How to Become a Licensed Home Inspector in West Virginia

Welcome to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office Home Inspector Licensing Program. Before beginning the program, you should familiarize yourself with the Fire Marshal’s website and the process for submitting your home inspector license application. 

You may find details at: https://firemarshal.wv.gov/regulatory-and-licensing-division

To Become A Certified Home Inspector In West Virginia, You Must: 

1. Provide proof of completion of 80 hours of board-approved in-person classroom training.  (Find a training partner at https://www.nachi.org/vendor-offers, search for West Virginia);
2. Pass the The National Home Inspector Exam through EBPHI.
3. Provide a criminal record report (background check) with fingerprints from both the WV State Police and the F.B.I.  
4. Provide proof of general liability insurance of no less than $250,000.00
5. Provide proof of a High School Diploma or GED.  
6. Provide proof of valid West Virginia business license issued by the: West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue. 
7. Submit the application form, all required documentation and license fee to the WVSFMO’s office.

Note: Upon payment of the certification fee, application fee and submission to the State Fire Marshal of a completed application, the State Fire Marshal may issue a home inspector certificate to any person who holds a valid certification, license, or registration to conduct home inspections, issued by another jurisdiction that has standards substantially equivalent to, or exceeding, those of this state, as determined by the State Fire Marshal.

Visit the West Virginia webpage related to home inspectors.