How to become a home inspector in Texas
Texas home inspectors are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed home inspector in Texas, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Texas law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a home inspector in Texas?
- U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- At least 18
- Meet TREC honesty and integrity standards
- Fingerprints
- Qualifying education and experience (or substitute education)
- Pass the licensing exam
Texas home inspector license requirements
| State license | Yes. Texas licenses real estate inspectors through TREC in three tiers: Apprentice, Real Estate Inspector and Professional Real Estate Inspector. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) |
| License name | Professional Real Estate Inspector |
| Education or training | Substitute route: 40 hours Property and Building Inspection I, 40 hours Module II, 10 hours Business Operations, 20 hours Texas Law, 24 hours Texas Standards of Practice, 20 hours Analysis of Findings and Reporting, and a 40-hour Texas Practicum. Sponsored route: 12 months as a licensed inspector and 175 inspections plus the first five modules. |
| Exam | TREC real estate inspector licensing exam. |
| Insurance or bond | Proof of financial responsibility (E&O coverage of $100,000 per occurrence) to hold an active license. |
| License term | Two years. |
| Continuing education | 32 hours of inspector CE per renewal, including the 8-hour Legal & Ethics and SOP Review course. |
Steps to become a home inspector in Texas
- Complete the qualifying inspector courses and practicum
- Apply to TREC and submit fingerprints
- Pass the inspector licensing exam
- File proof of $100,000 financial responsibility
- Receive your license by email
- Renew every two years with 32 CE hours
Apply on the official Texas site
How do you check a home inspector's license in Texas?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
- 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.