Iowa requires the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). Licensing is handled by the To be determined (per EBPHI). Pre-licensing education: Not listed in EBPHI's summary. Insurance: Not listed in EBPHI's summary.
Iowa requirements at a glance
| Exam | National Home Inspector Examination (a psychometrically sound home inspection exam) |
|---|---|
| License type | Home inspector |
| Pre-licensing education | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. |
| Field training / experience | Not set by the state; national association membership typically requires 100+ inspections. |
| Insurance | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. |
| Continuing education | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. |
Other requirements
- Regulated starting July 1, 2025 (Senate File 460).
- Must be a member in good standing of a national non-profit home inspectors association.
Who regulates home inspectors in Iowa
To be determined (per EBPHI)
See the regulator's official website.
How to prepare for the exam in Iowa
The NHIE is 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored) with a 4-hour limit, and you need a scaled score of 500 to pass. It is weighted 70% Property Inspection, 20% Analysis & Reporting and 10% Professional Responsibilities, so weight your study the same way. Take a diagnostic practice test first, drill your weakest categories, and sit at least one full timed practice exam before test day.
Summarized from the state regulation summary published by the NHIE's exam board, checked October 2026. Licensing rules change, so confirm current requirements with the To be determined (per EBPHI) before you apply.