Overview
Have questions about the Home Inspection program? See below for answers about licensing requirements, frequently asked questions, and helpful links to the NY Department of State website for license renewal and testing information.
Requirements
What qualifications and supporting documents does one need to apply for licensure?
New Home Inspectors
- Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
- Freedom from Disqualifying Criminal Convictions
- Education: Taken and successfully completed a 140-hour course approved by the Department. Of those hours, 40 must be unpaid field based inspections in the presence of and under direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect, regulated by NYS, or
- Have performed not less than 100 home inspections (paid or unpaid) in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect regulated by NYS, and
- Successful Completion of an Exam: Have passed the NYS written examination, or have taken and passed an existing nationally recognized examination, deemed equivalent, prior to December 31, 2005.
Every licensed home inspector who is engaged in home inspection shall secure, maintain, and file proof of a certificate of liability coverage with the Department of State.
FAQ’s | Question List:
Home Inspection Information
What is Home Inspection?
Who must apply for a license?
In New York State, who can provide home inspection of residential buildings for compensation?
Can one obtain a Home Inspector’s license based on licensure in another state?
Are there any continuing education requirements?
FAQ’s | Answer List:
Home Inspection Information
What is Home Inspection?
Home Inspection is defined as the process by which a home inspector observes and provides a written report of the systems and components of a residential building including but not limited to:
- Heating System
- Cooling System
- Plumbing System
- Electrical System
- Structural Components – foundation, roof masonry structure, exterior and interior components or any other related residential building component recommended by the Home Inspection Council and implemented by the Department through the regulatory process.
Who must apply for a license?
Persons engaged in performing home inspections of residential buildings for compensation.
In New York State, who can provide home inspection of residential buildings for compensation?
Anyone holding a license issued by the NYS Department of State (DOS) can perform home inspections of residential buildings for compensation. Exempt from this licensure requirement are architects and professional engineers licensed and currently registered by the NYS Office of Professions who are lawfully practicing within the scope of their profession.
Can one obtain a Home Inspector’s license based on licensure in another state?
Yes. Upon submission of an application and fee, the DOS will review application requests from individuals submitting proof of current licensure from another state where requirements are equivalent to NYS. Where found equivalent, education and exam requirements will be waived, and a license issued. The term of licensure is 2 years.
Are there any continuing education requirements?
Yes. Home Inspectors are required to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education within their two-year license renewal period prior to the expiration date in order to renew their license.
Helpful Links
For your convenience here are some links to the New York Department of State website. There you will be able to find out even more about licensing requirements, schedule your licensing Exam, renew your license, and more.
- Home Inspector Information | Department of State
- Home Inspector Licensing Requirements
- Home Inspector License Application
- Home Inspection Professional License Law Information
- FAQ – Home Inspector