How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Arkansas?
Are you ready to lay the foundation of your own home inspection business? We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you cement your new career as a home inspector in Arkansas. Follow the steps below to learn more about home inspection courses (and why they’re necessary), taking the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), networking in your area, the home inspection insurance must-haves, and where to go from here.
Prerequisites:
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A high school diploma or GED is required.
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
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Complete 80 Hours of Arkansas-Approved Home Inspection Education
The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing requires a license to work as a home inspector, and choosing the right training will set you apart and help you build your brand as a reputable inspector. The 80-hour recommended Arkansas-approved home inspector course aligns with topics on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). 80 hours of qualifying education to obtain a registration as a home inspector must include a minimum 64 hours of instruction and a minimum of 16 hours of field training.
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Pass the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Exam & the National Home Inspector Exam
After completing your home inspector education, the next step in establishing yourself as a trusted expert is passing the National Home Inspector Exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions (25 of which are not scored) covering three major domains, or sections, that every home inspector should know. Those domains are:
- Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
- Analysis of Findings and Reporting
- Professional Responsibilities
Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location). Due to the unignorable cost of taking the exam, we highly recommend taking an Exam Prep course to greatly increase your chances of passing on the first try. If an individual does not pass, they must wait 30 days before taking the exam again.
Arkansas also requires the completion of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Exam. There is an $85 fee to take this exam.
Fun Fact: Veterans taking the National Home Inspector Exam are eligible for reimbursement through the GI Bill. Those who choose to exercise this benefit must complete a VBA-22-0803-ARE form and submit it with the receipt to the VA for reimbursement.
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Provide Proof of General Liability Insurance of at Least $100,000
As a licensed home inspector in Arkansas, you must obtain general liability insurance. General liability insurance helps cover claims of negligence, errors in your services, misrepresentation, inaccurate advice, omissions, and violations of good faith and fair dealing. You’re required to have a policy minimum of $100,000, and you must include a valid policy number and effective coverage dates.
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Pay the Registration Fee and Submit a Notarized Application to Be an Arkansas Home Inspector
Once you’ve taken and passed the National Home Inspector Exam and ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Exam, you can create an online account and apply. Please note that you’ll need to pay an annual $250 registration fee to renew your Arkansas Home Inspector License. When you apply for your license, you’ll pay $250.
Quick Facts:
- Your license expires annually on 12/31.
- Home inspectors are required to complete 14 hours of Continuing Education annually (a minimum of 8 hours of CE must be approved as mandatory courses).
- Home inspectors can operate independently or join a home inspection firm.
- The State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors has compiled a list of forms you may need.
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Learn more about how to become a home inspector, getting your home inspection certification, and the average home inspector salary.
Arkansas Home Inspector License Requirements
Requirements to Become an Arkansas Home Inspector
- Arkansas home inspection education hours: 80 hours (qualifying education to obtain a registration as a home inspector must include a minimum 64 hours of instruction and a minimum of 16 hours of field training)
- Exam Required: NHIE and ASHI Standards and Ethics Examination
- Application Fee: $250.00 per year (other fees may apply)
- Insurance Requirements: General liability insurance of at least $100,000
- Background check is not required but need to disclose.
- Fingerprints are not required
- High School Diploma or GED is required
Home Inspection License Expiration: Annual, expires December 31st
Arkansas Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- 14 hours of education annually (a minimum of 8 hours of CE must be approved as mandatory courses)