How to become a home inspector in Alabama
Alabama home inspectors are licensed by the Alabama Department of Finance, Real Property Management – Division of Construction Management (Home Inspectors / EIFS Inspectors Licensing). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed home inspector in Alabama, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a home inspector in Alabama?
- License is issued to an individual only, not a business
- Qualify under one category: professional association membership, certain certifications (e.g. ICC, HUD), certain Alabama licenses (contractor, engineer, architect, home builder), or high school diploma/GED plus experience
- Draft 25 home inspection reports, 10 reviewed and corrected by a qualified home inspector
- Application submitted under oath (notarized)
Alabama home inspector license requirements
| State license | Yes. Alabama licenses home inspectors through the Department of Finance, Division of Construction Management. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Alabama Department of Finance, Real Property Management – Division of Construction Management (Home Inspectors / EIFS Inspectors Licensing) |
| License name | Home Inspector License |
| Education or training | At least 120 hours of approved home inspector education plus participation in 35 home inspections, or at least 35 hours of education plus participation in 100 home inspections. |
| Exam | Pass both the National Home Inspector Examination and the ASHI Standards and Ethics Examination within 18 months before applying. |
| Insurance or bond | Certificate of insurance required: at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury per person, $100,000 injury per occurrence, and $250,000 errors and omissions coverage. |
| License term | Renewed yearly (15 hours of CE required per year). |
| Continuing education | 15 hours of approved continuing education per year; keep proof for three years (random audits). |
How much does it cost?
| Home inspector license application (filing) fee | $300.00 |
|---|
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a home inspector in Alabama
- Complete approved education and participate in the required number of inspections
- Pass the NHIE and the ASHI Standards and Ethics exam
- Draft 25 inspection reports (10 reviewed by a qualified inspector)
- Buy the required liability and E&O insurance
- Submit the notarized application with proof and the $300 fee online or by mail
- Renew every year with 15 hours of CE and proof of insurance
Apply on the official Alabama site
How do you check a home inspector's license in Alabama?
- Search the name or license number on the official Alabama home inspector license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.