The booming Texas housing market means a growing demand for home inspectors. This 100% online course will prepare you to launch your career in the Lone Star State.
Most offer three inspector licenses: Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector, and Professional Real Estate Inspector. The Professional level requires 194 hours of coursework.
Requirements for Qualification
Three levels of inspector licenses are available under the inspector certification program Texas: Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector, and Professional Real Estate Inspector. The apprenticeship and real estate inspector levels require the completion of a 128-hour classroom course and an approved field practice experience under the supervision of a licensed professional home inspector.
The professional level requires a 194-hour course with additional requirements, including passing a national exam. Some offer comprehensive online options with coursework that includes the Texas Law and Standards of Practice, operations of businesses, collaborating with real estate brokers, and more.
You’ll need a computer (Mac or PC) with a recent operating system with Chrome or Firefox installed and a consistent Internet connection to upload files. You’ll also need a web camera and microphone for class participation and the exam, which is taken at one of the Prov testing centers. A list of recommended reference materials is provided with the coursework.
Requirements for Certification
If you have recently moved to Texas, you must pass an inspection of your vehicle before obtaining a Texas license plate and registration sticker. This can be done at your local county tax assessor collector’s office with your insurance card, a copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report from the inspection station, and proof that you own the vehicle.
NIA’s NHIE course is the first step toward becoming licensed as a home inspector in Texas. The full-day class covers various topics, including understanding mechanical insulation and how it’s used, performing a thermal inspection, and writing reports. You’ll also learn to recognize and describe common problems found during a home inspection. After the class, you’ll take a written exam. Those who score 70% or better will be eligible to take a second online exam to become certified. This certification can be used in any state where that state’s regulatory agency recognizes the state’s state’s qualifying body.
Requirements for Licensing
Students will receive two professionally printed full-color course manuals, one copy of North American Commercial & Industrial Insulation Standards 9th edition, and the NIA Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification Course exam. In addition, students who successfully pass the class exams will be given a certification marketing kit to help launch their new careers.
Upon completing this program, graduates are eligible to take the Texas Home Inspector Licensing exam and apply for a Texas Inspector License. Three levels of licensure are available: Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector, and Professional Real Estate Inspector. Each requires an apprenticeship and specific experience and education requirements.
A Texas Home Inspector can also be licensed to inspect a property subject to a real estate transaction but may not perform a wood-destroying insect inspection. Home Inspectors MUST comment on visible damage and note if the damage is caused by termite infestation. However, they may not assess whether the damage is specifically from termites.
Requirements for Continuing Education
In addition to being a valuable credential for those entering the home inspection industry, API certification provides numerous benefits, such as discounts on the continuing education required by state laws, legislative updates for the home inspector profession, business resources, and support from other home inspectors. In addition, members receive a free membership in the National Association of Home Inspectors, discounted inspection software, and credit card processing for their discount programs.
If you’re to launch a new career, become a Texas Certified Real Estate Inspector or Home Inspector and work in one of the fastest-growing industries. Homebuyers need professional home inspections to ensure the properties they are buying are safe and able to perform as expected.
Most programs offer a comprehensive online option for students seeking to complete the 194-hour Qualifying Education (QE) requirements for licensure as a Texas Real Estate Inspector or Home Inspector. This program includes both the National and State portions of the course. The National part must be completed before moving to the state modules.