How to become a home inspector in New Mexico
New Mexico home inspectors are licensed by the New Mexico Home Inspectors Board, Regulation and Licensing Department. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed home inspector in New Mexico, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a home inspector in New Mexico?
- Pass a national background check
- Paths: training and exam, experience and exam, or credentials from another state
New Mexico home inspector license requirements
| State license | Yes. New Mexico requires a home inspector license under the Home Inspector Licensing Act; inspecting for compensation without one is illegal. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | New Mexico Home Inspectors Board, Regulation and Licensing Department |
| License name | Home Inspector License |
| Education or training | 80 hours of education in set topics plus 80 hours of documented field training/30 parallel inspections. |
| Exam | Pass the National Home Inspector Exam or the InterNACHI exam. |
| Insurance or bond | Errors and omissions insurance of at least $250,000 and professional liability insurance of at least $250,000. |
| License term | 3 years |
| Continuing education | 60 hours per 3-year license, including 6 hours of ethics (pro-rated for shorter first terms). |
How much does it cost?
| Initial application | $250 |
|---|---|
| 3-year license | $1,000 |
| Renewal 3-year license | $1,000 |
| Reactivation of expired license | $100 |
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 New Mexico
- Complete 80 hours of approved education
- Complete 80 hours of field training/30 parallel inspections and the field experience log
- Pass the NHIE or InterNACHI exam
- Complete a national background check
- Get $250,000 E&O and $250,000 liability insurance
- Apply online through NM-PLUS and pay the fees
Apply on the official New Mexico site
How do you check a home inspector's license in New Mexico?
- Search the name or license number on the official New Mexico 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.