How to Become a Home Inspector in Indiana

Home inspectors check that the building is structurally sound prior to being sold.

Home inspectors conduct inspections on homes, condominiums, townhouses, manufactured homes and apartments. Most home sales now require a home inspection to be done by a licensed home inspector. Each state offers licenses for home inspectors. In Indiana, the Professional Licensing Agency oversees licenses for home inspectors.

Things You'll Need

• $450
• Photograph of yourself

Instructions

1. Complete all pre-license coursework. Indiana requires that all home inspectors have a high school diploma or GED. Home inspectors also must complete a 60-hour pre-license coursework on the following subjects: heating systems, cooling systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, structural components, foundations, roof coverings, exterior and interior, and Indiana licensure law and report writing. A minimum of 40 hours must be in a classroom and a minimum of 12 hours must be practical experience. Once you complete your pre-license coursework, you will receive a certificate of completion that will need to be notarized.

2. Get an insurance certificate. Each home inspector in Indiana must carry at least $100,000 in insurance. The insurance policy must include the state as an additional insured. Your insurance certificate will need to be notarized.

3. Pass the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors' National Home Inspector Examination. The test has 200 multiple-choice questions that cover inspection methods, reporting, building systems and professional practice.

4. Complete the Application for Licensure as a Home Inspector. You will need to pay a $450 fee at the time of application. Your application must include your coursework completion certificate, certificate of insurance, the score from your National Home Inspector Examination and a photograph of yourself. The photograph must be professionally taken and be only of yourself. It may be in either color or black and white. The picture must not be larger than 2 inches by 2 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• You must have your coursework certification, insurance certificate and application notarized by a Notary Public or it will not be accepted by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

References

• National Home Inspector Examination: Frequently Asked Questions
• Indiana Professional Licsencing Agency: Application for Licensure as a Home Inspector

Resources

• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency: License Application and Instructions for Home Inspectors