How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Virginia?

Are you interested in becoming a home inspector in Virginia? 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 Virginia home inspection education requirements and pricing options.

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Prerequisites:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.

  1. Complete a Virginia-Approved 70-Hr. Home Inspection Course

    The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requires a license to work as a home inspector. By taking the 70-hr. required Virginia-approved home inspector course, including ebooks, you’ll master the required education and learn about topics on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). No more than half of your state-required training can be completed online.

  2. Pass the National Home Inspector Exam

    After completing your home inspector education, the next requirement 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. Complete Ride-Along Home Inspections in Virginia

    Perform 25 inspections under the direct supervision of a professional Virginia inspector. Join professional associations in Virginia. Local chapters are a great way to connect with other inspectors.

  4. Obtain General Liability Insurance of $250,000 per Occurrence

    Home inspectors in Virginia must have general liability insurance coverage in the amount of $250,000 or more. Once you’ve provided proof of general liability coverage, you will be issued a license for a two-year term beginning 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.

  5. Submit Required Documentation & Application to the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation

    To earn your Virginia Home Inspector License, you must submit a completed application form to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation with the required $80 fee.

See VA Course Pricing & Packages
Free Home Inspector Webinar

Quick Facts:

  • As of March 2022, the average Virginia home inspector salary is $90,885 ($62,085 base pay + $28,800 in commission).
  • Each home inspection professional should have a liability and/or errors and 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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Virginia Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become a Virginia Home Inspector

  • Virginia Home Inspection Education Hours: 35 or 70 hours (no more than half completed online)
  • Inspections: 50 inspections (with 35 hours) OR 25 inspections (with 70 hours) under the direct supervision of a professional Virginia inspector
  • Exam Required: NHIE
  • Application Fee: $80 (other fees may apply)
  • Insurance Requirements: General Liability of $250,000 per occurrence
  • Notarized application and fingerprints are not required
  • Background check not required but need to disclose
  • Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years old

Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years

Virginia Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • 16 hours every two years

Virginia State Licensing Board