A complete guide to Maryland's home inspector license — 72 hours of classroom education, the NHIE exam, $150,000 general liability insurance, and the software Maryland inspectors trust to stay compliant and grow their business.
| REQUIREMENT | DETAILS | STATUS / RESOURCE |
| Pre-Licensing Education |
72 hours of on-site classroom training Maryland applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a 72-hour on-site classroom-based home inspector training course approved by the Commission. Maryland does not accept online or correspondence courses for the pre-licensing requirement. |
Required Maryland Commission Home Inspectors |
| Licensing Exam | Pass the National Home Inspector Examination Maryland applicants must pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), administered by PSI. An exam score report must be submitted as part of the license application. |
$225 Register with PSI |
| General Liability Insurance |
$150,000 minimum coverage with the inspector's name on the certificate Carry general liability insurance with at least $150,000 in coverage. The home inspector's name must appear on the Certificate of Insurance (a company name may be added but cannot replace the inspector's name). Coverage must remain continuous and proof of coverage must be submitted with each renewal. |
Required Maryland Commission License Requirements |
|
Application, Renewal & Continuing Education |
$50 application + $325 license fee, two-year renewal cycle, 30 CE hours per cycle after first renewal Submit your initial license application through the Maryland Commission with the $50 non-refundable application review fee and the $325 license fee. Licenses renew every two years with proof of $150,000 general liability insurance. Continuing education is not required for the first renewal; for each renewal after that, complete 30 hours of continuing professional competency education. |
Required Apply with Maryland Commission |
| OFFICIAL LICENSING RESOURCES |
| MD Commission of Real Estate Appraisers & Home Inspectors labor.maryland.gov |
|
Maryland Home Inspector FAQs |
| MD Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 16 mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| NHIE — Maryland nationalhomeinspectorexam.org |
| MARYLAND AT A GLANCE | |
| Pre-Licensing Education | 72 hours (on-site classroom only) |
| Exam | NHIE ($225) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| General Liability Insurance | $150,000 minimum |
| License Fee | $325 |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 Years |
| Continuing Education | 30 hours per cycle (after first renewal) |
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SAMPLE REPORTS
Spectora's reports are designed to meet standards — clear findings, photo documentation, and professional presentation that protects you legally and impresses your clients.
WHY SPECTORA
Maryland inspectors don't just work Maryland — many work DC and Virginia too. Spectora handles multi-jurisdiction scheduling, agreement templates, and reports without forcing you into a different workflow for every state line.
From Inspection to Invoice in One Tool
Schedule inspections, sign agreements, write reports, collect payments, and manage your clients — all in Spectora. No spreadsheets, no chasing PDFs, and no juggling disconnected tools. Just one login for your entire inspection business workflow.
From the Bay to the Backwoods
Walk the property with Spectora's mobile app — photos, voice notes, and findings save locally as you go. When service drops out on the Eastern Shore or up in Western Maryland, your work keeps moving and syncs the moment you're back online.
One Calendar, Bay to Beltway
Baltimore, the DC Beltway suburbs, and the Eastern Shore each run on different rhythms — and most Maryland inspectors work multiple regions. Online scheduling, e-signed agreements, and automated reminders keep your day organized whether you're in Bethesda, Annapolis, or Salisbury.
Grow Referrals From the Chesapeake to the Appalachians
Automated Google review requests after every report, plus a referral source tracker so you know exactly which agents and clients send you business across Maryland.
Spectora is the #1-rated home inspection software. Start your free trial and see why Maryland inspectors run their business on Spectora
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Disclaimer: This page is intended as a general informational resource and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with Maryland Commission Home Inspectors before submitting your application. Information last reviewed May 2026.
