Virginia requires the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). Licensing is handled by the Virginia DPOR, Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors. Pre-licensing education: 35 or 70 contact hours of board-approved pre-license education, depending on the pathway. Insurance: Not listed in EBPHI's summary.
Virginia requirements at a glance
| Exam | National Home Inspector Examination |
|---|---|
| License type | Home inspector |
| Pre-licensing education | 35 or 70 contact hours of board-approved pre-license education, depending on the pathway. |
| Field training / experience | 35 hours plus 50 supervised inspections, or 70 hours plus 25 supervised inspections (other legacy pathways exist). |
| Insurance | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. |
| Continuing education | 16 contact hours per two-year renewal cycle. |
Other requirements
- Inspecting new homes requires the New Residential Structure (NRS) specialty.
- A Virginia Residential Code training module is required.
Who regulates home inspectors in Virginia
Virginia DPOR, Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors
(804) 367-8595 · ALHI@dpor.virginia.gov · Official website
How to prepare for the exam in Virginia
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 Virginia DPOR, Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors before you apply.