Several states regulate home inspectors in the US already. More states are planning on setting standards for licensing and overseeing our industry. Some states let the city or county register home inspectors for now. These municipalities verify credentials and certifications to issue a business license.
It is clear, there is coming a time when a home inspector will be considered a licensed professional practitioner in this industry. This will require specific education, credentials and ongoing training to be registered and hold a state license to practice. He or she will need a business license also for the county or city they are registered in.
A licensed practitioner is someone who holds a government-issued authorization to work in a profession that the state law restricts unqualified individuals from doing so. Each state regulates these professions through licensing boards that set education, examination, and ethical standards a person must meet before legally offering services. The licensing requirement exists primarily in the fields where incompetent work could cause real harm, whether to someone's health, finances, legal rights, or physical safety.
Regulating home inspectors is good for the consumer and homebuyer because licensing at the state level provides general assurances the home inspector has the proper qualifications that have been verified to meet set standards.
Inspectors who meet these requirements and standards will find being a professional home inspector is a rewarding and fulfilling career.
