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How to Become a Home Inspector in
Becoming a home inspector in Texas is an exciting career transition. To ensure success, consider these steps when it comes to licensing requirements and training.
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Home Inspector Licensing Requirements in Texas
The requirements to become a home inspector, including education and examination, vary by state. Here is what to consider if you want to become an inspector in Texas.
Licensing Required
Yes
Exam Required
NHIE + State Exam
Total Education Hours
154-194
Minimum Age Requirement
18 years
Citizenship Requirements
Must be a citizen of the US or a lawfully admitted alien
The Path to Licensure
5 Steps to Get Your Home Inspector License in Texas
01
Enroll and Complete the Required Education Program
Home inspector training must be approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). To obtain the Real Estate Inspector license, 154 hours of education (including 40 hours of practicum) are required, and to obtain the Professional Real Estate Inspector license, 194 hours of education are required (including 40 hours of practicum).
02
Pass the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE)
In Texas, home inspectors must pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) and the state-specific exam. These exams can be taken throughout the year and proof of passing is required to apply for the home inspector license. These exams must be proctored.
03
Apply for a License
To apply for a license, submit your application and all required documentation (including exam scores, proof of financial responsibility, and proof of completed education) to TREC. The application fee is $100 for the Real Estate Inspector license and $120 for the Professional Real Estate Inspector license. An additional $10 fee is applied after passing the exam.
04
Obtain the Proper Insurance
Provide proof of Liability Insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence and an aggregate annual total of a minimum of $100,000 using the TREC Certificate of Insurance form or provide proof of a Surety Bond using the TREC Proof of Financial Responsibility Form.
05
Maintain Licensing Through Continuing Education
Texas has specific continuing education (CE) requirements that all licensed home inspectors must complete on an annual and biannual basis. See below for the continuing education requirements.
Continuing Education Requirements for Home Inspectors in Texas
Hours Required
32 hours total, 16 hours per year
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 Years
Additional Requirements: Inspectors are limited to a maximum of 16 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credit in a single topic per renewal period. They are required to complete an 8-hour course on Inspector Legal & Ethics and Standards of Practice (SOP) Review; Final exams for both qualifying and non-elective continuing education must be proctored.
WIN Home Inspection
Kickstart Your Home Inspector Career
If you’re serious about becoming a home inspector in Texas, you should also explore various career paths, including becoming a franchise owner. WIN Home Inspection can help you navigate this process. In addition, you'll receive in-house training (covers 35+ essential home inspection services) that is fully approved and meets all the requirements for becoming a certified home inspector in Texas. This program includes franchise fees, so there are no outside schooling or additional costs. You'll also receive a home inspector certification in Texas for specialized services such as sewer scope inspections and drone roof inspections, which can help increase your salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What is the salary of home inspectors in Texas?
Home inspectors in Texas can expect to make an average of $43,000 per year, up to $103,000 and at least $18,000 when you’re just starting out.
2.
How long does it take to become a licensed home inspector in Texas?
To obtain a Professional Real Estate Inspector license in Texas, it requires 194 hours of education. For many aspiring home inspectors, it takes 8-10 weeks to complete the required training, depending on how many hours a day and how many days of the week are devoted to training.
3.
Are home inspectors in demand in Texas?
Currently, home inspectors are in demand in Texas given the increase in home sales in recent years.
4.
How much is home inspector insurance in Texas?
The cost of home inspector insurance in Texas varies depending on the coverage and insurance provider; however, home inspectors in Texas are required to have a minimum of $100,00 in Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
5.
How do I obtain business insurance as a home inspector in Texas?
All home inspectors in Texas are required to obtain a minimum of $100,000 in Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to get or renew a license with TREC. Errors and Omissions insurance is a professional liability insurance that protects you, your company, and your employees against claims of negligence and inadequate work. This insurance is essential as a home inspector and can easily be obtained through an insurance provider. In addition to E&O insurance, you’ll also need Liability Insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence and an aggregate annual total of a minimum of $100,000. This can also be obtained through an insurance provider.
6.
How can I prepare for the home inspector exam in Texas?
Preparing for the home inspector exam in Texas requires hard work and diligence. First, it’s important to understand the exam structure as well as the types of questions asked, and the topics covered. Additionally, you should study regularly to keep the information fresh and build on your knowledge. Using study guides, a tutor, or an online prep course can help you study more efficiently. Finally, take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the exam itself and get comfortable with the materials.
7.
How hard is the Texas home inspector exam?
The difficulty of the Texas home inspector exam really depends on how much you prepare for it. You need at least a 70% on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) to pass. We recommend enrolling in an exam prep course if you feel you need an extra boost!