A career as a home inspector in Massachusetts can be a fruitful pursuit as long as you complete the required processes and training. While pretty straightforward, the process will require you to complete 75 hours of course instruction in addition to at least 100 home inspections. Once you have earned your license, you also need to complete 12 hours of continued education every year. To help you get started, we’ve outlined the six steps you need to take to earn your Massachusetts home inspector’s license.
What You Should Know Before Becoming A Home Inspector In Massachusetts
Unlike many other states, Massachusetts requires that all prospective home inspectors work as a home inspector Associate for at least 1 year before beginning their official practice. During this time, you must complete and document at least 100 home inspections in order to qualify to earn your official license.
Massachusetts Home Inspector License Requirements
In order to become a home inspector in Massachusetts, and be legally compensated for providing services, you must meet the following requirements:
High School Diploma Or GED
Before starting your home inspection training in Massachusetts, you must complete a high school education, or pass the General Education Development Test (GED).
Complete A Background Check
As a Massachusetts home inspection license applicant, you must complete, sign, and submit a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) authorization form.
Complete 25 Supervised Home Inspections
The first step towards obtaining a home inspector license in Massachusetts is completing 60 hours of education. This education is usually obtained 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 Massachusetts.
Pass 100 Indirectly Supervised Home Inspections
After you complete 25 inspections in which your supervisor is present, your next 100 inspections will need to be indirectly supervised. You will complete the inspection by yourself and produce an official report, which your supervisor will review.
Complete 75 Hours Of Approved Field Training
Each Massachusetts home inspector must complete 75 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 Massachusetts. The exam can be registered for on the NHIE’s official website and will cost $225.
Obtain An Insurance Policy Of At Least $250,000
While Massachusetts does not require home inspectors to obtain general liability insurance, you must obtain an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy of at least $250,000.
How To Become A Home Inspector In Massachusetts: Your 6-step Guide To Receiving Your Massachusetts Home Inspector License
Step 1: Complete A 75-Hour, Massachusetts-Approved Home Inspection Course
The first step towards receiving your official Massachusetts home inspector license is completing the required 75 hours of education. While Massachusetts does require significantly more home inspection training than many other states, this instruction will ensure you are adequately prepared for your career.
Pro Tip:
Most home inspectors find their official Massachusetts home inspection course through an online resource or provider. In addition to written instruction, many courses also allow home inspectors to perform 5 practice inspections in local homes that count towards their supervised inspection requirements. At the bottom of this article in the FAQs section, we have provided a list of popular, reputable programs that offer home inspection courses in the state of Massachusetts.
Step 2: Take And Pass The National Home Inspector Exam
Passing the National Home Inspector Exam is the next step in your journey towards earning your Massachusetts home inspector license. The exam can be registered for on the NHIE’s official website and will cost $225. The NHIE is a notoriously difficult test that requires careful and rigorous preparation. 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
Before you take your exam, you should work to become an expert in these three areas. A minimum score of 500 is needed to pass the test, and only 55% of national test takers end up passing. You should also keep in mind that each attempt costs the full price of $225, so you should prepare yourself as much as possible for your attempt. Practice exams can be purchased on the National Home Inspector Examination website. If you’re looking for additional help, many online organizations like the Inspector Certification Associates (ICA) have prepared study tips and practice guides for your use.
Step 3: Conduct 125 Total Home Inspections
Massachusetts home inspectors must complete 25 home inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector. After these inspections are completed, you must then complete an additional 100 unsupervised inspections as a home inspector apprentice. After each of the latter 100 inspections, you must produce an official report for your supervisor to review.
Pro Tip:
In order to complete the required inspections, you must first find a licensed home inspector who can supervise you. You can find a trainer by contacting state home inspector groups like ASHI New England, the nation’s oldest non-profit organization for home inspectors in the New England Area.
Step 4: Provide Proof Of Insurance
Even the best home inspectors make occasional mistakes. In these cases, insurance can protect you from various hazards and liabilities you may encounter while on the job, from damaging a homeowner’s property to injuring yourself during an inspection. Part I, Title XVI, Chapter 112, Section 225 of Massachusetts Legislature requires that Massachusetts home inspectors obtain and maintain an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy of at least $250,000 in coverage.
Pro Tip:
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 other home inspectors in Massachusetts.
Step 5: Send In Your Home Inspector Application And Fee
After you pass the National Home Inspector Exam, you must submit an official application along with a $225 fee. The application, along with application instructions and fee information, can be found on the official Massachusetts government website. To send in your application to the Board of Registration of home inspectors, you can mail your application to the following address:
1000 Washington St., 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
You must also attach a passport-sized photo to your application for it to be accepted.
Pro Tip:
As a licensed Massachusetts home inspector, you are required to renew your license every other year by May 31. The documents and information needed to renew your application can be found on the ePlace Portal on the Massachusetts.gov website.
Step 6: Maintain Your Continued Education Requirements
Licensed home inspectors in Massachusetts are required by law to complete Continued Education during each license renewal period. For each renewal cycle of 24 months, you are required to complete 12 hours of education. According to information from the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors, “Registrants whose license is issued during the 24-month cycle shall have their Continuing Education Hours prorated based on one hour per two months from the date of issue to the date of renewal.”
Pro Tip:
The Massachusetts state government mandates that during each renewal cycle, at least four hours of the required continued education shall be dedicated to CMR (Code of Massachusetts) regulations and at least one hour shall be dedicated to professional ethics. For new inspectors who have not yet held their license for one year, there are no 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 Massachusetts?
The length of time it takes to become a home inspector in Massachusetts will vary depending on multiple factors, including how quickly you are able to complete the required course and field training. Most inspectors take between 6 months and 1 year to complete all the necessary steps.
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Home Inspector In Massachusetts?
The cost of becoming a home inspector in Massachusetts will vary depending on a few different choices. Home inspector courses in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires that you complete at least 75 hours of instruction from an approved course, in addition to 25 supervised home inspections. While there is no definitive “best” home inspector course in the state of Massachusetts, we have provided a list of some of the most popular programs. Keep in mind that Massachusetts 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. Many of the best courses will also help you connect with a licensed Massachusetts home inspector so you can complete your required 25 supervised inspections.
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, 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)
In addition to online training courses and exam prep courses, ICA also provides ongoing career support for their Edcetera Home Inspection Members. For more information about their membership and training material for Massachusetts home inspectors, visit their website.
Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII)
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 Massachusetts
The steps required to become a home inspector in Massachusetts are fairly straightforward, but completing the necessary number of inspections may take some time. Massachusetts requires prospective home inspectors to complete 75 hours of field training, 100 indirectly supervised inspections, and 25 supervision under direct supervision of a licensed home inspector. Even if you pass the field training and National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) fairly quickly, it can take a few months to complete the required inspections.
Some essential tasks and reminders to consider when beginning your career in home inspection in Massachusetts include:
- The state requires that all home inspectors complete 75 hours of classroom education.
- All Massachusetts home inspectors must perform 25 inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed inspector.
- An additional 100 semi-supervised inspections must be completed before you can apply for your official license.
- You must pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) to become an Massachusetts home inspector.
- While growing your practice, you must complete 12 hours of continued education for every 24 months (2 years) of practice.
- You must provide proof of Errors & Omissions insurance of at least $250,000.
- Continuing your education with at least 12 hours of education every 2 years is required.
If you’re considering a career as a home inspector in Massachusetts and are looking to partner with a company that can provide you with all of the business-related tools you’ll need to complete inspections efficiently, gain clients, and grow your practice, please contact our team at HomeGauge today.
FAQs
How hard is it to become a home inspector in Massachusetts?
Becoming a home inspector in Massachusetts will require more work than in many other states. Anyone who does wish to enter the profession will have to complete an official course as well as field training and 25 supervised home inspections. 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 Massachusetts?
Yes, anyone who wishes to become a home inspector in Massachusetts must first obtain an official license. The Massachusetts state government also requires that home inspectors complete at least 12 hours of continued education every year to continue practicing.
How much do home inspectors make in Massachusetts ?
As of the publication of this article, Massachusetts home inspectors make an average yearly income of $54,118.
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.