How to get your license: Home inspectors

1. Get educated

If you weren’t licensed before September 1, 2009, you are required to take a board-approved, 120-hour home inspection fundamentals course, and mentor with an experienced home inspector for 40 hours of field training. See Approved course providers for a list of board-approved fundamental courses.

2. Submit an exam application

After you finish your education and field training, submit your home inspection exam application. Your exam application must include:

• Proof you have completed a board-approved home inspection fundamentals course.
• Proof you have completed field training with an experienced home inspector.
• A completed home inspector exam application form.

Mail your exam application to:

After we have evaluated and approved your exam application, we will mail you an exam eligibility approval letter with contact information for the exam provider and instructions for completing the process.

3. Take the exam

You must contact the exam provider to schedule your exam time and location, and arrange payment for your exam. The cost for the full exam is $300. See Exams for more information about schedulng and taking the exam.

• If you pass the exam, the exam provider will give you state and national pass reports you will need for your license application.
• If you fail all or part of the exam, you must wait 24 hours before scheduling with the exam provider to retake your exam. The cost to retake your exam is $125 for the state portion and $250 for the national portion.

4. Apply for your license

After passing your home inspector exam, submit your home inspector license application. Your license application must include:

• A copy of your state and national pass reports from the exam provider.
• A completed home inspector license application form with your date of birth and Social Security number (required by RCW 26.23.150).
• A check or money order for the $680 licensing fee, made payable to Washington State Treasurer.

Mail your exam application to:

After we have evaluated and approved your license application, we will process your application in our licensing system and mail your license to you.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the licensing process, please email us at DOLINTHomeInspectors@dol.wa.gov or ca11 (360) 664-6487.