State by state
In 34 states, no passing score means no license
Where the NHIE is required, where it is accepted, and what else each state asks.
Require the NHIE
Accept it with other exams
Give their own exam
Have no licensing exam
What the numbers say
Hours, ride-alongs, and insurance vary by state. In every state that tests, you have no license until you pass.
Illinois, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin add a state law section. This course covers the national exam.
All 50 states and DC
Checked against each state's law or licensing board on October 2, 2026. Your board has the final word.
| State | The NHIE | What else the state asks |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | NHIE required | A second exam (ASHI Standards and Ethics), education plus supervised inspections, and insurance. |
| Alaska | NHIE accepted | Also accepts the NAHI and AHIT exams. A $10,000 bond, insurance, and a criminal-history check. The state's rules list no course hours. |
| Arizona | NHIE required | 84 hours of education, 30 parallel inspections, a fingerprint card, and age 18. |
| Arkansas | NHIE required | A second exam (ASHI Standards and Ethics), 80 hours with 16 in the field, age 18, and insurance. |
| California | No state license | No license. A business-practices law covers contracts and the standard of care. |
| Colorado | No state license | No license. |
| Connecticut | NHIE accepted | Also accepts the state exam. A 40-hour intern program, then 100 supervised inspections. |
| Delaware | NHIE required | 140 hours of education, 75 supervised inspections, and insurance. |
| District of Columbia | No state license | No home inspector license found. |
| Florida | NHIE accepted | Four exams count (the NHIE, FABI, InterNACHI, and ACI). A 120-hour course, fingerprints, and $300,000 of liability insurance. |
| Georgia | No state license | No license. A 2026 licensing bill did not become law. |
| Hawaii | No state license | No license. |
| Idaho | No state license | No license. |
| Illinois | NHIE requiredplus a state section | An Illinois law section is added. A 60-hour course, 5 supervised field inspections, age 18, and insurance. |
| Indiana | NHIE required | A 60-hour course, age 18, and insurance. |
| Iowa | No state license | No license. A 2025 law sets insurance and report rules. |
| Kansas | No state license | No license. The old registration law expired in 2013. |
| Kentucky | NHIE required | A 64-hour course with 16 in the field, 3 supervised inspections, insurance, and two background checks. |
| Louisiana | NHIE required | 90 classroom hours, 30 field hours, 10 live inspections, a background check, and insurance. |
| Maine | No state license | No license. |
| Maryland | NHIE required | 72 classroom hours, a high school diploma, and insurance. |
| Massachusetts | NHIE required | Two license tiers. The first needs 75 hours and 25 supervised inspections. |
| Michigan | No state license | No license. |
| Minnesota | No state license | No license. |
| Mississippi | NHIE required | A 60-hour course, age 21, insurance, and fingerprints. |
| Missouri | No state license | No license. A 2026 licensing bill died in committee. |
| Montana | License, no exam | Licensed since January 1, 2026, with no exam. A 40-hour course, association membership, and insurance. |
| Nebraska | License, no exam | A registry with an insurance certificate. No exam and no course. |
| Nevada | State exam only | The state gives its own exam. 40 hours, 25 observed inspections, fingerprints, and insurance. |
| New Hampshire | NHIE required | 80 hours, age 18, a background check, and insurance. |
| New Jersey | NHIE required | A 180-hour course with field work, or 250 supervised inspections. Insurance. |
| New Mexico | NHIE accepted | Also accepts the InterNACHI exam. 80 hours, 80 field hours, and fingerprints. |
| New York | NHIE accepted | Also accepts the state exam. A 140-hour course or 100 supervised inspections. |
| North Carolina | State exam only | The state board gives its own exam. 200 hours of education and field work, or an equivalent, plus insurance. |
| North Dakota | NHIE accepted | Also accepts exams from ASHI, InterNACHI, and ICC. Age 18 and $100,000 of insurance. No course. |
| Ohio | NHIE required | 80 hours, field experience, fingerprints, and insurance. |
| Oklahoma | NHIE required | 90 hours, age 18, and insurance. |
| Oregon | NHIE required | 20 qualifying points from education, ride-alongs, or experience, and work through a state-licensed contractor business. |
| Pennsylvania | No state license | No license. A licensing bill passed the House in September 2026 and has not passed the Senate. |
| Rhode Island | NHIE required | An associate license first, with 50 assisted inspections. Insurance. |
| South Carolina | NHIE accepted | The NHIE can replace the state technical exam, but a state law exam is still required. A 120-hour course or a year of supervised work. |
| South Dakota | NHIE requiredplus a state section | South Dakota questions are added. A 40-hour course and fingerprints. |
| Tennessee | NHIE required | 90 hours, age 18, and insurance. |
| Texas | NHIE requiredplus a state section | A Texas section is added. Three license tiers, each with its own hours and inspections. |
| Utah | License, no exam | Licensed since January 1, 2026, with no exam. An ASHI, InterNACHI, or ICC certification and insurance. |
| Vermont | NHIE required | 80 hours and age 18. An approved certification can replace both the hours and the exam. |
| Virginia | NHIE required | Age 18, insurance, and 15 points from education and experience. |
| Washington | NHIE requiredplus a state section | 24 Washington questions are added. 120 hours of class and 40 hours in the field. |
| West Virginia | NHIE required | 80 hours, fingerprints, insurance, and a state business license. |
| Wisconsin | NHIE requiredplus a state section | A Wisconsin law exam is added. A 40-hour course. |
| Wyoming | No state license | No license. |
Know your state. Then pass the exam
Start with the free 200 question practice exam. Every miss explained.