The information contained below is designed to provide a summary of the minimum education, experience and examination requirements established by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
For more information, please visit the Commission's website.
Does this state require Home Inspectors to be licensed?
Yes, there are three levels of licensure:
- Apprentice Inspector
- Real Estate Inspector
- Professional Inspector
Are there any educational requirements to be licensed?
There is not an educational requirement for the Apprentice Inspector. For both the Real Estate Inspector and Professional Inspector, there are two paths to licensure. One path is the "Three Tier Progression" and the other path is the "Fast Track (Education/Experience Waiver)". Both require a mixture of education and experience, but the requirements are different for each path. The Apprentice Inspector does not have an educational requirement. For the other two levels, the following is the educational requirement:
- Real Estate Inspector
- For Three Tier Progression - 90 hours in core inspection courses
- For Fast Track - 120 hours of core inspector education including 30 hours in foundation system, roof systems, electrical systems, HVAC systems, building enclosures and appliances
- Professional Inspector
- For Three Tier Progression - 38 hours of core inspection courses including a minimum of 8 hours in the study of standards of practice, legal issues, or ethics related courses (in addition to the 90 hours required for the Real Estate Inspector level)
- For Fast Track - 328 hours in core inspector courses of which covers: 30 hours in foundation systems, 25 hours in roof systems, 30 hours in framing, 25 hours in electrical systems, 25 hours in HVAC systems, 25 hours in plumbing, 12 hours in Building Enclosure, 6 hours in appliances, 8 hours in Standards of Practice/Legal/Ethics, 8 hours in Standard Report Form/Report Writing, and 6 hours of other core inspection courses PLEASE NOTE: A Professional Inspector may bypass the Apprentice and Real Estate Inspector phases by completing this educational requirement along with the experience requirement)
Is there a state exam requirement to be licensed?
Yes, all licensees must pass the Board approved examination. (Not applicable to the Apprentice Inspector)
Are there any experience requirements to be licensed?
There is not an educational requirement for the Apprentice Inspector. Once licensed, apprentice gain experience under the supervision of an licensed real estate or professional inspector. Before an apprenticeship may be considered complete, the apprentice inspector must have performed 25 inspections under supervision. For both the Real Estate Inspector and Professional Inspector, there are two paths to licensure. One path is the "Three Tier Progression" and the other path is the "Fast Track (Education/Experience Waiver)". Both require a mixture of education and experience, but the requirements are different for each path. The Apprentice Inspector does not have an educational requirement. For the other two levels, the following is the experience requirement:
- Real Estate Inspector
- For Three Tier Progression - No experience requirement for licensure, but in order to apply for the Professional Inspector, the Real Estate Inspector must complete a minimum of 175 inspections in addition to those performed while an apprentice.
- For Fast Track - One of the following must be met:
- 60 hours of experience training module
- 60 hours inspecting with a licensed professional inspector
- 2 years as an active licensed professional engineer, engineer0in-training, or licensed/registered architect
- 3 years of personal experience in a field directly related to home inspecting
- Professional Inspector
- For Three Tier Progression - Must provide proof of the 175 inspections completed as a real estate inspector
- For Fast Track - ONe of the following must be met:
- 120 hours in an experience training module
- 120 hours inspecting with a licensed professional inspector
- 3 years as an active licensed professional engineer, engineer-in-training, or licensed/registered architect
- 5 years of personal experience in a field directly related to home inspection
Are there any other requirements to be licensed?
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Have completed high school or high school equivalency
- Resident of Texas
- Citizen of the US or a lawfully admitted alien
- Be honest, trustworthy, and possessing integrity
- Submit an application and associated fees
- Provide proof of liability insurance ($100,000 per occurrence)
When do the license expire?
Licenses expire every two years from the date of issuance.
Are there any Continuing Education requirements to renew a license?
All licensees must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education during each 12 month period within the renewal cycle.