How to Become a Home Inspector in Tennessee

The Department of Commerce and Insurance regulates Tennesee home inspectors. What does that mean for you? In short, you'll have to take a series of state-mandated steps to become a home inspector in Tennessee. 

Our guide walks you through the basics of becoming a home inspector in Tennessee. 

Complete 90 Hours of Commissioner-Approved Training

The first step of the process is to complete a 90-hour commissioner-approved training course. The training course will prepare you for the basics of home inspection and give you the skills to write home inspection reports.

Here is the 2023 list of approved education providers. 

Pass the National Home Inspector Examination

After completing a training course, you'll have to pass the National Home Inspector Examination. 

The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is a four-hour comprehensive test that will screen for the necessary knowledge to become a home inspector. The exam is broken up into three portions:

• Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
• Analysis of Findings and Reporting
• Professional Responsibilities

The NHIE is scale-scored from 200-800; anything above 500 is a passing score. If you don't pass the first time, don't panic. You can retake the test as many times as you need to pass, although you will have to pay a $225 fee for each test attempt and wait 30 days between exams.

For veterans starting their home inspection career: if you pass the NHIE and you are eligible for GI Bill education benefits you may be able to get reimbursed for the cost of taking the test.   

Get General Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance

Tennessee ensures their home inspectors are fully protected; you'll need to carry both general liability and E&O insurance to operate as a home inspector in Tennessee. 

Before submitting your application for a license, prospective Tennessee home inspectors must purchase a minimum amount of $500,000 in general liability coverage.

You'll also have to get errors and omissions insurance, but the state has no minimum coverage requirements so you can set your own policy limited. 

Submit the Application and Pay Fee

Once you've completed your training course, passed the NHIE, and obtained insurance coverage, you can submit your application. Along with proof of the above, you'll need to pay a $300 applicant fee. 

In order to have your application considered, you must be over 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED. 

Start Inspecting

Getting a license is only the first step to becoming a home inspector. After that, you'll need to buy your tools and find your software, and if you're not joining an existing home inspection company, you'll need to build your business. 

From websites to marketing tips to software, Spectora has your back as you start your career as a home inspector.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do home inspectors make in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the average price of a home inspection is $408. A home inspector who does 100 inspections per year could expect to make a salary of $40,800, but many full-time home inspectors will do more than 100 inspections per year so the average salary is likely higher. 

Do home inspectors need continuing education in Tennessee?

Home inspectors must complete 32 hours of continuing education through an accredited program every two years in Tennessee.  

How often do I need to renew my license?

License renewal takes place every two years in Tennessee. Before renewing your license, you'll need to complete continuing education.