How To Become a Home Inspector in Louisiana: The 5-Step Process
Becoming a home inspector in Louisiana is a career path that combines technical knowledge with the satisfaction of helping homeowners make informed decisions. Getting your license involves state-approved steps that ensure all home inspectors meet high standards of professionalism. At Bob Brooks School, we’re dedicated to helping you understand what is needed to pursue this career. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to become a home inspector in Louisiana.
How to Become a Home Inspector in Louisiana
The road to becoming a licensed home inspector has five critical steps. Follow this guide on how to become a home inspector in Louisiana to ensure you meet all requirements.
1. Fulfill Pre-License Education
Before you can apply for a home inspection license, Louisiana mandates you pass a background check — a step ensuring only qualified individuals enter the field. Following this, you must take 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider. This education covers essential aspects, including:
- Principles of performing home inspections
- Louisiana-specific regulations
- Standards of practice and customer service
These courses are designed to set you up for exam success effortlessly.
2. Pass the National Home Inspector Examination
The next step in how to become a home inspector in Louisiana is to complete the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). This exam evaluates your understanding and competence in home inspection essentials. The NHIE is taken on a computer and broken into three areas of performance:
- Property and building inspection
- Analysis and reporting of data
- And professionalism
Register for this exam online through PSI Exams or by calling 1-800-211-2754.
3. Get In-Field Experience
Nothing compares to real-world experience. In Louisiana, you’re required to complete 30 hours of prelicensing platform training and ten supervised live home inspections. This hands-on experience is invaluable, teaching you how to apply your knowledge in actual inspection scenarios.
4. Attend a Standards of Practice and Report Writing Seminar
A Standards of Practice and Report Writing Seminar is required for aspiring home inspectors in Louisiana. This seminar focuses on:
- The basics of inspection and how to develop clear and understandable reporting skills.
- How to clearly communicate findings to clients without relying on confusing technical terms.
- The ethical and technical guidelines specific to Louisiana’s home inspection industry.
- What to inspect and how to report findings.
Additionally, this seminar enhances your technical knowledge and communication skills, which are essential for building trust and confidence with your clients.
5. Obtain Insurance & Apply for a State License
After ticking off your educational, examination, and training requirements, you’re nearly there! You must now obtain insurance for Errors & Omissions and General Liability. Both must cover at least $300,000 per year, with a maximum deductible of $5,000.
With your insurance in hand, the final step in how to become a home inspector in Louisiana is to apply for your state license. Remember to provide proof of your completed education, experience, and passed NHIE.
Visit Bob Brooks School for Easy Continuing Education
Your learning doesn’t stop once you’re licensed. Louisiana requires at least 20 hours of approved continuing education every two years to maintain your license. This is where Bob Brooks School shines! We make home inspector continuing education easy and accessible. And, you can visit our Baton Rouge office to watch educational videos worth 8 hours of continuing education per business day.
We are committed to providing high-quality, engaging education solutions that fit your busy schedule. For questions or to start your continuing education, call 225-292-7277 or message us online. Take the next step in your home inspection career with Bob Brooks School. We’re here to support your growth in this exciting and essential industry.