Are you looking to start a new career in the Indiana home inspection industry? A career as a home inspector in Indiana can be a fruitful pursuit as long as you complete the required process, which will require you to complete an inspection course as well as 12 hours of field training. To help you get started, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to becoming an Indiana home inspector.
What You Should Know Before Becoming A Home Inspector In Indiana
Article 20.2 of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency mandates that all home inspectors in the state of Indiana obtain a license before practicing. The home inspectors Licensing Board was established in 2004 to regulate home inspectors and home inspection courses in the state. The Board is responsible for setting licensing fees and establishing continued education requirements, and can serve as a resource on your path towards becoming an Indiana home inspector.
Indiana Home Inspector License Requirements
In order to become a home inspector in Indiana, and be legally compensated for providing services, you must meet the following requirements.
High School Diploma Or GED
Before starting your home inspection education, you must complete a high school education, or pass the General Education Development Test (GED).
60 Hours Of Pre-approved Home Inspector Education
The first step towards obtaining a home inspector license in Indiana is completing 60 hours of education. This education is usually completed in the form of a course offered by a variety of online and in-person programs. At the bottom of this article, in the FAQs section, we have provided a list of popular, reputable programs that offer home inspector education in the state of Indiana.
Complete 12 Hours Of Approved Field Training
The state of Indiana mandates that every home inspector complete at least 12 hours of approved, supervised field training before entering the profession.
Take And Pass The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)
As is the case in many other states, you must take and pass the National Home Inspector Exam to become a home inspector in Indiana. The exam can be registered for on the NHIE’s official website and will cost $225.
How To Become A Home Inspector In Indiana: Your 5-step Guide To Receiving Your Indiana Home Inspector License
Step 1: Complete 60 Hours Of Indiana-Approved Home Inspection Course
The first step towards receiving your official Indiana home inspector license is completing the required 60 hours of education. This education can be completed in the form of a course which will cover the topics tested on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). Official home inspection courses offer a mix of hands-on and remote training in multiple disciplines. Some training programs also offer live, on-site training during which you will spend time inspecting properties with licensed Indiana home inspectors.
Pro Tip:
At the bottom of this article, in the FAQs section, we have provided a list of popular, reputable programs that offer home inspector education in the state of Indiana.
Step 2: Complete 12 Hours of Field Training
Indiana home inspectors must complete 12 hours of practical in-field training experience with a licensed inspector. During these 12 hours, you will learn how to evaluate and inspect a home’s plumbing, walls, roofing, foundation, basement, and electrical system. You will also learn to identify damage to a home’s heating system, electrical system, plumbing, central air conditioning, and structure.
Pro Tip:
In order to complete the required 12 hours of field training, you must first find a licensed home inspector with whom you can train. You can find a trainer by contacting state home inspector groups like INASHI (Indiana’s chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors).
Step 3: Take And Pass The National Home Inspector Exam
Passing the National Home Inspector Exam is the next step in your journey towards earning your Indiana home inspector license. The exam can be registered for on the NHIE’s official website and will cost $225. As is the case in many other states, the exam is administered by PSI. Once you pass the exam, you will qualify to become a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a widely-known organization that will help you form relationships in the industry and start getting referrals.
Pro Tip:
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) tests three performance domains:
- Property and Building Inspection / Site Review
- Analysis of Findings and Reporting
- Professional Responsibilities
It is your responsibility to become an expert in these domains before your exam. Practice quizzes can be purchased on the National Home Inspector Examination website.
Step 4: Provide Proof Of Insurance
Even the best home inspectors make occasional mistakes. Fortunately, the state requires that all Indian home inspectors obtain and maintain a general liability insurance policy of at least $100,000. This insurance will protect you and your business in the event that a client files a lawsuit against you.
Pro Tip:
Home inspectors usually hold two different types of insurance which protect them against lawsuits resulting from home inspections:
General liability Insurance
Designed to protect you from claims that cause bodily injury or harm, general liability insurance is often viewed as the baseline coverage for Indiana home inspectors. If a homeowner or other associate is injured during an inspection, you may be liable for damages if you do not have general liability insurance. In a worst case scenario, you could be sued for upwards of $100,000 in a slip and fall claim or negligence claim.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a specialized form of insurance designed to cover losses not covered by general liability insurance. It will protect you and your business from claims if a client sues for negligent acts, errors, or omissions committed during business activities that result in a financial loss. General liability insurance policies cost small businesses around $40 per month, on average. To get the best rate possible, we recommend speaking with a licensed agent who has worked with Indiana home inspectors in the past.
Step 5: Send In Your Home Inspector Application And Fee
After you pass the National Home Inspector Exam, you must submit an official application. The application, along with application instructions and fee information, can be found on the official website of the Indiana Government. To send in your application, you can create an Access Indiana account on the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website and pay the $50 application fee.
Pro Tip:
As a licensed Indiana home inspector, you are required to renew your application by October 1 of every odd numbered year to continue practicing home inspection. The documents and information needed to renew your application can be found here on the same website.
Step 6: Maintain Your Continued Education Requirements
Licensed home inspectors in Indiana are required to complete Continued Education during each renewal period. For each renewal cycle of 24 months, you are required to complete 32 hours of education. For Indiana home inspectors who have had their license for more than 12 months but less than 24, 16 hours of continued education are required.
Pro Tip:
New inspectors who have not had their license for one year do not have any continuing education requirements. These inspectors can focus on improving and growing their practice without having to worry about furthering their education for the moment.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Home Inspector In Indiana?
The length of time it takes to become a home inspector in Indiana will vary depending on multiple factors, including how quickly you are able to complete the required course and field training. Most inspectors are able to complete their education and training in about a year.
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Home Inspector In Indiana?
The cost of becoming a home inspector in Indiana will vary depending on a few different choices. Home inspector courses in Indiana can cost as little as $500-600 or as much as $4,000. With this cost in mind, it is best to conduct your own research and select the program that best meets your needs.
In addition to educational costs, you will also have to pay $225 to take the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). Another cost to consider is whether you would like to register your own business or join an established firm. If you choose the former route, it can cost more than $1,000 depending on who you work with.
What Is The Best Home Inspector Course In Indiana?
While there is no definitive “best” home inspector course in the state of Indiana, we have provided a list of some of the most popular programs. Keep in mind that Indiana requires that home inspectors pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), so these courses will prepare you for that exam rather than a specific state test.
International Association Of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
InterNACHI is a reputable organization that provides online testing, free training, and certification, in addition to business development and discounts for home inspector needs. To become a member of InterNACHI, Indiana home inspectors must pay either $49 per month or $499 each year. To learn more about InterNACHI, check out their website.
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)
The Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) provide ongoing career support and resources for their Edcetera Home Inspection Members. For more information about their membership and training material, you can visit their website.
Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII)
The Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII) offers multiple courses, marketing resources, and business support for inspectors who are new and inspectors who have established themselves over the years. Each course is estimated to take about 1-2 weeks to complete and will always be accessible to members. Their online home inspector Certification course costs $595.
Final Thoughts On Becoming A Home Inspector In Indiana
Those who are looking to become an Indiana home inspector will have to complete the steps listed above to receive their license. These steps include completing 60 hours of course instruction and 12 hours of field training with a licensed home inspector.
Indiana ranks as one of the most affordable states in the country. When considering the average state home inspector salary of over $57,000, Indiana can serve as a great place to begin your home inspection career.
Some essential tasks and reminders to consider when beginning your career in home inspection include:
- Indiana requires that all home inspectors complete 60 hours of pre-approved education and 12 hours of field training.
- You must pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) to become an Indiana home inspector.
- While growing your practice, you must also meet continued education requirements of 32 hours for each 2 year renewal cycle.
If you’re considering a career as a home inspector in Indiana and would like to partner with a company that can provide you with all of the business-related tools you’ll need to complete inspections efficiently, reach customers through marketing efforts, and more, you can contact our team at HomeGauge today.
FAQs
How hard is it to become a home inspector in Indiana?
It is not too difficult to become a home inspector in Indiana. Anyone who does wish to enter the profession will have to complete an official course as well as field training. Following the steps listed above will ensure you meet the necessary requirements to earn your home inspector license and begin your career.
Do you need a license to become a home inspector in Indiana?
Yes, anyone who wishes to become a home inspector in Indiana must first obtain an official license.
How much do home inspectors make in Indiana?
At of the publication of this article, Indiana home inspectors make an average yearly income of $57, 587.
Disclaimer: The information in this article should be used as a guide and was accurate at the time of publishing. Check with your state authorities for the most up-to-date regulations.