Complete 40 Hours of Montana-Approved Home Inspection Education

Per the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s requirements, applicants must complete the 40 hours of state-approved home inspection coursework. By taking the recommended courses, you will be prepared to face the real-world challenges that licensed home inspectors typically encounter.

Take the National Home Inspector Exam (Optional)

Though it’s optional, passing the National Home Inspector Exam is a vital step in establishing yourself as a trusted expert. 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.

Provide Proof of $100,000 General Commercial Liability and a Minimum of $100,000 Errors and Omissions Insurance

According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, you must obtain insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements for coverage. The insurance requirements for a home inspector in Montana are: 

• An errors and omissions policy that covers a minimum of $100,000 
• A general liability policy that covers a minimum of $100,000

General liability policies for small businesses are roughly $40 per month, while errors and omissions insurance can set you back approximately $59 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.

Be Covered Under a Workers’ Compensation Policy or Have an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) for the Occupation of Home Inspection

In addition to errors and omissions and general liability insurance, home inspectors must also possess a workers’ compensation policy or an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) for the occupation of home inspection.

Obtain Membership in a National Home Inspection Association

All home inspectors in the state of Montana must be a member of a national home inspection association. Some of the most well-known organizations include the International Association of Home Inspectors and the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Pay $80 Application Fee and Apply to Be a Montana Home Inspector

The final step in becoming a registered home inspector is completing the application and paying the $80 application fee.