Frequently Asked Questions about
Home Inspector License
Getting your Home Inspector License can be difficult. We understand that.
Which license do you need? How are all the classes given? Do states reciprocate licenses?
We try to answer all that and more in our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Please contact us at 940-336-7482 if a question is not addressed.
Have Any Home Inspector License Questions?
FAQ's
See our questions about getting a Home Inspector License. All other questions please call 940-336-7482
What are the steps to get a Home Inspector License?
The Texas Real Estate Commission website is your best resource for this information. Please visit the TREC website for more information. You can find the information under the “Become Licensed” section of the website.
I am concerned about meeting TREC's qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. Is there a way I can find out before I can enroll?
Yes! On the TREC website, there is a form you can complete before you apply for a license. You can request that the Commission determine whether your fitness meets TREC’s qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
Helpful tips for requesting an FD from the TREC website:
• Be sure to completely fill out the FD Form.
• Disclose everything. TREC’s determination is based only on the information provided with the request. We do not perform a full background check on FDs. If you have a criminal background, you should disclose all misdemeanor and felonies even if they are old offenses. You should also disclose all criminal offenses where you were placed on parole, probation, or community supervision (also known as deferred adjudication) even if the case was later dismissed.
• Do not request an FD if you do not have any criminal offenses, unpaid judgments, had discipline taken against a professional or occupational license, and have not performed unlicensed activity.
• Do not request an FD at the same time you submit an application or if you have a pending application with TREC.
• Citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted alien
o A DACA recipient does not qualify as a lawfully admitted alien.
Are There Prerequisites or Language Requirements?
There is no language requirement to learn the course material however, the NHIE is only issued in English. This is why we here at SITA have kept the course material to English.
Can I get credit for work experience?
Per the TREC experience requirements, you may receive credit for these courses if you have 3 years of personal experience in a field directly related to home inspection and provide two affidavits from persons who have personal knowledge of your experience.
However, we strongly encourage all students to take the full course. All candidates must pass the National Home Inspector Exam to become licensed in Texas. Experience or knowledge of a single component may not be sufficient to pass the National Exam.
How long do I have to complete the course?
TREC allows up to 12 months from the time you submit your Application for a Professional Real Estate Inspector License and pay your fee to complete the coursework.
What other fees or dues should I expect to have to pay to get my license?
Fees for Inspector Applications
• Apprentice Inspector Initial, no exam required ………………………….…… $60.00
• Real Estate Inspector Initial ………………………….…………………………… $100.00
• Professional Inspector Initial ………………………….………………………..… $120.00
• Inspector Exam Fee, paid to exam provider ………………………….……..… $220.00
• Real Estate Inspection Recovery Fund, paid only after exam is passed … $10.00
If I have taken my courses somewhere else, can I take my 40-hour practicum for TREC credit?
Absolutely! If you have completed coursework with another education provider and need to complete your practicum, we offer the practicum as a stand-alone option. You can enroll online or call our office at 940-367-1708 ext 5050 to schedule your practicum!
How does the 40-hour practicum work?
The 40-hour Texas Practicum is a pre-licensing requirement for applicants following the Substitute Experience and Education Requirements for a Real Estate or Professional Real Estate Inspector. You must submit the Texas Practicum Credit Request form with your application for credit.
Our practicum is modeled on Super Inspector standards for performing inspections.
The Texas Practicum is conducted as follows:
• The practicum is bookended by two 4-hour classroom sessions (First 4 hours is set up & expectations; Last 4 hours is for feedback & review)
• During the practicum, students will shadow licensed inspectors on 8 live, in-field inspections and complete 5 reports using the TREC Standard Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6).
• If a student is outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, the 4 hour sessions will be conducted by Zoom classroom and the in-field training will be coordinated with a regional SITA affiliated inspector.
• The student will receive access to Spectora report writing software.
Do you offer a military discount?
Yes! We offer a 15% discount for Veterans and active-duty military. To receive this discount, please contact us at 940-336-7482. We will need a copy or photo of your DD-214 or military ID showing active service. We will then send you a link to a military-only enrollment page.
What are the differences in each TREC Home Inspector License?
Professional
Real Estate Inspector License
Real Estate
Inspector
License
Apprentice
Inspector
License
This is the fast track to working independently and owning your own business.
This track allows you to work as an inspector but you must do so under the indirect supervision of a Professional Real Estate Inspector.
This track is the slowest track but has the lowest cost to entry. You will work as a trainee under the direct supervision of a Professional Real Estate Inspector.
A Professional Real Estate Inspector is a person who is trained and qualified to perform real estate inspections and who accepts employment to perform a real estate inspection for a buyer or seller of real property.
You have one year from the date your application is filed to meet all license requirements.
You have one year from the date your application is filed to meet all education and experience requirements for a license.
You have one year from the date your application is filed to meet all education and experience requirements for a license.
Other
FAQ's
See our questions about getting a Home Inspector License. All other questions please call 940-336-7482
How long does it take to become a home inspector in Texas?
The amount of time it takes to become a home inspector in Texas varies depending on individual circumstances, such as the amount of prior experience and education. On average, it takes approximately 6-12 months of training and education to become a licensed home inspector in Texas.
How much do Texas home inspectors make?
The average salary for a home inspector in Texas is $59,440 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the salary can vary depending on experience, location, and type of inspection services provided.
Is there a demand for home inspectors in Texas?
Yes, there is a high demand for home inspectors in Texas. The state has a thriving real estate market, and the need for qualified home inspectors is constantly growing.
What's the highest pay a home inspector can make?
The highest pay a home inspector can make in Texas will depend on factors such as experience, location, and the type of inspection services provided. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10% of home inspectors in Texas make more than $87,000 per year.
How much does a quality inspector make in Texas?
The average salary for a quality inspector in Texas is $54,040 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the salary can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of inspection services provided.
How do I get my Texas inspection license?
- Meet the eligibility requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
- Complete a minimum of 154 hours of classroom or online training approved by TREC
- Complete the 40 hour Texas Practicum
- Pass the TREC Home Inspector Exam
- Obtain a surety bond of $10,000
- Register with TREC and pay the required fee
What is the best state to be a home inspector?
The best state to be a home inspector will depend on factors such as the demand for home inspectors, the cost of living, and the salary potential. Some states with a high demand for home inspectors include Texas, California, and Florida.
Can you be a home inspector and real estate agent in Texas?
Yes, it is possible to be a home inspector and a real estate agent in Texas. However, it is important to understand that there may be certain ethical and legal restrictions regarding the dual practice.
Where do home inspectors make the most?
The state where home inspectors make the most will depend on factors such as the demand for home inspectors, the cost of living, and the salary potential. Some states with high salaries for home inspectors include Texas, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California.
What does a Texas home inspector do?
A Texas home inspector is responsible for conducting thorough inspections of homes and other residential properties to identify any potential issues or defects. The inspector will then provide a detailed report to the client, which includes information about the condition of the property, any necessary repairs, and safety concerns.
What are the pros and cons of being a home inspector?
Some of the pros of being a home inspector include a flexible schedule, the ability to work independently, and the opportunity to help individuals make informed decisions about their real estate purchases. Some of the cons of being a home inspector include the physical demands of the job, the need to be on call during evenings and weekends, and the potential for liability if a defect is missed.
How do I succeed as a home inspector?
To succeed as a home inspector in Texas, it is important to have a thorough understanding of building codes, construction methods, and inspection techniques. In addition, it is essential to have excellent communication skills, a professional demeanor, and the ability to work well with clients. Continual education and training will also help you stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments.