How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Tennessee?
Are you interested in becoming a home inspector in Tennessee? We’ve compiled the four steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional in the Volunteer State. Follow the steps below to learn more about home inspection courses (and why they’re necessary), taking the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), and where to go from here.
Prerequisites:
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You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a high school diploma or GED.
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Complete 90 Hours of Tennessee-Approved Home Inspection Education
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance requires a license to work as a home inspector, and choosing the right training will set you apart and build your brand as a reputable inspector. The 90-hour required Tennessee-approved home inspector course aligns with topics on the NHIE.
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Pass the National Home Inspector Exam
After completing your home inspector education, the next step is to register for (and pass) the NHIE. This exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions (25 of which are not scored). Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location). This test is known to be difficult, and enrolling in an Exam Prep course is an excellent way to fully prepare for your exam.
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Obtain General Liability Insurance and Errors and Omissions Insurance
Making mistakes is a part of human nature, and it happens to the best of us. To protect yourself and your livelihood from career-ending lawsuits, taking out a general liability insurance policy is a must for all home inspection professionals.
Tennessee requires proof of the following:
- A general liability insurance policy covering at least $500,000
- A certificate of errors and omissions insurance coverage for each home inspection
General liability and E&O Insurance policies for small businesses are roughly $40 per month. To get the best rate and a better idea of what coverage you need, speak with a licensed local insurance agent who has worked with other home inspectors, members of local home inspector trade organizations, or shop for insurers online.
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Pay $300 Application Fee and Apply
Once you’ve completed your 90-hour Tennessee home inspector course and passed the National Home Inspector Exam, you’ll move on to apply for your license. To do this, you’ll need to submit an application and pay the $300 application fee.
Quick Facts:
- Your Tennessee Home Inspector License is valid for two years from the date of certification.
- Home inspectors must complete 32 hours of Continuing Education every two years to renew their license.
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Tennessee Home Inspector License Requirements
Tennessee Home Inspector Course Options
- Professional Home Inspection Online Course
American Home Inspectors Training is authorized for operation as a postsecondary education institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Requirements to Become a Tennessee Home Inspector
- Tennessee home inspection education hours: 90 hours
- Exam Required: NHIE
- Application Fee: $300 (other fees may apply)
- Minimum age requirement: 18
- Insurance Requirements: General Liability of $500,000; E&O coverage in an
amount to cover all home inspection activities - Notarized application, background check, and fingerprints are not required
- High School Diploma or GED is required
Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years from date of issuance (submission
between 120 and 30 days prior to expiration)
Tennessee Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- 32 hours every two years
Tennessee State Licensing Board
Job Placement & Graduation Information
In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by American
Home Inspectors Training, please visit https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/authorized-institutions-and-data.html.
Transferability Of Credit
Credits earned at American Home Inspectors Training may not transfer to another educational institution. Credits earned at another educational institution may not be accepted by American Home Inspectors Training. You should obtain confirmation that American Home Inspectors Training will accept any credits you have earned at another educational institution before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement. You should also contact any educational institutions that you may want to transfer credits earned at American Home Inspectors Training to determine if such institutions will accept credits earned at American Home Inspectors Training prior to executing an enrollment contract or agreement. The ability to transfer credits from American Home Inspectors Training to another educational institution may be very limited. Your credits may not transfer and you may have to repeat courses previously taken at American Home Inspectors Training if you enroll in another educational institution. You should never assume that credits will transfer to or from any educational institution. It is highly recommended and you are advised to make certain that you know the transfer of credit policy of American Home Inspectors Training and of any other educational institutions you may in the future want to transfer the credits earned at American Home Inspectors Training before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement.