How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Kentucky?
Getting your Kentucky Home Inspector License doesn’t have to be rocket science. The team at AHIT has created a list of the six steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional in the Bluegrass State. Read the steps below and check out our pricing packages to learn about Kentucky home inspection.
Guided by information found in the handy Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors Initial Licensure checklist, we’ve broken the steps down into an easy-to-understand format below. All information about license requirements are taken straight from the board and KRS 198b.700 – KRS198b.738 (view all Kentucky statutes).
Prerequisites:
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You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must have a high school diploma or a GED.
- You must submit a 2×2 passport photo.
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Complete 64 Hours of Kentucky-Approved Home Inspection Education
The first step to becoming a licensed Kentucky home inspector is gaining the knowledge to conduct several different types of home inspections and all that they entail.
The state of Kentucky requires applicants to complete 64 hours of education approved by the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors.
You will be taken step by step through the entire home inspection process. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through lab work and fieldwork as well, including conducting practice inspections. -
Conduct 3 Unpaid Home Inspections
Kentucky requires 16 field hours, which will count towards your 64 total course hours. In addition to this, you will be required to conduct three unpaid home inspections in the field, and write a satisfactory report for each. This is offered by AHIT immediately following your classroom course.
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Take and Pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)
After completing your home inspector course, 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.
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 and submit it with the receipt to the VA for reimbursement.
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Complete a Kentucky State Police and F.B.I. Background Check With Fingerprinting
The Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors requires you to complete a background check through the Kentucky State Police and the F.B.I. and have your fingerprints taken to obtain a license.
KY State Police Background Check (performed within the last 90 days)
The form is available at KentuckyStatePolice.org.
- Select “Resources”
- Select “Forms”
- Select “Background Check Form Page”
FBI Background CheckThe form is available at FBI.gov.
- Select “Stats and Services” tab
- Select “Identity History Summary Checks”
- Select “Option 1”
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Purchase General Liability Insurance and/or Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Next, you must submit proof of a certificate of general liability insurance by a company that is authorized to offer insurance in Kentucky. You must have a minimum coverage amount of $250,000, and you must list the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors as the certificate holder. -
Pay the $250 Fee and Send in Your Application
You’re almost finished! There are just a few more things you need to do before and you’re well on your way to becoming a licensed home inspector! You will need to apply for a license from the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors and pay a $250 non-refundable fee. You can apply online or by filling out and mailing in a physical application.
Quick Facts:
- The industry is regulated by the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors.
- Kentucky home inspectors are required to complete 14 hours of Continuing Education annually. After a home inspector’s first license renewal, their license will expire on even-numbered years with a total of 28 hours needed per renewal cycle.
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Learn more about how to become a home inspector, getting your home inspection certification, and the average home inspector salary.
Kentucky Home Inspector License Requirements
Requirements to Become a Kentucky Home Inspector
- Kentucky home inspection education hours: 64 hours
- Inspections: 3 unpaid inspections under the direct supervision of a Kentucky licensed home inspector. Direct supervision is defined as a Kentucky licensed home inspector being present during the 3 unpaid home inspections.
- Exam Required: NHIE
- Application Fee: $250 (other fees may apply)
- Insurance Requirements: General liability coverage for at least $250,000
- Background check required: Kentucky State Police and FBI (includes fingerprinting)
- Minimum age requirement: 18 years old
- Notarized application is not required
- High School Diploma or GED is required
Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years (even) on last day of birth month
Kentucky Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- 14 hours annually. After initial renewal, license will expire on even-numbered years with a total of 28 hours needed.
Kentucky State Licensing Board
- Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors establishes the Kentucky Home Inspector License Requirements
- American Home Inspectors Training is a Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors approved pre-license education provider.