How Do You Become a Home Inspector in New York?

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 New York. Follow the steps below to learn more about home inspection courses (and why they’re necessary), taking the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), networking in your area, the home inspection insurance must-haves, and where to go from here.

The steps below are taken directly from the New York State Home Inspector Requirements. For more information, check out this  handy checklist from the New York Department of State.

See NY Course Pricing & Packages
Free Home Inspector Webinar

Prerequisites:

  • Home inspectors must be at least 18 years old.

  1. Complete a New York-Approved 140-Hr. Home Inspection Course

    You’ll need to take the required 140-hr. New York-approved course with at least 100 hours of live training, followed by 40 hours of field training. AHIT offers the most comprehensive, direct, and streamlined home inspection course in the state.

    During the course, you will learn from Licensed Home Inspectors who have been working in the field for years. They will walk you through every detail of your home inspector training and give you incredible insight into starting your own home inspection business.

    AHIT also offers live classes in several New York cities, including Albany, Poughkeepsie, Queens, and Valhalla.

  2. Complete 40 hours of Field Training (included as part of your 140-hr course)

    The state of New York also requires you to get a real feel for home inspection by going out into the field with AHIT home inspectors to do live inspections. The fieldwork covers many real-world scenarios you can expect to encounter as a New York home inspector.

    New York requires you to conduct 40 hours of field training under the direct supervision of a home inspector licensed by the state or a professional engineer or architect licensed by the state. This is bundled together with the required home inspector education courses.

  3. Take and Pass either the National Home Inspector Exam or the New York State Home Inspector License Examination

    The state of New York requires you to take either the National Home Inspector Exam or the New York State Home Inspector License Examination. AHIT offers a fantastic Exam Prep suite, which includes many different tools and resources to help you pass the tests. Check out the AHIT Exam Prep course for New York here.

  4. Provide Proof of General Liability Insurance for a Minimum of $150,000 per Occurrence & $500,000 Aggregate

    As a home inspector in New York, you will need general liability insurance for $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate. You will need to submit proof of insurance while applying for your Home Inspector License.

  5. Pay The $250 Application Fee and Apply for Your New York Home Inspector License

    Finally, you will need to pay the $250 Department of State application fee and submit your Home Inspector License Application.

See NY Course Pricing & Packages
Free Home Inspector Webinar

Quick Facts:

Request Your Free Catalog & Get Started Today!

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

After signing up, you will occasionally receive newsletters and special offers via email. We will never sell or distribute your email address to any third parties. View our Privacy Policy.

New York Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become a New York Home Inspector

  • New York home inspection education hours: 140 hours
  • Inspections: 40 hours field (included in 140 hours)
  • Exam Required: NHIE or New York State Home Inspector License Examination
  • Application Fee: $250 (other fees may apply)
  • Insurance Requirements: General liability for a minimum of $150,000 per occurrence and
    $500,000 aggregate
  • Notarized application, background check, and fingerprints are not required
  • No minimum age requirement
  • High School Diploma or GED is required

Home Inspection License Expiration: 12/31 every two years

New York Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • 24 hours every two years

New York State Licensing Board