how to become a home inspector in nc

Learning the ins and outs of becoming a licensed home inspector in North Carolina is a question we get all the time here at NCLHIA. So, without further ado, let's dive right in.

As we begin, you should note that there are 3 steps to obtaining your license and starting your new career or part-time hustle as a home inspector. We've compiled a listing of resources for each step to help you get started.

Step 1 when becoming a home inspector in north carolina

The first requirement when working toward becoming a Licensed Home Inspector is to complete the required 120 hours of coursework. There are many ways to meet this requirement, including online and in-person options. The coursework will help lay the foundation of knowledge that you'll need when you go out in the field.

It's important to consider how you learn best when deciding which option to choose. If you are self-motivated, like learning at your own pace, and need schedule flexibility during the learning process, then taking the courses online might be the better option for you.

Howevever, if you learn better when you have more accountability, the opportunity to ask questions right in the moment, and you want to simply knockout your training in a predetermined block of time, then in-person training may suit you. Below are some of the avenues for completing your coursework. You may also check out the listing provided by the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Online

InterNACHI – InterNACHI offers North Carolina approved prelicensing courses that are interactive and self paced. Certifications for course completion are only available to InterNACHI members and you'll need the certifications in order to demonstrate that you've successfully passed each course in the prelicensing training. Currently you can join InterNACHI for $49/mo or $499/yr.
ICA – Inspection Certification Associates also offers the 120 Prelicensing course online. Course tuition is $995
ICA also offers field training (see step 2) in conjunction with their online course offering.

In-Person

CPCC – For those interested in a more traditional learning environment, Central Piedmont Community College offers an in-person course that meets during evenings and weekends. At this pace the course typically spans 3 months.
AHIT – American Home Inspectors Training also offers live in-person training. Check out their website for upcoming dates and locations.

Step 2 when becoming a licensed home inspector in North Carolina

field training with home vue inspection services

Now that you've completed your course work and the foundation has been laid, it's time for the fun to begin.

In a Lab or In the Field?

Depending on who you choose to work with for your field training, it could be in a lab or on real-life inspections. The advantages of field training in a lab is that you'll be able to see a lot more scenarios that you might encounter in the field, such as different HVAC systems. If you do your field training during real inspections, then you will only encounter what each inspection has to offer. So you may not experience as many of the scenarios an inspector may see in the field. But, during the real inspections you'll have the benefit of seeing how your instructor works, his/her workflow and maybe even how they work with clients and agents. As with any business you have to have the fundamental knowledge in place, but what will ultimately determine your success is how you work with people. After all, people are hiring you to communicate to them the condition of the property. Polish those people skills.

With whom can you complete your field training?

ICA – ICA offers scheduled field training sessions in both Charlotte and Raleigh throughout the year. Check out their website for an up-to-date schedule and fees.
Independent Field Trainers – Below is a list of a few companies or individuals who are approved to offer field training. Reach out to them if your interested in when you're ready to complete your field training.
1. Home Vue Inspection Services – Charlotte Area
2. Advantage Inspection Piedmont – Charlotte Area
3. Detailed Home Inspections – Raleigh Area
4. Secure Home Inspections – Sunset Beach, Wilmington Area

Step 3 of becoming a home inspector in North Carolina

Now that you've completed. your course work and field training it's time to take the final exam. The exam is administered in Raleigh and you have to apply to take the exam. Refer to the exam schedule and requirements on the North Carolina Department of Insurance's website.

It is imporant that you read over all of the requirements before applying and sitting for the exam. The process has 3 steps