The process of becoming a home inspector in Pennsylvania is not overly complex. There are a few steps that must be taken in order to become a licensed home inspector in the state. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps required to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania, as well as the qualifications and requirements to keep your license active.
Qualifications and Requirements for Becoming a Home Inspector in Pennsylvania
In order to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania, you must meet certain qualifications and requirements. First, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, you must have a minimum of three years of experience in a related field, such as construction, engineering, or architecture.
Once these qualifications and requirements are met, you must pass the National Home Inspector Examination. The exam is administered by the National Home Inspector Examination Board (NHIEB). The exam has two parts: the General Knowledge and Professional Practice Exam. You must pass both parts in order to become a licensed home inspector in Pennsylvania.
The Licensing Process
Once you have passed the NHIEB exam, you must submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA). The application must include a background check, proof of liability insurance, and a copy of your NHIEB exam results. The application fee is currently $250.
Once your application is approved, you must pay the licensing fee of $100. You will also need to renew your license every two years. The renewal fee is currently $100.
Continuing Education Requirements
In order to maintain your home inspector license in Pennsylvania, you must complete continuing education hours. The BPOA requires 15 hours of continuing education per year. Of those 15 hours, 8 must be in core topics, such as building codes and safety, and 7 hours must be in elective topics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Home Inspector in Pennsylvania
What qualifications do I need to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania?
In order to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of three years of experience in a related field, such as construction, engineering, or architecture.
Do I need to take an exam to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you must pass the National Home Inspector Examination administered by the National Home Inspector Examination Board in order to become a licensed home inspector in Pennsylvania.
How much does it cost to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania?
The application fee is currently $250, and the licensing fee is $100. The renewal fee is also $100.
How often do I need to renew my home inspector license in Pennsylvania?
Your home inspector license must be renewed every two years.
Do I need to take continuing education courses to maintain my home inspector license in Pennsylvania?
Yes, the BPOA requires 15 hours of continuing education per year. Of those 15 hours, 8 must be in core topics, such as building codes and safety, and 7 hours must be in elective topics.
Conclusion
Becoming a home inspector in Pennsylvania is a straightforward process. You must meet certain qualifications and requirements and pass the National Home Inspector Examination in order to become a licensed home inspector in the state. Once you have passed the exam, you must submit an application and pay the licensing fee. You must also complete 15 hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain your home inspector license.