If you’re wondering about becoming a Home Inspector in New York, it’s pretty straightforward, but a time commitment will be essential to reach the required amount of learning hours to become licensed. If you’re wondering where to start, this article will lay it out in 5 steps, which, when completed, you should feel confident, properly educated, and prepared to begin your new career in the inspection industry.
What you should know before becoming a Home Inspector in New York
The New York Department of State website defines a home inspection as the process by which a Home Inspector observes and provides a written report of the systems and components of a residential building, including, but not limited to, the heating system, the cooling system, the plumbing system, the electrical system, and the structural components of the building.
New York Home Inspector license requirements
A few requirements must be met to become a licensed Home Inspector in New York and be legally compensated for this service.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Before starting home inspection education, you must have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
Complete 100 Hours of Approved Course Education
North Carolina requires all home inspection license applicants to complete at least 140 hours of instruction from an approved course, but at least 100 of those hours must be instructed in a classroom-type setting, not within the field.
Complete 40 Hours of Unpaid, Supervised Field Inspections
North Carolina requires all home inspection license applicants to complete at least 140 hours of instruction from an approved course, but at least 40 of those hours must be unpaid, supervised field inspections.
Submit to a Criminal History Record Check
Before being approved for a New York home inspection license, you must submit your information for a criminal history check.
Pass the New York Home Inspection Exam or Equivalent
The New York State Home Inspection Exam is a written exam held in multiple locations around the state. An equivalent test you may also pass is the National Home Inspector Examination®.
Provide Proof of the Minimum Insurance Requirements
New York state requires you to have a minimum amount of $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate. To be approved for a license, you must secure, maintain, and file proof of a certificate of liability coverage with the Department of State.
How to Become a Home Inspector in New York? A complete 5-step guide to getting a New York State inspection license
Step 1 — Complete 140 Hours of Education from an Approved Course
Once you start your journey toward becoming a Home Inspector in New York, the first step you need to take is choosing which course you would like to enroll in to complete at least 140 hours of instruction. There is a list of New York State-approved courses, including at least 100 hours of education within the classroom and at least 40 hours of unpaid, supervised inspections in the field. The New York Department of State has a list of approved schools that can provide this education for aspiring Home Inspectors.
New York’s Department of State also states that those who have performed at least 100 home inspections (paid or unpaid) in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by New York State or a professional engineer or architect regulated by New York State, is not required to go through the 140 hours of approved education.
Whichever route you decide to take to become educated in the eyes of New York’s Department of State, be sure to familiarize yourself with the State’s Home Inspection Professional License Laws, which New York specifically states is the responsibility of the licensees to understand.
Step 2 — Register for and pass the New York State Home Inspection Exam
Passing the written New York State Home Inspection Exam, or the National Home Inspector Examination®, is the next step in securing a license as a new Home Inspector. The New York State Home Inspection Exam is held in multiple locations and in a multiple-choice format.
Once you’re ready to take your exam, and after you have read through the examination schedule, you can register for the exam by sending an email to exams@dos.ny.gov with your full name, address, telephone number, and the exam site and date(s) of your choice from their provided list. Once at the exam site, you will have 2 1/2 hours to complete the test, which will have questions covering the following topics:
- License law
- Report writing
- Heating
- Cooling
- Plumbing systems
- Insulation and ventilation
- Structural
- Exterior
- Interior components
- Electrical systems.
Don’t forget to bring a couple of #2 pencils with you to the exam, as they will not provide those to any test takers. Lastly, a $50 examination fee can be paid by check or money order made payable to the Department of State or charged to a MasterCard or Visa credit card.
Instead of taking the New York State exam, the National Home Inspector Examination® is another option. The associated fee when registering is $225.
When preparing for the exam, it will be helpful to remember that the examination will test three performance domains: Property and Building Inspection/Site Review, Analysis of Findings and Reporting, and Professional Responsibilities. The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI) also has practice quizzes that can be purchased on the National Home Inspector Examination website.
Step 3 — Purchase the Required Amount of Insurance
Before having a New York Home Inspector license issued to you, the state requires you to have a certain amount of insurance to protect you and your customers. To be approved, you must secure, maintain, and file proof of a certificate of liability coverage with the Department of State, which shall be a minimum amount of $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate.
These insurances will help protect your business if a client files a claim or lawsuit because they feel you overlooked something that eventually costs them money to fix. No one is exempt from making mistakes, and that includes Home Inspectors. Being prepared for these unfortunate instances is an important step you need to take for yourself and your business.
Once insured, the State can grant you a new Home Inspector License! This initial application as a new Home Inspector will require a $250 fee, which needs to be included with the filled-out form and sent to the appropriate address. For applications in English and other languages, visit this page and search under the ‘Apply’ section.
Step 4 — Maintain your Continuing Education Requirements
To remain in good standing with the New York Department of State and stay up to date on everything happening within the home inspection world, you must be committed to continuing your education. The State does not require many hours to be put towards your continuing education efforts, but it’s important not to leave this critical step to the last minute.
As a licensed Home Inspector in New York, you complete 24 CE (continuing education) hours of approved continuing education within your two-year license renewal period before the expiration date. At the end of your two-year licensure period, you are eligible to renew starting 90 days before your license expiration date, as long as you have completed your continuing education requirements. This renewal will be paired with a $100 fee to the Department of State.
Step 5 — Register Your Business or Join a Firm
An important decision you must make as you embark on this new journey is whether to work for yourself or join an established home inspection firm. If you plan on working for yourself, a critical step you cannot miss is registering your business with the State of New York and forming a legal entity. Visiting a business lawyer can help you with all the necessary steps and paperwork, but this can also be done independently if you have the time and patience to do the research yourself.
If you plan on joining an established home inspection firm, all the complex legal work has already been done! All you need to do now is market yourself to the firms you’re interested in joining and decide which is best for your goals and career path!
How long does it take to become a Home Inspector in New York?
The time it takes to become a Home Inspector in New York depends on how much time you dedicate to your new career. The time it takes someone to complete 140 hours of education and pass the New York Home Inspection exam or the National Home Inspector Examination® will vary from person to person and from course to course. Some courses may get you fully trained and ready for the exam in a couple of months, while others you may be able to complete in 6+ months.
Everybody is different and has varying schedules, and since there is no time limit set within New York for the 140 hours of education to be completed, Home Inspectors have the freedom to choose a pace that fits within their life and career goals.
How much does it cost to become a Home Inspector in New York?
The cost of becoming a Home Inspector in New York will depend on a few different choices. Two main factors are which training school or course you enroll in and how many times it takes to pass the New York Home Inspector Exam. Some board-approved partners who offer qualifying courses offer their education for free for their members, which can be as little as $600. In contrast, other partners will provide packages for their education for over $3,500. Considering the cost, it is best to research all education options and decide which route offers what you are looking for in your new career.
In addition to your education, the initial application fee of $250 and the New York Home Inspection Exam fee of $50, or $225 for the National Home Inspector Examination®, are also costs to be aware of when financially planning for your new career.
Another cost factor is whether you would like to register as your own legal business entity instead of joining a home inspection company. If you decide you would instead work for yourself, forming a legal entity can cost upwards of $2,000 or more if you have the help of a lawyer.
What’s the best Home Inspector training in New York?
New York requires that you complete at least 140 hours of instruction from an approved course. At least 100 hours must be in a classroom setting, and at least 40 must be unpaid, supervised field inspections.
The New York Department of State’s list of approved schools that can provide this education for aspiring Home Inspectors can be found on this page.
Final points on how to be a Home Inspector in New York
Those choosing to start their journey as a Home Inspector in New York will have a few choices. The steps are straightforward, but the education will take some time. Choosing the best school and course for your 140 hours of education will be an important decision on how you want to start your new career.
Some of New York’s counties continue to rank as some of the most expensive counties to live in within the country, and it is becoming more and more popular for families and individuals looking to relocate to other parts of the state. With 20.2 million people, it is the fourth most populous state in the United States as of 2021. This creates an excellent opportunity for Home Inspectors to gain business year-round.
Some essential items to remember about becoming a Home Inspector in New York include:
- You must complete 140 hours of education before becoming licensed; 100 must be classroom-instructed, and 40 must be unpaid, supervised inspections in the field.
- The State requires you to pass the New York Home Inspector Exam or the National Home Inspector Examination®.
- You must secure, maintain, and file proof of a certificate of liability coverage with the Department of State, which shall be a minimum amount of $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate.
- License applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and abide by a criminal background check.
- Continuing your education with at least 24 hours of approved courses during your two-year licensure is required.
If you’re considering a Home Inspector in New York as a career and would like to partner with a company that can provide you with all of the business-related tools you’ll need to complete inspections efficiently, reach customers through marketing efforts, and more – contact our team at HomeGauge.com today.
FAQs
How hard is it to become a Home Inspector in New York?
It’s not too difficult to become a Home Inspector in New York, but it will require time and dedication. Following the five recommended steps in this article will help keep you on track and help you start your new career as a Home Inspector in New York successfully!
Do you need a license to become a Home Inspector in New York?
Yes. For those looking to become a Home Inspector in New York, you must first obtain a license.
How much do Home Inspectors make in New York?
As of publication, a Home Inspector makes an average of $69,213/year in New York.
What’s the best Home Inspector training in New York?
There isn’t one course or school that can be classified as the “best Home Inspector training” in New York because everyone’s needs and expectations are different. Do your research to find what option is best for YOU. The New York Department of State’s list of approved schools that can provide training for aspiring Home Inspectors can be found here.
Disclaimer: The information in this article should be used as a guide and was accurate at the time of publishing. Check with your state authorities for the most up-to-date regulations.