Department of Education, which shall include not less than
40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a
licensed home inspector; or (2) perform not less than 250 fee-paid home inspections in the presence of
and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector. The licensed home inspector who
oversees these inspections must take full responsibility for the inspection and any report produced. In
addition, the law stipulates that as a condition for home inspector biennial license renewal, an individual
shall complete 40 credit hours of continuing education.

The law also changes current law, which states home inspector applicants must pass the examinations
offered by ASHI. The law instead will require applicants to pass an examination administered or
approved by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee, which would not necessarily be ASHI's exam.

The law eliminates the classification of "Associate Home Inspector." During the first 180 days after the
bill's enactment, the Home Inspection Advisory Committee shall, upon application, issue a home
inspector license to any person whose a pplication for an Associate Home Inspector license had been
approved by the committee prior to December 30, 2005 or who satisfied certain requirements and had
completed 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed home
inspector prior to December 30, 2005.

For more information, contact the NJ Home Inspection Advisory Committee at (973) 504-6460.

New York
New York Licensure (Chapter 461 of the Laws of 2004) The "Home Inspector Professional Licensing Act"
takes effect December 31, 2005 and requires that all home inspectors obtain a license. Home
inspectors will be licensed for two years and must pay an initial fee of $250.00 and renewal fees of
$100.00 thereafter. The basic provisions of the law include requirements for obtaining a license,
including classroom education and on site inspection training, confirmation of an appropriate knowledge
base via testing, the development of a required standard of practice and code of ethics, continuing
education requirements for license renewal, and a duty of care of all license holders to the client. There
are two routes to obtaining a license. An applicant must complete 140 hours of approved training,
including 40 hours of unpaid inspecti on experience under the direct supervision of a licensed inspector,
or have 100 hours of paid or unpaid inspection experience under the direct supervision of a licensed
inspector. The applicant must also pass an approved written exam. Additionally, there are grandfathering
provisions in the law that recognize the value of prior experience. To receive a license under this
provision, an inspector must have inspected at least 100 homes within the last two years and pass an
approved exam, or have inspected at least 250 homes for compensation and have been a practicing
inspector for at least three years, prior to the enforcement of this law.

There is an advisory Council consisting of 4 inspectors and 2 public members, that must meet to advise
the Secretary regarding the appropriate rules and regulations, education requirements, examination,
standards of practice and code of ethics. The Council will suggest the number of hours needed to meet
continuing education requirements.

The law requires that a licensed home inspector maintain appropriate general liability insurance.

Finally, Under the Duty of Care provisions, every home inspector must provide a written report to the
client, indicating what components and systems were observed, and must maintain the client's wishes
for confidentiality. The inspector may not do repairs on a home he/she has inspected for real estate
sales purposes, in spect homes in which the inspector may have a financial interest, pay referral fees to
agents or sellers, or inspect homes when payment is contingent upon closing, or pre-established or
prescribed findings.

For more information contact Keith W. Stack, Deputy Secretary of State for Business and Licensing
Services, New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services, (518) 474-4429, (518)
473-6648 fax, e-mail licensing@dos.state.ny.us.

North Carolina
North Carolina Licensure ( Chapter 143, Article 9F) enacted in 1993. The North Carolina "Home
Inspection Licensure Act" provides for the licensing and regulation of home inspectors through the
creation of a Home Inspector Licensure Board within th e Department of Insurance. In order to become
licensed as a home inspector, an individual must pass the licensing examination prescribed by the
Board, have minimum net assets or a bond in an amount determined by the Board (not less than $5,000
nor more than $10,000) and meet certain educational condit ions, including: 1) have a high school
diploma or its equivalent, have been engaged as a licensed associate home inspector for at least one
year, and have completed 100 home inspections for compensation; 2) have education and experience
the Board considers to be equivalent to that in subpart 1. above; or 3) be licensed as a general
contractor, architect, or professional engineer. In order to become licensed as an associate home
inspector, an individual must pass a licensing examination prescribed by the Board, have a high school
diploma or its equivalent, and be affiliated with or intend to be affiliated with a licensed home inspector
and submit a sworn statement by the licensed home inspector with whom the applicant is or intends to
be affiliated certifying that the licensed home inspector will actively supervise and train the applicant.

For more information, contact the Inspector License Board at (919) 662-4480, (919) 662-4414 fax.

North Dakota
North Dakota Registration (HB 1507 enacted in 2005 ) states the requirements for home inspector
registration and license renewal procedures. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have submitted
proof of errors and omissions insurance coverage in the amount of $100,000, and have paid a $200 fee.
The law exempts applicants that perform home inspections for residential buildings located outside the
corporate limits of any city or located in a city with a population under three thousand from being required
to carry errors and omissions insurance in the amount of $100,000. The bill provides a penalty for home
inspectors that fail to register, making any individual that provides a home inspection without registration
guilty of a class B misdemeanor. Also states that an applicant shall submit proof of completion of an
examination offered by the American Society of Home Inspectors, the National Association of Certified
Home Inspectors, the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors, the National Association of
Home Inspectors, or the International Code Council.

For more information, including registration forms, go to the Home Inspector page at the North
Dakota Secretary of State Web site or call 701-328-2900 or e-mail sos@state.nd.us.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma Licensure (Section 858-622 of Title 59) enacted in 2001. The "Oklahoma Home Inspection
Licensing Act" provides for the licensing of home inspectors through the State Board of Health, and a
newly created Committee of Home Inspector Examin ers (Committee). The Committee is charged with
advising the Board of Health in establishing rules relating to: 1) qualifications and examinations for
licensure (the committee has adopted the National Home Inspector Examination as the test for
minimum competence), 2) renewal requirements, 3) reinstatement of licenses, 4) continuing education,
5) standards of practice and prohibitions, 6) approval of schools and educational course content for
home inspection, 7) standards for schools to remain approved to provide courses of instruction, 8)
reciprocity agreements, and 9) investigative procedures. These Rules have been established in Title
310, Chapter 276. In order to take an examination for licensure, an applicant must be at least 18 years of
age, and successfully complete eighty (80) hours of home inspection training, or its equivalent, as
determined by the Committee. Renewal of licenses will be granted provided home inspectors attend five
hours of continuing education within the preceding 12 months. A grandfather clause is included as well,
with a sunset date of January 1, 2002. Under the law, licensed home inspectors will be required to carry
no less than $50,000 of general liability insurance.

For more information, contact the Department of Health, Occupational Licensing at 1000 N.E. Tenth,
Oklahoma City, OK 73117 Phone: (405)271-5243 FAX: (405)271-3458

Oregon
Oregon Certification ( ORS 701.350, 355) enacted in 1997. The Oregon Home Inspection Certification
Law requires individuals who perform home inspections of two or more components to be certified by
the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). An individual must meet minimum training and/or
experience requirements to take a comprehensive test, pass the test and complete continuing education
courses to renew certific ation. The Oregon Standards of Practice, Standards of Behavior and Definitions
are adopted from the ASHI Standards with Oregon amendments; Oregon acknowledges the assistance
of ASHI in developing its standards and definitions. Each certified home inspector must be an owner or
employee of a business licensed with the CCB. Businesses that perform home inspections must be
licensed with the CCB in catego ries that require either a $10,000 or $15,000 bond and either a
$300,000 or $500,000 liability insurance policy. Amendment to current law (ORS 710.35, Chapter 812).
The amendment to current law provides an exemption for a home inspector acting within the scope of
his/her certification or licensure, from licensure as a real estate appraiser.

For more information, contact the Construction Contractors Board at (503) 378-4621 phone or (503)
373-2007 fax.

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Trade Practice Act ( Act 114 of 2000, Title 68 enacted in 2000). The law in Pennsylvania
provides a uniform definition for the term "home inspection" and for a national home inspection
association. It establishes that a home inspector shall conduct their inspection in accordance with the
standards of practice set forth by a professional home inspection trade association such as ASHI or the
National Association of Home Inspectors. It further outlines consumer remedies as they relate to a home
inspection, and establishes penalties for misrepresentations of fact in an inspection report. Under the
law, home inspectors are required to maintain errors and omissions and general liability insurance with
coverage of not less than $100,000 per occurrence and $500,000 in the aggregate. The law is
scheduled to take effect in December 2001.

For more information, contact the Pennsylvania Home Inspectors Coalition.
Contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection at (717) 787-9707.

Rhode Island
Rhode Island Trade practice act enacted in 1996. The law in Rhode Island forbids home inspectors,
pest control inspectors, and contractors from doing work on property that is inspected prior to real estate
sales. The law was passed to help eliminate activities that could present a conflict of interest.

Licensure (Chapter 65.1) enacted in 2000. Rhode Island law creates a home inspector licensing law
and requires that all home inspectors be licensed. Home inspectors would be required to maintain
$250,000 of liability insurance, pass the National Home Inspector Examination, and abide by standards
of practice and a code of ethics. NOTE: This law is currently not funded.

For more information, contact the RI Contractors' Registration Board at (401) 222-1268 phone or
(401) 222-2599 fax
.

South Carolina
South Carolina Licensure (Title 40, Chapter 59, Article 3) enacted in 1996. South Carolina law requires
any person desiring to be a licensed home inspector to file with the South Carolina Residential Builders
Commission. A home inspector must show to the satisfaction of the Commission that he is currently
certified as a home inspector by an organization recognized by the Commission, that he has a minimum
of one year of experience as a home inspector under the supervisi on of a licensed inspector, and that
he has performed a minimum of fifty residential inspections.

For more information, including Rules and Regulations, contact the Department of Labor, Licensing
and Regulation, Residential Builders Commission (803) 896-4621 main (803) 896-4696 for Home
Inspectors www.llr.state.sc.us

South Dakota
South Dakota Licensure ( Chapter 36-21C) enacted in 2000. The South Dakota law provides for the
regulation of home inspectors. The South Dakota Real Estate Commission shall issue and renew
certificates to licensed and registered home inspectors pursuant to the provisions of this law. No person
may provide a home inspection for compensation unless registered or licensed in the State of South
Dakota. Applicants for a license as a home inspector shall meet the following requirements; 1) Good
moral character; 2) Completio n of high school or equivalency; 3) Employment as a registered home
inspector for no less than one year and performance of not less than one hundred home inspections for
compensation; 4) Successful completion of the National Home Inspector Examination to assess
minimum competence. Applicants for registration as a home inspector shall meet the following
requirements; 1) Good moral character; 2) Completion of high school or equivalency; 3) Successful
completion of an approved course of study; 4) Successful completion of registration exam.

For more information, contact the Real Estate Commission at (605) 773-3600 phone or (605) 773-
4356 fax.

Tennessee
Tennessee Licensure ( 2005 Public Act Chapter 65 enacted in 2006) Any person who applies for
licensure as a home inspector must submit an application on a form as prescribed by the
commissioner. The application shall be accompanied by the fee specified in Section 4. Applicants shall
furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant: 1) is at least 18 years old, 2) has
graduated from high sch ool or earned a general education development certificate, 3) has not been
convicted of a crime that has a direct bearing on the applicant's ability to perform competently and fully as
a licensed inspector, 4) is not the subject of a disciplinary or enforcement action by another state or a
local jurisdiction in connection with the performance of home inspections or the licensing or certification
of home inspectors, 5) has successfully completed 90 hours of a commissioner-approved training
program or course of study involving the performance of home inspections and the preparation of home
inspection reports, 6) has passed a commissioner-approved competency examination administered by
the state or an entity selected by the state, and 7) has obtained a certificate of insurance in an amount
required by the commissioner for general liability as well as errors and omission to cover all activities
contemplated under this chapter.

During the first 180 days after the effective date of this act (July 1, 2006), the commissioner may issue a
license to an applicant who meets the requirements stipulated in the law if the applicant furnishes
evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant: 1) has been principally engaged in the
performance of home inspections in this state for at least two years, and 2) has complete at least 150
home inspections for compensation in the applicant's career.

For more information contact the Home Inspector Licensing Program at 615-253-1743 or fax 615-
741-6470 or e-mail Carol.Kennedy@state.tn.us.

Texas
Texas Licen sure ( Title 113A, Article 6573a, Section 23) enacted in 1991. The Texas licensure law, the
Real Estate License Act, provides for the examination of home inspectors and established continuing
education requirements. These and other requirements are contained in the Texas Administrative Code,
Subchapter R, Rules. The law also requires home inspector applicants to work as apprentice inspectors
under the supervision of a professional licensed home inspector. If an applicant is unable to obtain an
apprenticeship, educational course work and an examination can be substituted. Home inspectors are
regulated by the Texas Real Estate Licensing Board.

September 1, 2007 - Legislative Change Requires Inspectors to Carry Liability Insurance

Senate Bill 914 modifies home inspector licensing and renewal requirements in Sections 1102.114 and
1102.203(a) of the Texas Occupations Code.

As of September 1, 2007, home inspectors must provide proof of liability insurance (using TREC Form
REI 8-0) to obtain or renew a license. The liability insurance must provide coverage at a minimum of
$100,000 per occurrence. Because SB 914 does not define specifically what type of liability insurance
coverage home inspectors will be required to hold, the Commission decided at its meeting on June 4,
2007, to ask the Office of the Attorney General to clarify whether SB 914 require an applicant to carry
general liability insurance, or professional liability insurance, or both. At the same time, the Commission
issued an interim policy statement which defines “liability insurance” to mean professional liability
insurance, also known as "errors and omissions" or "E&O" insurance, until the Office of the Attorney
General makes a final determination about the new requirements.

Inspectors who renew their licenses before September 1, 2007 will not be required to provide proof of
liability insurance. However, they must provide proof of insurance for subsequent renewals.

Inspectors who provide proof of insurance and then renew their license in the future may be required to
show proof that they were continuously insured during their previous license period in order to renew
their license.

Section 1102.114. ISSUANCE OF LICENSE. The commission shall issue the appropriate license to an
applicant who:


(1) meets the required qualifications;

(2) pays the fee required by Section 1102.352(a); and

(3) offers proof that the applicant carries liability insurance with a minimum limit of $100,000 per
occurrence to protect the public against a violation of Subchapter G.

Section 1102.203(a). A person may renew an unexpired license by paying the required renewal fee to the
commission before the expiration date of the license and providing proof of liability insurance as
required by Section 1102.114(3).

For more information, contact the Texas Real Estate Commission at (512) 459-6544 phone or (512)
465-3910 fax.

Virginia
Virginia Certification (Virginia Certified Home Inspectors Regulations) enacted in 2001. The Virginia
certification law provides a voluntary certification program for home inspectors in the state. However, no
person may hold him/herself out as a "certified home inspector" without meeting the certification
requirement s prescribed b y the Board. The Board may issue a certificate to practice home inspection to
any applicant who has successfully completed: 1) any educational requirements as required by the
Board, 2) any experience requirements as required by the Board, and 3) passed the National Home
Inspector Examination. The Board may issue a certificate to practice as a certified home inspector to any
applicant who is a member of a national or state professional home inspector association approved by
the Board, provided that the requirements for the cla ss of membership in such association are equal to
or exceed the requirements established by the Board for all applicants. Because the law was enacted
recently, the language does not include specific requirements. The Board is undoubtedly working on
creating those rules and requirements, in preparation for the law's July 1, 2003 effective date.

For more information, contact the Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors at (804)
367-8500.

West Virginia
West Virginia Certification (Title 87-05) enacted in 2006. West Virginia law, "Certification of Home
Inspectors," establishes procedures to be followed to assure that consumers of home inspection
services can rely on the competence of inspectors, as determined by educational and experience
requirements and testing. As an initial requirement and qualification for certification as a home
inspector, every applicant: 1) shall have passed the National Home Inspector Examination; 2) shall
either present proof of having conducted business as an inspector for three years prior to August 1,
2006, or proof of satisfactory completion of at least 80 hours of instr uction; 3) must have successfully
completed high school or its equivalent; and 4) shall present proof of, and shall maintain, general liability
insurance in the amount of not less than $250,000.00.

For more information, contact the West Virginia State Fire Marshal at (304-558-2191 or fax 304-558-
2537 or e-mail info@wvfiremarshal.org.

Wisconsin
Wisconsin Certification ( Chapter 440.97 ) enacted in 1998. Under Wisconsin's law, home inspectors
must register with the State and pass an examination approved by the Department of Regulation and
Licensing. The law instructs the Department to consider the use of an examination modeled after the
National Home Inspector Examination. The law also requires that a home inspector perform a
"reasonably competent and diligent" inspection; however, the inspection is not required to be technically
exhaustive. Home inspectors are prohibited from limiting their liability from damages resulting in a
failure to conduct a "reasonably competent and diligent" inspection. Also, inspectors are prohibited from
performing repairs, maintenance, or improvements to a structure that they have inspected within the last
two years.

For more information, contact the Department of Regulation and Licensing at (608) 266-2112 phone
or (608) 267-0644 fax or go directly to Home Inspector.
Existing State Home Inspector Regulatory Legislation
Study Up On Existing State Home Inspector Legislation
The American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., recognizes that familiarity with state
home inspector legislation and home inspector rules is integral. That's why the ASHI
Web site is the definitive resource for inspectors, consumers, real estate
professionals and the media for information, advice and resources dedicated to
home inspection. You'll have a wealth of shared knowledge at your disposal,
whether you're looking for specific home inspector rules or anything else. Read on
for state-by-state examples or call 1-800-743-ASHI (2744) for further details.
Below you will find detailed information about the rules and regulations for
home inspectors by state. What the licensing requirements are, insurance
information and continuing education requirements.

Thank-You!
This information is provided by the American Society of Home Inspectors
(ASHI). A very cool organization that has a wealth of information and support
for home inspectors.
www.ashi.org

LEGAL Disclaimer
Please note, this information is as accurate as we can make it, but we do not
guarantee its accuracy. Please do your own research and call/go the website
of your state/local licensing/regulatory body to confirm ALL information
contained herein.

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