How to Become a Home Inspector in KY
Home inspectors ensure the suitability of heating systems and other components of residential properties. The Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors (KBHI) issues licenses for home inspection. Kentucky requires completion of a training course and examination to obtain a home inspector's license. The state also requires a background check and insurance before issuing a license. Applicants who meet all requirements can get a license and conduct home inspections in Kentucky.
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Things You'll Need
- License application
- School completion certificate
- Exam report
- Proof of liability insurance
- Exam application
- Background-check report
Instructions
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Access the KBHI list of approved home-inspection training organizations (see References 1). Contact the providers for course information. Attend a course and keep the written textbooks to prepare for your home-inspection exam. Obtain a certificate of course completion from the provider.
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2
Prepare for the National Home Inspector Examination using your course materials and examination references. The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI) creates the exam questions from the references on its list (see References 2). Alternatively, Kentucky allows you to take the National Association of Home Inspector's (NAHI) State Real Estate Inspector Examination. Use the references listed on the application to prepare for the exam (see References 3).
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Schedule with Pearson VUE to take the National Home Inspector Examination (see References 4). As of 2010, the fee is $225 to take the exam. You may call 877-543-5222 and pay by debit card, electronic check or credit card. You may also register online (see References 5). Fill out the NAHI application if taking the State Real Estate Inspector Examination. As of 2010, the fee is $175, payable by credit card or a check made out to NAHI. Fax or mail the application and fee with the following contact information:
NAHI
4248 Park Glen Road
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Phone: 800-448-3942
Fax: 952-929-1318
nahi.org -
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Take your scheduled exam. You will receive instructions with your score report if you need to retake an exam.
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Complete a background check with the Kentucky State Police. Call the Name Search Section at 502-227-8700 to order the required forms for a self-initiated background check. As of 2010, the fee is $20, payable by check or money order to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Send the forms, fee and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the following address:
Kentucky State Police
Criminal Identification and Records Branch
Criminal Records Dissemination Section
1250 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-227-8700
kentuckystatepolice.org -
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Speak to a local insurance company to get the required insurance. You must obtain general-liability insurance of at least $250,000. In addition, you must use a company authorized to do business in Kentucky and have a policy listing the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors as the holder of the insurance certificate. The policy must also require 10-day written notice to the board for cancellation or non-renewal of the policy.
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Fill out the Application for Licensure as a Home Inspector form (see Resources). As of 2010, the fee is $250, payable by check or money order to the Kentucky State Treasurer. You must affix a personal passport-quality color photograph, measuring 2 inches by 2 inches. Send the application, fee, course certificate, exam report, proof of insurance and a copy of the background check to the following address:
Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors
P.O. Box 1360
Frankfort, KY 40602
502-564-3296, ext. 237
bhi.ky.gov
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Tips & Warnings
Current license holders moving to Kentucky from another state may obtain a license with no additional courses or testing. The state must have requirements substantially similar to Kentucky's requirements. Additionally, the applicant must state that he has studied and agrees to abide by Kentucky law.
References
Resources
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