How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Oregon?

We’ve compiled the three steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional. 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 prerequisite requirements.

  1. Complete 60 Hours of Oregon-Approved Education or 20 Points of Experience

    The Oregon Construction Contractors Board requires a license or 20 points of certain experience to work as a home inspector. Oregon has a point system that can be used in lieu of a traditional licensing course, with the prospective inspector gaining points from different real-world experiences. For example:

    • One point is awarded for each class in construction, remodeling, engineering, architecture, building design, building technology, or real estate that’s completed with a passing grade from an accredited college or university. Courses must be a minimum of 3 credits or 3 continuing education units (CEU).
    • Two points are awarded for each completed 12 months of working or teaching at an accredited college or university, trade school, or private business for monetary compensation in construction, remodeling, engineering, architecture, building design, building technology, or real estate.
    • One point is awarded for completing a ride-along with an Oregon-certified home inspector during an inspection.
    • You’re awarded four points for each 12 months of working for monetary compensation as a full-time home inspector.
    • A recommendation from an Oregon-certified home inspector awards you one half-point.
    • A building codes certification issued by a government agency awards you one point.

    The 60-hour required Oregon-approved home inspector course aligns with topics on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE).

  2. Complete 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.

  3. Pay $150 Application Fee & Apply to Be a Home Inspector

    Once you’ve completed your 60 hours of education or 20 points of experience and passed the National Home Inspector Exam, you’ll apply for your license. To do this, you’ll need to submit an application and pay the $150 application fee.

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Quick Facts:

  • Your Oregon Home Inspector License is valid for two years.
  • You must complete 30 hours of Continuing Education and pay a $150 fee every two years to renew your license.
  • A notarized application, background check, and fingerprints are not required.

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Oregon Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become an Oregon Home Inspector

  • Oregon home inspection education hours: 20 points (60 hours)
  • Exam Required: NHIE
  • Application Fee: $150 (other fees may apply)
  • Notarized application, background check, and fingerprints are not required
  • No minimum age requirement

Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years from date of certification

Oregon Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • 30 continuing education units are needed every two years

Oregon State Licensing Board