How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Maryland?

Are you interested in becoming a home inspector in Maryland? We’ve compiled the five steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional. Follow the steps below to learn more about Maryland home inspection education requirements and pricing options.

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Prerequisites:

  • Must have a High School Diploma or GED

  1. Complete an On-Site, Commission-Approved Course of at Least 72 Hours

    The Maryland Department of Labor requires a license to work as a home inspector, and choosing the right training will set you apart and build your brand as a reputable professional. This 72-hr. recommended Maryland-approved home inspector course, including ebooks, aligns with topics on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE).

  2. Pass the National Home Inspector Exam

    After completing your home inspector education, the next step in establishing yourself as a trusted expert is passing the National Home Inspector Exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions (25 of which are not scored) covering three major domains, or sections, that every home inspector should know. Those domains are:

    • Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
    • Analysis of Findings and Reporting
    • Professional Responsibilities

    Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location). Due to the unignorable cost of taking the exam, we highly recommend taking an Exam Prep course to greatly increase your chances of passing on the first try. If an individual does not pass, they must wait 30 days before taking the exam again.

    Fun Fact: Veterans taking the National Home Inspector Exam are eligible for reimbursement through the GI Bill. Those who choose to exercise this benefit must complete a VBA-22-0803-ARE and submit it with the receipt to the VA for reimbursement.

  3. Submit Your Home Inspector Application to Maryland’s Department of Labor

    For those wanting to earn their Maryland home inspector license, follow these steps per the Maryland Department of Labor:

    • You must provide evidence of having obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
    • You must complete the application and send photocopies of course certificates reflecting your completion of 72 hours of an on-site, classroom-based training course approved by the Commission.
    • Following this, you must provide an examination score report verifying your successful completion of the NHIE.
    • Finally, you must pay a non-refundable application review fee of $50.00.
  4. Provide Proof of General Liability Coverage for at Least $150,000

    Home inspectors must maintain general liability insurance coverage in the amount of $150,000 or more. Once you’ve provided proof of general liability coverage, you will be issued a license for a two-year term commencing on the effective date that appears on your license.

    The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors offers insurance for home inspectors. To learn more, visit NACHI.org/Insurance.

See MD Course Pricing & Packages
Free Home Inspector Webinar

Quick Facts:

  • As of March 2022, the average Maryland home inspector salary is $106,556 ($71,597 base pay + $28,800 in commission).
  • Each home inspection professional should have a liability and/or errors & omissions insurance policy. 
  • Home inspectors can operate independently or join a home inspection firm.

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Learn more about how to become a home inspector, getting your home inspection certification, and the average home inspector salary.

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Maryland Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become a Maryland Home Inspector

  • Maryland home inspection education: 72 hours
  • Exam Required: NHIE
  • Application Fee: $50 ($325 is due if license is granted) (other fees may apply)
  • Insurance Requirements: General Liability coverage for at least $150,000
  • Notarized application, background check, and fingerprints are not required
  • High School Diploma or GED is required

Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years from original licensure date

Maryland Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • 30 hours every two years (up to 30% can be online)

Maryland State Licensing Board