How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Mississippi?
We’ve compiled the six steps you’ll need to start your new career as a licensed home inspection professional. Follow the steps below to learn more about home inspection courses (and why they’re necessary), taking the National Home Inspector Exam, and where to go from here.
Prerequisites:
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The minimum age requirement is 21 years old.
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
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Complete 60 hours of a Mississippi-Approved Home Inspection Course
The Mississippi Home Inspector Board requires future home inspectors to complete a 60-hour Mississippi Home Inspection course in order to become licensed.
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Take & Pass the National Home Inspector Exam
After completing your home inspector education, the next step is to register for (and pass) the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). This exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions, 25 of which are not scored. Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location).
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. -
Provide Proof of General Liability of at Least $250,000
Making mistakes is a part of human nature, and it happens to the best of us. To protect yourself and your livelihood from career-ending lawsuits, taking out a general liability insurance policy is a must for all home inspection professionals. Certified Mississippi home inspectors are required to get an insurance policy worth at least $250,000.
General liability policies for small businesses are roughly $40 per month. To get the best rate and a better idea of what coverage you need, speak with a licensed local insurance agent.
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Get Errors & Omissions Insurance for at Least $250,000 Per Occurrence
As a licensed home inspector in Mississippi, you must obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O insurance helps cover claims of negligence, errors in your services, misrepresentation, inaccurate advice, omissions, and violations of good faith and fair dealing. You are able to set your own policy limits, but you must include a valid policy number and effective coverage dates.
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Pay $175 Application & $325 License Fee
Once you’ve completed your 60-Hr. Mississippi home inspector course and passed the National Home Inspector Exam, you’ll need to apply for your license. To this end, you’ll need to pay the $175 application fee, the $325 license fee, and complete your application.
Mississippi also requires that you get your application notarized.
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Submit Your Application to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission Home Inspector Division With a Copy of Your High School or College Transcript/Diploma
When submitting your application to the Mississippi Home Inspector Board, you must include either a copy of your high school or college transcript, or a copy of your high school or college diploma.
Quick Facts:
- Mississippi home inspectors must pass a background check.
- A Mississippi Home Inspector License is valid for two years.
- 20 hours of Continuing Education are required to renew your license every two years.
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Mississippi Home Inspector License Requirements
Requirements to Become a Mississippi Home Inspector
- Mississippi home inspection education hours: 60 hours
- Exam Required: NHIE
- Application Fee: $175 (other fees may apply)
- Insurance Requirements: Carry $250,000 per occurrence in General Liability Insurance and $250,000 per occurrence in E&O Insurance
- Notarized application is required
- Background check is required
- Fingerprints are not required
- Minimum age requirement: 21
- High School Diploma or GED is required
Home Inspection License Expiration: Every two years, from date of issuance
Mississippi Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- 20 hours every two years
Mississippi State Licensing Board
- Mississippi Home Inspector Board establishes the Mississippi Home Inspector Licensing Requirements