New York accepts the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) as one of its approved exams. Licensing is handled by the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Pre-licensing education: 140 hours of approved training (including 40 hours of unpaid supervised inspection experience). Insurance: General liability insurance.
New York requirements at a glance
| Exam | National Home Inspector Examination or the New York State home inspector exam |
|---|---|
| License type | Home inspector |
| Pre-licensing education | 140 hours of approved training (including 40 hours of unpaid supervised inspection experience). |
| Field training / experience | 40 hours of unpaid inspections under a licensed inspector (within the 140 hours), or 100 hours of supervised inspection experience. |
| Insurance | General liability insurance. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours per two-year license period. |
Other requirements
- Initial license fee $250; renewal $100.
Who regulates home inspectors in New York
New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
(518) 474-4429 · licensing@dos.ny.gov
How to prepare for the exam in New York
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 New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services before you apply.