How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Illinois?
We’ve compiled the four steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional. Read the steps below and check out our pricing packages to learn about Illinois home inspection pricing options.
Prerequisites:
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You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a GED or high school diploma
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Complete 60 Hours of an Illinois-Approved Home Inspection Course
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requires a license to work as a home inspector. The 60-hour recommended Illinois-approved home inspection course, including ebooks, aligns with topics you’ll find in your Illinois Home Inspector Exam.
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Complete an Approved Home Inspector Pre-License Field Course
You will be required to conduct 5 field inspection events under the direct supervision of an Illinois licensed home inspector and achieve a minimum of 70% on a final field examination to earn your Illinois home inspector license (effective January 1, 2025).
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Take and Pass the Illinois Home Inspector Exam
To complete your Illinois home inspector education, you will need to pass the state’s written exam. To help you study for this exam, the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation has an online candidate study guide that students can use to study for the exam.
Once you feel prepared to take your exam, Illinois home inspector candidates can visit the PSI website to schedule.
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Pay the $250 Fee and Apply to Be an Illinois Home Inspector
To earn your Illinois home inspector license, you must submit an application. Before applying, you must pay the $250 fee associated with the home inspector license application.
The application form is available online on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website.
Mail your application and fee to:
IDFPR- Division of Real Estate
Real Estate Education Section
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Quick Facts:
- As of March 2022, the average Illinois home inspector salary is $90,358 ($61,558 base pay + $28,800 in commission).
- Each home inspection professional should have a liability and/or errors and omissions insurance policy.
- Home inspectors can operate independently or join a home inspection firm.
- For an additional resource to understand licensing steps, visit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website for a visual guide.
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Learn more about how to become a home inspector, getting your home inspection certification, and the average home inspector salary.
Illinois Home Inspector License Requirements
Requirements to Become an Illinois Home Inspector
- Illinois home inspection education hours: 60 hours
- Inspections: 5 field inspection events and a final field examination (effective January 1, 2025)
- Exam Required: IL Home Inspector Examination
- Application Fee: $250 (other fees may apply)
- Notarized application, background check, and fingerprints are not required but certain disclosures are required
- Minimum age requirement: 18
- High School Diploma completion of an equivalent course of study is required
- Proof of general liability insurance coverage is required
Home Inspection License Expiration: 11/30 every two years
Illinois Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- 12 hours every two years
- Continuing education must consist of a minimum of 8 hours of mandatory courses, including the 1-hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training course
Illinois State Licensing Board
- Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation establishes the Illinois Home Inspector License Requirements