Real Estate Education Center & Center for Insurance Careers
A licensed home inspector evaluates the condition of a home’s major systems and structure (from the roof and foundation to the electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling) and reports their findings to buyers before one of the biggest purchases of their lives. New York requires 140 hours of state-approved training to become licensed, and REEDC’s program follows the official Department of State syllabus. Across four classroom modules plus a 40-hour field-based training session, you’ll gain both the technical knowledge and the hands-on experience you need to pass the state exam and launch your career.
Complete all 140 required hours — classroom and field training — and step into a career inspecting homes across New York.
REEDC’s 140-hour program covers every system you’ll evaluate as a home inspector — from structure, roofing, and exteriors to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — along with New York law and report writing. Here’s a look at what you’ll learn across the five modules.
Average rating 4.2 based on 39 reviews
El H.
This recommendation is for Garry, one of the Property and Casualty Insurance Broker Pre-Licensing course instructors. He kept class interesting and fun and almost my whole class passed the exam the first time. He really seemed to care about his students and their comprehension of the material as opposed to just drilling the correct answers into us.
Jillian R.
At the time of writing this, I am about 75% done with my classes at REEDC and I am having such a great time that I felt compelled to write a review.
The instructor is very knowledgeable, funny and engaging. When you are there, you genuinely follow the material because it is taught so well.
Todd M.
I have just finished my course and exam here. I cannot say enough about this wonderful place! There is a great concern and devotion on the part of everyone there that your experience is positive and you are happy with your learning. Most impressive was the incredible effort put towards job placement, recruiting, and real world networking.
Jessie B.
The Property Casualty Insurance course was taught by Garry Smalley, a great instructor who engaged the class and made the whole experience worthwhile. Believe it or not, I remember laughing a few times in the class from some of the stories. I just got my license today! Passed on my first try, the course was more then enough if you are willing to study 1-2 hours a few nights a week
Paul L.
Just finished two weeks of classes, and I couldn’t be more pleased. The teacher, Greg is very impressive, having been in the field, and is a wealth of knowledge. He always has time to answer my many questions. I live in Brooklyn, and work in Manhattan, and if I don’t feel like coming into NY on weekends, I can go to their Brooklyn office, which works out well for me.
Susan M.
Become a licensed home inspector with REEDC. Enroll in the complete program to get all five required modules in one package, or purchase individual modules to fit your schedule and budget. Select an option to get started:
A value of $2400+
25 Hours
Learn to evaluate a home’s foundation, framing, and structural integrity, along with exterior surfaces, grading, and drainage, and how to assess roofing systems, materials, and common signs of damage.
Course available via Zoom only.
25 Hours
Examine interior components like walls, floors, and ceilings, assess insulation and ventilation for efficiency and moisture issues, and learn to safely evaluate a home’s electrical systems and wiring.
Course available via Zoom only.
25 Hours
Learn to inspect residential heating and cooling systems for safety and performance, and evaluate plumbing systems including — supply lines, drains, water heaters, and fixtures — for leaks, wear, and code concerns.
Course available via Zoom only.
25 Hours
Get an overview of the home inspection profession, learn the New York State laws and standards of practice that govern licensed inspectors, and master the report writing skills you’ll use to document findings for every client.
Course available via Zoom only.
40 Hours
Put your training into practice with 40 hours of hands-on field inspections, working in real homes under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector. This is the experience New York requires for licensure and where you’ll build the confidence to inspect on your own.
Scheduled with instructor.
To become a licensed home inspector in New York, an individual must:
What sets home inspector licensing apart is the hands-on requirement: 40 of your 140 hours must be field-based inspections completed in real homes under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector. REEDC’s Module 5 fulfills this requirement, giving you supervised, real-world experience before you’re licensed — the kind of practice that makes a confident, capable inspector.
You’ll complete 140 hours of Department of State–approved training (including 40 hours of supervised field-based inspections) and pass the New York State licensing exam. You’ll also need a high school diploma, general liability insurance, and to submit an application to the Department of State. No prior experience is required to begin.
You don’t need prior home inspection experience to enroll; the program is built for beginners. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. The hands-on experience you need for licensure is built into the course through the 40-hour field training module.
You can enroll right away. The four classroom modules are offered live over Zoom, so you can begin on your own schedule, then complete your 40-hour field training with a licensed inspector. The full 140-hour program can often be finished in a matter of weeks.
New York requires 40 of your 140 hours to be hands-on inspections completed in real homes under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector. REEDC’s Module 5 fulfills this requirement, giving you real-world experience before you’re licensed — the part of your training where everything comes together.
Yes. New York requires home inspectors to carry general liability insurance (at least $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate) and you’ll submit proof of coverage with your license application. It’s an unusual requirement, but an important one to plan for as you start your career.