Pass the NHIE / InterNACHI Exam.

What is the NHIE exam?

The NHIE (National Home Inspector Examination) is the primary home inspector licensing exam, accepted by most states that require licensing. It is 200 questions over 4 hours covering home inspection standards of practice, defect identification, and reporting requirements. The passing score is approximately 500 on a 200–800 scaled score.

Is the NHIE hard to pass?

The NHIE first-attempt pass rate is approximately 70–75%. Most failures occur on the electrical systems and structural components sections. Candidates who complete formal inspector training (such as InterNACHI's online courses) and practice with NHIE-style questions perform significantly better than self-study candidates.

Do I need a license to be a home inspector?

Licensing requirements vary by state. About 34 states require home inspectors to be licensed or registered, while the remaining states have no formal requirement. Even in unlicensed states, passing the NHIE or obtaining InterNACHI certification significantly improves credibility and client trust.