How to Become a Licensed Home Inspector in New Jersey
InterNACHI’s New Jersey Pre-Licensing Program
Welcome to the New Jersey Home Inspector Licensing Program. New Jersey requires individuals who perform home inspections for compensation to be licensed by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee, administered under the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Before beginning the licensing process, you should review the state’s education, experience, exam, insurance, and continuing education requirements.
You may find official licensing information at: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hom
To Become a Licensed Home Inspector in New Jersey, You Must:
- Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent.
- Successfully complete an approved home inspector course of study of at least 180 hours, which shall include not less than 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector, provided by the school administering the course. You can find InterNACHI’s approved partner schools here: https://www.nachi.org/vendor-offers, search New Jersey.
OR
Successfully perform at least 250 home inspections for which a fee was charged, all performed in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector who has performed at least 500 inspections and has at least three years of experience. Find an InterNACHI® Mentor near you. - Submit a list of inspections performed if seeking licensure under the 250-inspection pathway.
- Provide proof of Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 per occurrence. InterNACHI members do receive a discount on insurance, and you can get a quote at nachi.org/insurance
- Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI), or another examination approved by the Committee. To help practice or prepare for the exam, you may take InterNACHI's Online Home Inspector Exam (free and open to everyone), take the InterNACHI® Ultimate Home Inspection Practice Test (free and online for members), and take InterNACHI's accredited online courses (free and online for members).
- Submit a completed license application, required fees, and all supporting documentation to the Home Inspection Advisory Committee.
InterNACHI’s Home Inspector Certificate Program
Although New Jersey requires in-person classroom education for home inspector licensure, InterNACHI offers the InterNACHI® Home Inspector Certificate Program, which provides comprehensive training, education, and certification.
This program may be used to supplement and enhance your required in-person training, strengthen your technical knowledge, and help prepare you for professional home inspection practice and membership in a qualifying national home inspection association.
The program includes the following online courses:
- Safe Practices for the Home Inspector;
- 25 Standards Every Inspector Should Know;
- Residential Plumbing Overview for Inspectors;
- How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections;
- How to Perform Roof Inspections;
- How to Inspect HVAC Systems;
- Structural Issues for Home Inspectors;
- How to Inspect the Exterior;
- How to Inspect the Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, and Interior;
- How to Perform Deck Inspections;
- How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion; and
- How to Inspect Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys.
You may complete the courses in any order.
Once you've completed the program in full, you will be able to download your certificate of completion.
After You’re Licensed — Keep It Active
Licensed home inspectors are required to complete 40 hours of approved continuing education every two years in order to renew a license. New Jersey home inspector licenses must be renewed every 2 years. InterNACHI provides state-approved CE.
Licensees must also maintain current Errors & Omissions insurance, comply with all applicable state professional conduct regulations, and pay required renewal fees to keep their license active.
You must retain proof of CE completion for your renewal cycle. InterNACHI® Certificates of Completion are available via the InterNACHI® dashboard FOREVER.
Need assistance with your pre-licensing or continuing education requirements? Contact our education team at [email protected].
