How to Become a Washington Home Inspector

Washington home inspectors must have a license to work in the state.

Home inspectors play an important role in the real estate process. They perform an inspection of the house's structure and various systems such as the heating and plumbing. In Washington state, home inspectors must receive a license from the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) Home Inspectors Board. This licensing law became effective September 1, 2009.

Instructions

1. Attend a 120-hour home inspector training program as required by the DOL. The DOL website provides a list of approved education providers.

2. Complete field training under the supervision of a licensed home inspector. The DOL requires a minimum of 40 hours of training and the completion of five supervised inspections. The DOL will only accept experience acquired within two years of applying for the exam. Acceptable mentors must have at least two years of experience and have completed at least 250 inspections.

3. Submit an application for the home inspector exam once you have taken the course and met the field experience requirements. The DOL will review the application to ensure you have met the education and experience requirements necessary for the test. Upon approval, the DOL will send you information about registering for the test. Mail the exam application to the following address:

   Home Inspectors

   Department of Licensing

   P.O. Box 9048

   Olympia, WA 98507-9048

4. Take the home inspector licensing examination. Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc., a private testing company, administers the test to Washington candidates. As of 2010, the exam fee is $300. You can register for the exam on the AMP website. On the day of the test, bring the approval letter from the DOL stating your eligibility for testing. The DOL website offers a candidate handbook that can help you prepare for the test.

5. Submit an application for licensure to the DOL upon passing the inspector exam. You must include reports from the AMP stating you passed the national and state portions of the test. AMP will give this to you after passing the test. You must also include a licensing fee of $680, payable to the Washington State Treasurer. Mail the completed licensure application to the Olympia address mentioned previously for the examination application.

References

• Washington State Legislature: Home Inspectors 18.280.070 Qualifications for Licensure
• Washington State Legislature: Home Inspectors 18.280.020: Licensure Required
• Washington Department of Licensing: Home Inspector Examination Application
• Washington Department of Licensing: Home Inspector Exam
• Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc.

Resources

• Washington Department of Licensing: Approved Home Inspector Courses