How to become a home inspector in Virginia
To become a home inspector in Virginia, you earn 15 qualifying points from education and experience, pass the NHIE, and carry $250,000 of general liability insurance. The application costs $94.50 through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
NHIE requiredChecked on October 4, 2026
Virginia at a glance
| Item | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Exam | The NHIE, through PSI. No state section. |
| Qualifying points | 15, with at least 5 from education and 5 from experience |
| Insurance | General liability of at least $250,000 per occurrence |
| Other | Age 18 and disclosure of past convictions |
| Application fee | $94.50, which includes a technology fee |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, with 16 hours of continuing education |
The licensing body is the Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors. Fees and rules change, so check them with the state before you pay for anything.
Steps to a Virginia license
- Earn 15 qualifying points, with at least 5 from education and 5 from experience.
- Pass the NHIE.
- Get general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence.
- Send the application, your documents, and the $94.50 fee to the department within 12 months of starting it.
How the points work
The points system took effect October 1, 2025. A 35-hour approved prelicense course earns 5 education points, and a 70-hour course earns 10.
On the experience side, every 5 home inspections under direct supervision earn 1 point, up to 12. Each month of full-time qualifying experience earns 2 points, also up to 12.
An optional New Residential Structure specialty, for inspecting new homes, needs an 8-hour training module and its own $80 application.
More on the exam
Questions people ask
Does Virginia use the NHIE?
Yes. Virginia's regulation names the National Home Inspector Examination as the board-approved exam.
How many hours do you need to be a home inspector in Virginia?
Virginia sets no fixed hour count. You need 15 points, at least 5 from education, and a 35-hour approved course earns those 5.
Do Virginia home inspectors need fingerprints?
The regulation and application ask you to disclose past convictions. Neither asks for fingerprints.
See where you stand
Take a free 200 question practice exam, weighted like the NHIE, with your score by task.
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