Becoming a home inspector can be an excellent career choice for many compelling reasons. First and foremost, it offers the opportunity to be your own boss, giving you the freedom to manage your business and set your own pace. The flexibility in scheduling is another major advantage, allowing you to create a work-life balance that fits your lifestyle. The job itself provides a diverse range of tasks, meaning no two inspections are the same, keeping the work dynamic and engaging. Plus, by expanding your services, you have the potential to significantly increase your income.
But how exactly do you become a home inspector? And what financial investments are involved in getting started? In this article, we are going to discuss the 6 steps (and the financial investments involved) to becoming a licensed home inspector in Washington State.
Get Educated and Receive Training
Washington State requirements for becoming an inspector starts with enrolling and completing a 120 clock hours “Fundamentals of Home Inspection” class as well as 40 hours of “Field Training.” We at Top Notch have partnered with a Nationwide company, the Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) to offer industry leading home inspector training to as many as possible. ICA is an all inclusive school with live and online classes available, expert instructors, bonus courses, and so much more. Though there are many home inspector training classes out there, not all are created equal, so do your research before enrolling! A good home inspector school will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this rewarding and dynamic career. ICA offers many different packages ranging from $2,000 – $2,700 for their training courses. I encourage you to visit their website (www.icaschool.com) and check out all their different offerings per package.
We also mentioned the requirement of field training to become a licensed inspector. Field training is the most essential component when it comes to completing your home inspector training! Many people think that all they will need is the classroom experience, but following a licensed home inspector in the field is what will truly prepare you for becoming a successful home inspector. You will learn how to engage with clients, find a rhythm while inspecting the property, and write an accurate and informative home inspection report. You will not regret investing in your field training, as it will give you a huge advantage when it comes to taking the exam, as well as preparing you for field work in the future. The cost of field training is $1,000, which will take you on five full inspections with a licensed inspector as well as practice in report writing for each of those houses.
Submit an Exam Application Online
Log in to your SecureAccess account and click on ‘Add a New Service’ and find and add ‘Professional and Business Licensing.’ Click on ‘Access Now’ then, ‘Apply for a Professional License.’ You will select ‘Home Inspector’ and ‘General Exam Application.’ Answer the two yes/no questions:
1. Have you completed the 120 hour Home Inspector Fundamental Course within the last two years?
2. Have you completed 40 hours of field training with a licensed home inspector within the last two years?
Once you’ve answered those questions, click continue and then fill out your personal information. Click continue again then fill out your qualifying education from the paperwork in step one and answer the two military questions. Click continue and upload your documentation from step one. Then, review all your information and submit your exam application. Your exam application is free.
Schedule Your Exam
You will receive an exam approval letter or email that your exam application is complete and will provide you with information to schedule your exam, including your assigned ID number for the testing vendor. Visit the testing vendor’s website to schedule your exam and review the ‘Candidate Handbook.’ The cost of taking your exam is $300.
Pass State and National Exams
You will receive your pass/fail report as you leave the testing center. If you fail you must wait 24 hours before scheduling a retake, and you will have to wait 30 days between each exam attempt. If you pass, cost: $0. If you fail, it’s $125 to retake the state portion, $250 to retake the national portion.
Apply for Your Home Inspector License Online
Log in to your SecureAccess account again and fill out the license application. You will need to upload your passing exam score and answer the two yes/no questions:
1. “Within the last 5 years, in this state or any other jurisdiction, have you had any action (fine, suspension, revocation, censure, surrender, etc.) taken against any professional or occupational license, certification, or permit held by you?
2. “Within the last 5 years,in this state or any other jurisdiction, have you defaulted, or been convicted of, or entered a plea of no contest to a gross misdemeanor or felony crime? (Don’t include traffic convictions).”
Prepare to submit a detailed explanation if you answer ‘yes’ to either of these questions. The cost of a home inspector license is $720.
Receive Your Home Inspector License Number
Once you receive your license number, you are ready to get out there and start inspecting!
Becoming a licensed home inspector is an exciting and rewarding career path with many opportunities for growth. While the process involves several steps, from completing your education and field training to passing the state and national exams, it’s a manageable and clear route to a fulfilling profession. The financial investment may seem substantial—ranging from education and field training fees to exam and licensing costs—but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial outlay. With the flexibility to manage your own schedule, the potential to earn a high income, and the chance to diversify your services, you can build a successful business that suits your goals.
By taking the time to choose a quality training program, such as the ICA’s comprehensive courses, and ensuring you’re well-prepared for both the exams and hands-on fieldwork, you’re setting yourself up for a thriving career. Once you’ve obtained your home inspector license, you’ll have the skills and qualifications needed to embark on a career full of variety, independence, and potential. Then the question arises: “I have my home inspector license… now what? Should I start my own business or look for a job with an established home inspection company?” You have probably already thought about this question before you even started the process of getting your license, but now that you have your license you have a better understanding of the industry. Therefore, now would be a good time to revisit this question and weigh all the pros and cons again.
You’re a Licensed Home Inspector... Now What?
A majority of home inspectors, about 60-70%, work for themselves. The greatest appeal in working for yourself is of course, freedom, making that work life balance more achievable. However, owning your own business comes with a lot more responsibility. For example, owning your own business involves: creating a business plan and strategy, keeping track of finances and accounting, handling legal and compliance responsibilities, marketing (this can include designing your own logo and website, creating a sharing content on social media platforms, copywriting, and managing a CRM), setting up your own inspection software, and purchasing all the tools you will need.
Choosing to work for an already established home inspection company can relieve the burden of startup costs, and the responsibilities of owning a business while giving you some immediate income, but you will have less control over your schedule. Here are 5 questions to help you decide which path is best for you, just remember to answer them honestly and based on your personal situation:
1. What are your goals?
2. What drew you to become a home inspector in the first place?
3. What’s your work style (independent, manage others, collaborative)?
4. How willing are you to take risks?
5. What is most important to you? Ex: work life balance, having a solid team, financial stability, etc.
Once you answer these questions, you should have a better idea of whether you should work for yourself or for someone else, if you didn’t already know before becoming a home inspector. However, regardless of your choice, it’s important to understand the costs and requirements to upkeep your license.
Requirements and Costs of Upkeeping Your License
When you are first licensed, your license will expire on your second birthday following the issuance of your license. Then your license will expire every 2 years on your birthday. So, the first period to complete your continuing education will be less than 2 years. Washington state requires you to complete 24 hours of continuing education every renewal period. All of these need to be completed in that 2 year period, not before because these hours can’t be carried over to the next 2 years.
You will get a renewal reminder in the mail 60 Days before your license expires, so you want to make sure you login to your secure access account and update your address if you move. The fee for renewing your license is $415 if renewed on time, otherwise it is $485.
One of the most important things you can do, like most other professional or business licenses, is continuing education. As a home inspector, there is always something to learn and/or improve on. Many certified professional inspectors that have been in the field for many years are still learning new things. This industry is rapidly growing and changing. Even though continuing education is a requirement for license renewal, the importance of taking action to keep learning for yourself will help you to stand out amongst other inspectors. A great way to keep learning is to join a professional trade association or group. View your continuing education as an investment in yourself, not just as a requirement from the Department of Licensing.
While the financial investments may seem daunting at first, the potential for career growth, independence, and income makes it a worthwhile pursuit. Whether you choose to start your own business or work with an established company, the flexibility, diverse tasks, and continual learning opportunities in this field are unmatched. By staying dedicated to continuing education and professional development, you can thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
