How to become a home inspector in Ohio
Ohio home inspectors are licensed by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Home Inspector Board). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed home inspector in Ohio, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a home inspector in Ohio?
- Be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Complete BCI and FBI background checks
Ohio home inspector license requirements
| State license | Yes. Ohio requires a home inspector license; licensure has been required since July 1, 2021. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Home Inspector Board) |
| License name | Home Inspector License |
| Education or training | At least 80 hours of approved qualifying education, plus 10 parallel inspections or an approved curriculum of experience and peer review. |
| Exam | Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (PSI) within two years before applying. |
| Insurance or bond | General liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate. |
| License term | 3 years |
| Continuing education | 14 hours each year, 42 hours per 3-year term. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial license | $235 |
|---|---|
| Renewal | $235 |
| Late renewal | $125 |
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 Ohio
- Complete 80 hours of approved education
- Do 10 parallel inspections or an approved curriculum of experience and peer review
- Pass the NHIE
- Get the required liability insurance
- Complete BCI and FBI background checks
- Apply and pay online through the LPI portal
Apply on the official Ohio site
How do you check a home inspector's license in Ohio?
- Search the name or license number on the official Ohio 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.