How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Delaware?
Are you interested in becoming a home inspector in Delaware? We’ve compiled the six steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional. Follow the steps below to learn more about home inspection courses (and why they’re necessary), taking the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), and where to go from here.
Prerequisites:
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You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- You can’t have committed a crime related to home inspections.
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Complete 140 hours of Delaware-Approved Home Inspection Education
The Delaware Board of Home Inspectors requires a license to work as a home inspector, and choosing the right training will set you apart and help you build your brand as a reputable inspector. The 140-hour required Delaware-approved home inspector course aligns with topics on the NHIE.
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Take and Pass the National Home Inspector Exam
After completing your home inspector education, the next step is to register for (and pass) the NHIE. This exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions (25 of which are not scored). Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location). This test is known to be difficult, and enrolling in an Exam Prep course is an excellent way to fully prepare for your exam.
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Register as a Home Inspector Trainee
Before you can apply for your Home Inspector License in Delaware, you must register as a home inspector trainee and complete your required home inspections.
If you already have a Home Inspector license from another state and are looking for reciprocity, you will need to have an endorsement. -
Conduct 75 Home Inspections Under Active Oversight
The state of Delaware requires you to conduct 75 home inspections in the field as a home inspector trainee under the supervision of a licensed home inspector. You and the licensed home inspector will need to keep a log to documents all of your home inspections. You must submit the documentation when you apply for a Delaware Home Inspector License.
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Provide Proof of Errors and Omissions and General Liability Insurance
Making mistakes is a part of human nature, and it happens to the best of us. To protect yourself and your livelihood from career-ending lawsuits, taking out a general liability insurance policy and an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is a must for all home inspection professionals.
Delaware requires proof of the following:
- A general liability insurance policy covering at least $250,000
- A certificate of errors and omissions insurance coverage of at least $50,000
General liability and E&O insurance policies for small businesses are roughly $40 per month. To get the best rate and a better idea of what coverage you need, speak with a licensed local insurance agent who has worked with other home inspectors, members of local home inspector trade organizations, or shop for insurers online.
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Apply for a Home Inspector License and a Delaware Business License
To apply for your Home Inspector License, you will need to use Delaware’s online portal called DELPROS. The state webpage offers detailed instructions for submitting your application and the required documents. Your application must be notarized.
Home inspectors in Delaware are required to have both a Home Inspector License and a business license issued by the state. If you have any prior convictions, have been pardoned, or have any pending criminal charges, you will also need to submit a background check.
Quick Facts:
- As of April 2022, the average Delaware home inspector salary is $88,026 ($59,266 base pay + $28,800 in commission).
- Delaware requires 40 hours of Continuing Education coursework every two years.
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Delaware Home Inspector License Requirements
Requirements to Become a Delaware Home Inspector
Delaware’s home inspector registration is two-tiered: Home Inspector Trainee and Home Inspector. Inspectors must first apply as a Home Inspector Trainee prior to completing the requirements to become a Home Inspector.
- Delaware home inspection education hours: 140 hours (license only)
- Exam required: NHIE (license only)
- Home Inspections: 75 under “active oversight” (license only)
- Insurance Requirements: E&O insurance equal to or greater than $50,000, and liability insurance equal to or greater than $250,000 (license only)
- Application Fee: $160 (trainee registration)/$293 (license) (other fees may apply)
- Notarized application is required. No background check, but criminal history must be disclosed.
- Fingerprints are not required
- No minimum age requirement
- High School Diploma or GED is required
Home Inspection License Expiration: 8/31 every two years (odd)
Delaware Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- 40 hours every two years by 8/31