Texas requires the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). Licensing is handled by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Pre-licensing education: 194 hours: Property and Building Inspection Modules I and II (40 hours each), Business Operations and Professional Responsibility (10), Analysis of Findings and Reporting (20), Texas Law (20), Texas Standards of Practice (24), and a 40-hour Texas Practicum. Insurance: Professional liability insurance (or equivalent coverage) of $100,000 per occurrence before a license is issued.
Texas requirements at a glance
| Exam | A national exam plus a Texas state exam, both given by Pearson VUE |
|---|---|
| License type | Professional real estate inspector |
| Pre-licensing education | 194 hours: Property and Building Inspection Modules I and II (40 hours each), Business Operations and Professional Responsibility (10), Analysis of Findings and Reporting (20), Texas Law (20), Texas Standards of Practice (24), and a 40-hour Texas Practicum. |
| Field training / experience | The 40-hour Texas Practicum covers field experience. Licensed real estate inspectors can instead qualify with 12 months of sponsored experience and 175 inspections under indirect supervision. |
| Insurance | Professional liability insurance (or equivalent coverage) of $100,000 per occurrence before a license is issued. |
| Continuing education | 32 hours every two years. |
Other requirements
- At least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien.
- Fingerprints and a background check are required.
- You have one year from filing your application to meet all requirements.
- Failing the exam three times requires additional education before retaking it.
Who regulates home inspectors in Texas
Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
(512) 936-3000 · information@trec.texas.gov · Official website
How to prepare for the exam in Texas
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 Texas Real Estate Commission's official licensing page, checked October 2026. Licensing rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) before you apply.