A home and building inspector is a professional who is conversant with codes, ordinances, and regulations regarding house construction. These professionals maintain the standards of buildings in South Dakota, and they are currently in high demand.
State residents who are passionate about construction can enjoy a long-lasting career in this field, even with relatively short training. The following guide explores everything they need to know to do so.
We also analyze the best training programs and provide important numbers concerning the projected annual average returns.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in South Dakota
Candidates in South Dakota typically enter into the home and building inspection profession by following the overview below.
Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites
A few prerequisites must be met before enrolling in a training program for aspiring home and building inspectors in South Dakota. Currently, these include being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma.
Individuals without a diploma can utilize a GED equivalent in its place.
Step 2: Complete Required Training Hours
The required training hours to complete as a prospective home and building inspector in South Dakota is 40 hours. Training programs that are approved by the state (including the ones highlighted later in the guide) all provide such education.
Step 3: Pass the National Exam
A training program prepares candidates for their career duties and the National Home Inspector Examination. This multiple-choice examination requires an application fee of $225.
It includes questions testing all major aspects of the discipline, from professional responsibilities and report writing to site review and funding analysis.
Step 4: Completing Background Checks
In South Dakota, aspiring home and building inspectors must also go through a background check at the state and federal levels. Interested individuals can do so by visiting the South Dakota Attorney General’s website.
Candidates should keep in mind that this step may involve a couple of fees, which may amount to around $43.25.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The South Dakota Real Estate Commission establishes requirements for prospective home inspectors in the state. Currently, candidates who have completed training and have passed the national examination can qualify to become Registered Home Inspectors.
This designation is enough to start working professionally and taking on legal contracts in the state. However, there is a different licensing tier after this, one of which is the Licensed Home Inspector designation.
This designation is available for home and building inspectors who have worked for one year and have performed at least 100 home inspections.
In order to qualify for the first designation, which is the Registered Home Inspector designation, professionals have to submit an application and pay a $200 fee.
Lastly, a home inspector license in the state lasts for two years, after which it has to be renewed via 24 hours of continuing education in those two years.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in South Dakota
These are some of the best training programs for aspiring home and building inspectors in South Dakota.
Professional Home Inspection Institute
Online, SD Online Only
The Professional Home Inspection Institute offers excellent introductory education for aspiring home inspectors in South Dakota and continuing education opportunities for career development.
Tuition
$499 - $699 per ProgramContact
(605) 427-2908
The ASHI School
Online, SD Online Only
The ASHI School, which belongs to the American Society of Home Inspectors, offers an approved home inspector curriculum that has produced successful graduates in the field.
Tuition
$995 - $3,395 per ProgramContact
(888) 884-0440
info@theashischool.com
InterNACHI
Online, SD Online Only
Lastly, future home inspectors in South Dakota can receive their education through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
Tuition
$49 per MonthContact
(303) 223-0861
fastreply@internachi.org
Explore home and building inspector schools in South Dakota by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment rate for home and building inspectors in South Dakota and across the country will remain the same for the coming decade. This means that the current employment rate will remain the same with little to no change. As a result, thousands of openings will continue to occur as old workers retire and are replaced by new ones.
As for annual returns, a home and building inspector in South Dakota can earn an annual average salary of $89,500 if they are among the highest-paid, $29,500 if they are among the lowest-paid, and $60,345 if they are among the median earners.
Mitchell, South Dakota, has the highest annual average salary for home and building inspectors, at $60,955. Brandon, SD, also rewards professionals in this field well, with an annual average salary of $60,709.