How to become a home inspector in Ohio
To become a home inspector in Ohio, you finish 80 hours of education, complete 10 parallel inspections or 40 hours of field work, pass the NHIE, and clear two background checks. The license costs $235 and lasts three years.
NHIE requiredChecked on October 4, 2026
Ohio at a glance
| Item | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Exam | The NHIE, through PSI, passed within two years before you apply. No state section. |
| Education | 80 hours, in a classroom or online |
| Field work | 10 parallel inspections with an Ohio inspector, or 40 hours of field work plus a peer review session |
| Insurance | General liability of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 total |
| Other | Age 18, a high school diploma or GED, and fingerprint checks through the state and the FBI |
| License fee | $235 |
| Renewal | $235 every 3 years, with 14 hours of continuing education each year |
The licensing body is the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. Fees and rules change, so check them with the state before you pay for anything.
Steps to a Ohio license
- Finish 80 hours of qualifying education.
- Complete 10 parallel inspections, or 40 hours of field work and a peer review session.
- Pass the NHIE through PSI.
- Get a certificate of insurance from your insurer.
- Complete the two criminal background checks.
- Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State if its structure requires it.
- Apply and pay online through the division's licensing portal. The division says it takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
A bill would cap the fee
House Bill 59 passed the Ohio House on November 19, 2025, and sits in a Senate committee. It would cap the license fee at $200 and change continuing education to 42 hours per three-year license. It is not law.
More on the exam
Questions people ask
Does Ohio use the NHIE?
Yes. Ohio law asks for proof that you passed the national home inspector examination within two years before you apply.
What insurance does an Ohio home inspector need?
General liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 total. It does not have to be errors and omissions insurance.
How long does an Ohio home inspector license last?
Three years. You renew for $235 and complete 14 hours of continuing education each year.
See where you stand
Take a free 200 question practice exam, weighted like the NHIE, with your score by task.
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