- 1). Determine examination requirements. The National Home Inspector Examination is the most comprehensive examination available. The NHIE is recognized and has been adopted as a demonstration of competence in 25 of the 50 states. Examination requirements vary in the other 25 states, and many states require additional testing regarding state-specific building knowledge. Specific regulations to become a home inspector are listed on a state-by-state basis on the NHIE's homepage (homeinspectionexam.org/state_regulations.php). Review these regulations to determine what requirements you must complete to receive certification in each state.
- 2). Sign up for the NHIE. The NHIE will not make you a national home inspector as the name might suggest. It will, however, get you halfway to achieving nationwide inspection certification as 25 of the 50 states have adopted this certification method. Go to NHIE's homepage and click on the "Registration" tab to register for this exam. The site will provide you with a date and location for the exam and accept a credit card payment of $225 for the exam fee.
- 3). Register for additional required examinations. To become a nationally certified home inspector in all 50 states, additional certification is required. After referring to NHIE's homepage listings of state-by-state regulations, register for the additional state-specific examinations required by the other 25 states that have not adopted the NHIE as their certification method. The NHIE homepage will provide you with contact information for certification authorities in each state. This will be a lengthy process, so be sure to space the examination dates accordingly.
- 4). Prepare for the NHIE. NHIE offers tools for studying for the exam. It lists an Exam Content Outline, References List and Training Provider Directory on its homepage under the "Preparing for the Exam" tab. It also provides a practice exam under the "Sample Test" tab. Utilize these resources to prepare for the 200-question four-hour exam.
- 5). Take the NHIE. On the directed date and hour go the test site and take the NHIE. If you pass this exam, you will be certified as a home inspector in 25 states. You will be halfway to completing your goal of becoming a nationally certified home inspector.
- 6). Take the additional required examinations. To become a national home inspector, you must be certified in all 50 states. After passing the NHIE, begin taking the additional examinations and/or classes required to become certified in every state. Upon successfully completing these requirements, you will a national home inspector -- certified in all 50 states.
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