How to Become a Licensed Home Inspector in New York
InterNACHI’s New York Pre-Licensing Program
Welcome to the New York Home Inspector Licensing Program. New York requires individuals who perform home inspections for compensation to be licensed by the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Before beginning the licensing process, applicants should review the state’s education, examination, experience, insurance, and application requirements.
You may find official licensing information and forms at: https://dos.ny.gov/home-inspector
To Become a Licensed Home Inspector in New York, You Must:
- Provide proof of having successfully completed at least a high school diploma or its equivalent at the time of application.
- Complete a course 140 hours approved by the Division of Licensing Services. This must include a minimum of 100 hours of classroom or live instruction and 40 hours of unpaid field-based training under direct supervision. You can find InterNACHI’s approved partner schools here: https://www.nachi.org/vendor-offers or Find an InterNACHI® Mentor near you.
- Pass an approved examination, the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) or the New York State Home Inspector License Examination.
- Provide proof of commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate (or the amounts required by the Division). InterNACHI members do receive a discount on insurance, and you can get a quote at nachi.org/insurance
- Submit a completed home inspector license application and pay the required application fee to the Division of Licensing Services.
InterNACHI’s Home Inspector Certificate Program
Although New York 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 must complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education within each two-year license renewal period in order to renew before the expiration date. New York home inspector licenses are renewed on a two-year cycle. InterNACHI provides state-approved CE with live webinars.
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].
