How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Washington?

We’ve compiled the five steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional in Washington State. Read the steps below and check out our pricing packages to learn about Washington home inspection and the requirements.

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Prerequisites:

  • There are no national prerequisites (however, some home inspection firms might require a GED, insurance, a clean background check, etc.)

  1. Complete a Washington-Approved 120-Hr. Home Inspector Course

    The Washington State Department of Licensing requires a license to work as a home inspector, and choosing the right training will set you apart and build your brand as a reputable inspector. The 120-hour required Washington-approved home inspector course, including ebooks, aligns with topics on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE).

  2. Complete 40 Hours of Field Training

    In addition to 120 hours of classroom training, Washington home inspector applicants are required to attend 40 hours of supervised field training with five actual inspections. Applicants will need to produce written reports on these inspections created within two years prior to application.

  3. Take and Pass the National Home Inspector Exam and the Washington Home Inspector Exam

    The Washington State Department of Licensing has a new online service for managing professional and business licenses. You will need to create an account to apply for the Washington Home Inspector Exam using their online software called SecureAccess Washington (SAW).

    Setup your SAW account and apply to take the Washington Home Inspector Exam. You’ll be required to pay a fee of $300, which covers both the national exam and state exam. This fee is payable when you schedule your exam.

    After your SAW account has been created, apply for the state exam. This test and the national exam are both required.

    Before taking the exam, you can study by reviewing the home inspector examination candidate handbook provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

    To take your exam, visit the testing vendor’s website to schedule.

    • Select “Real Estate” as the category.
    • Select “Washington Home Inspector Program” as the program.
    • Select “Home Inspector Examination” as the examination.
    • Select “Schedule/Apply for this Exam” and provide the required information, including your sssigned identification number to select your desired testing site.
  4. Apply for Your Home Inspector License

    Before applying, prepare the following required documents:

    • Completed Home Inspector License application
    • Copies of your state and national pass or fail reports from the exam provider
    • A check or money order for the $720 licensing fee (payable to the Washington State Department of Licensing)

    Applicants have two options to apply.

    To apply online:

    To apply through mail:

    • Mail the required documents and application to:


    Home Inspectors
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 3917
    Seattle, WA 98124-3917

    After your license application is approved, you can either log in and print a copy of your license for free, or request a copy by mail, which costs $5.

See WA Course Pricing & Packages
Free Home Inspector Webinar

Quick Facts:

  • As of March 2022, the average Washington home inspector salary is $93,044 ($64,244 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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Washington Home Inspector License Requirements

 

Requirements to Become a Washington Home Inspector

  • Washington Home Inspection Education Hours: 120 hours
  • Inspections: 40 hours
  • Exam Required: Washington State Exam (including national)
  • Application Fee: $720 (other fees may apply)
  • Notarized application and fingerprints are not required
  • Background check is not required but applicants are required to disclose
  • No minimum age requirement

Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years on the applicant’s second birthday following issuance

Washington Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • 24 hours every two years

Washington State Licensing Board