Do You Need a License for a Home Inspection in New York?
In residential real estate transactions, buyers typically hire a home inspector to inspect the home and provide a report outlining any code violations and items that need repair. Home inspectors in New York are required to have a license from the New York Division of Licensing. To help ensure the competency of inspectors in New York, the Division of Licensing developed requirements all inspectors must meet before obtaining a license.
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Education
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All home inspectors in New York are required to have the equivalent of a high school education. In addition, you must complete 140 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider. You can find a list of approved providers on the Division of Licensing website (see Resources).
Experience
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Forty of the 140 hours of pre-license education must involve you completing unpaid home inspections under the supervision of a New York State licensed home inspector or a professional engineer. In addition, you must complete at least 100 more home inspections, paid or unpaid, under similar supervision.
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Examination
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All applicants for a home inspector license must pass a written examination given by the Division of Licensing. You cannot register ahead of time for the examination. You must show up to one of seven testing sites located throughout the state and register the same day as you take the examination. You can find a list of locations and examination dates on the division's website (see References). As of February 2011, the examination fee is $50. You need to achieve a score of at least 70 percent to pass and you will receive your score in the mail.
Insurance
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To indemnify homeowners that sustain financial damages due to an incomplete or incorrect home inspection report, the Division of Licensing requires all home inspectors to have at least $150,000 in general liability insurance. The Division of Licensing requires that it receive notification from the insurance company if you cancel the policy or allow it to lapse.
Application
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After passing the licensing examination, you need to submit a license application to the Division of Licensing. You can download an application from the division's website (see Resources). When submitting a completed application to the Division of Licensing, include proof of insurance, a copy of your examination score report and proof that you satisfied the educational and experience requirements. The license fee is $250 as of February 2011. The Division of Licensing will issue your license upon approving your application.
Renewal
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Home inspector licenses in New York are valid for two years. As a condition of renewing your license, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. You can find a list of approved educational provides on the Division of Licensing website (see Resources). As of February 2011, the license renewal fee is $100.
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