How Do You Become a Home Inspector in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia. Follow the steps below to learn more about home inspection courses (and why they’re necessary), taking the National Home Inspector Exam, and where to go from here.
Prerequisites:
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High school diploma or GED
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Complete a West Virginia-Approved 80-Hour Home Inspection Course
The West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal mandates that all home inspectors must be certified. The first step in obtaining a West Virginia Home Inspector Certification is completing the required 80-hour state-approved home inspection course. Taking home inspection licensing courses will prepare you to face the real-world challenges that licensed home inspectors typically encounter and help you master the topics found on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE).
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Complete a Criminal Background Check With Fingerprints From the West Virginia State Police & the FBI
The West Virginia State Fire Marshal Office (WVSFMO) requires that applicants consent to a criminal history record check with fingerprinting from the state police and the FBI. It’s also important to note that the WVSFMO does not process fingerprint cards; it must be done through a third party.
To complete your background check and process your fingerprinting, the state police website recommends using IdentoGO.com or calling them toll free at 855.766.7746. -
Pass the National Home Inspector Exam
After completing your home inspector courses, 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.
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Provide Proof of General Liability Insurance of at Least $250,000
Making mistakes is a part of human nature, and it happens to the best of us. As such, all home inspectors in West Virginia must legally purchase a general liability insurance policy with at least $250,000 in coverage before they are certified.
General liability policies for small businesses are roughly $40 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.
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Apply for Your West Virginia Business License
According to the West Virginia State Tax Department, “every individual or business entity must obtain a West Virginia business registration certificate [before engaging in business activity in West Virginia].”
You can apply for your West Virginia business license online here. Please note that you’ll be required to pay a $30 registration tax when sending in your application.
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Submit Your Home Inspector License Application, Proof of Your Diploma/GED, Proof of Your West Virginia Business License, & a $150 Fee to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office
Provide a copy of your Diploma or GED, a copy of your West Virginia business license, and pay the $150 application fee listed on the state application form to become a certified home inspector in West Virginia.
Quick Facts:
- To get certified as a West Virginia home inspector, you must:
- Complete an 80-hour home inspection course
- Submit to background check/fingerprinting
- Pass National Home Inspector Exam
- Obtain a general liability insurance policy of at least $250,000
- Obtain a West Virginia business license and pay the $30 application tax
- Submit your documentation along with the $150 application fee
- Consider joining the WV Association of Home Inspectors to network with your peers
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Learn more about how to become a home inspector, getting your home inspection certification, and the average home inspector salary.
West Virginia Home Inspector License Requirements
Requirements to Become a West Virginia Home Inspector
- West Virginia Home Inspection Education Hours: 80 hours
- Exam Required: NHIE
- Application Fee: $150 (other fees may apply)
- Insurance Requirements: General Liability of $250,000
- Notarized application not required
- Background check and fingerprinting required (state and FBI)
- High School Diploma or GED is required
Home Inspection License Expiration: Annually on last day of anniversary month
West Virginia Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- 16 hours annually