How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Montana?

Are you ready to lay the foundation of your own home inspection business? We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you cement your new career as a home inspector in Montana. 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.

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Prerequisites:

  • There are no prerequisites to becoming a home inspector in Montana.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

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Quick Facts:

  • As of April 2022, the average Montana home inspector salary is $84,173 ($55,373 base pay + $28,800 in commission).
  • Each home inspection professional must obtain an errors and omissions insurance policy for $100,000 and a general liability policy for $100,000.
  • Home inspectors must join a national home inspector organization

Want To Learn More?

There’s a reason why over 70,000 students have chosen us. Check out the home inspector online course with AHIT and see for yourself. Most packages include books, videos, exercises, practice questions, a certificate of completion & more!

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

Montana Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become a Montana Home Inspector

  • Effective January 1, 2020, home inspectors in Montana must be licensed.
  • Montana home inspection education hours: 40 (if exam is not taken – see below)
  • Exam Required: NHIE or other board approved exam (if education is not completed – see below)
  • Application Fee: $80 (other fees may apply)
  • Insurance Requirements: Minimum of $100,000 general commercial liability insurance and minimum of $100,000 errors and omissions insurance
  • OtherMust be a member of a national home inspector association
  • Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years from date of issuance

Montana Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  •  40 hours every two years

MONTANA STATE LICENSING BOARD

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry oversees Home Inspector Registration.