In a real estate transaction, it is the responsibility of the home inspector to inspect the home and notify the buyer of any defects and code violations. To protect the public against unqualified home inspectors, the Indiana Home Inspectors Licensing Board has established a licensing process for inspectors in the state. Home inspectors who fail to adhere to the standards set by the board can have their licenses suspended or revoked.
Education
In addition to having a high school diploma or a GED, applicants for a home inspector license must complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Indiana Home Inspector Licensing Board. You can find a list of approved courses on the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website.
Examination
The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors developed an examination that many states, including Indiana, use as a requirement for a home inspector license. A third-party vendor, PSI Examinations, administers the examination. You can register for the exam from the PSI website, by faxing a registration form to PSI or by calling 800-733-9267. As of January 2010, the examination fee is $225. You will take the examination a PSI testing location of your choice and you will receive your score upon completion.
Insurance
In the event that a home inspector makes a mistake during a home inspection that causes financial or physical harm to a homeowner, the Home Inspector Licensing Board requires that all licensees have a minimum of $100,000 in general liability insurance coverage. You must list the board as an additional insured so it receives notification if the policy cancels or lapses.
Application
You can download the home inspector licensing application from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website. Provide the requested information about yourself, your education, your insurance coverage, past professional licenses and any criminal background. When submitting the application to the board, include payment for the application fee, a 2-inch-by-2-inch photograph, your insurance certificate and a certificate of completion of the pre-licensing course. As of January 2011, the application fee is $450.
Continuing Education
All home inspector licenses are renewed biannually on the same date. If you had your license for less than 12 months on the renewal date, you are not required to complete any continuing education courses for that renewal cycle. If licensed for between 12 and 24 months, you must complete 16 hours of education. You are required to complete 32 hours of continuing education if licensed for 24 months or more. You can find a list of approved continuing education courses on the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website.
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