Preparation is an important factor when entering any profession, and the same rules apply to future home and building inspectors in Tennessee. Knowing the steps in the process beforehand gives candidates the confidence to fulfill all possible requirements and ensure they are caught on guard.
To that end, we have provided an extensive guide on all the key aspects of starting a home and building inspection career in Tennessee. Along with the educational and certification requirements, we also dive into possible training programs for approved education and the salary projection depending on experience and location, among other key factors.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Tennessee
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to launch a successful home and building inspector career in the state of Tennessee.
Step 1: Acquire Training from a Tennessee-Approved Institution
The ultimate objective for an aspiring home and building inspector in Tennessee would be to acquire a license from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. To do so, they must complete a training program organized by an approved destination.
This program must include at least 90 hours of training instruction.
Step 2: Pass the Home Inspector Examination
Candidates looking to become home and building inspectors in Tennessee must pass the National Home Inspectors Examination after completing their classroom training. The NHIE contains 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 4 hours.
Candidates must also pay an examination fee of $225, which they must pay again if they fail the course the first time. Candidates may take any exam preparation courses available online to prepare.
Step 3: Obtain Real-World Experience
Unlike most other states in the country, containing real-world experience is completely optional for aspiring home and building inspectors in Tennessee. However, it is still highly advisable because it helps candidates prepare and build confidence before taking official positions.
Step 4: Become Licensed and Secure Employment
Home and building inspectors in Tennessee may secure employment in multi-inspector firms and companies after obtaining their licenses. They may also go on to start their own business by incorporating an LLC or a sole proprietorship.
The section below contains the key licensing steps.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
All aspiring home and building inspectors in Tennessee must acquire a license from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Completing the above steps should be enough to qualify.
However, before sending in the official applications, candidates must have general liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance. The general liability insurance must amount to $500,000 in total.
To send in their official applications, candidates must pay the licensing application fee of $300. Applications must also be submitted online through the state department portal.
Even though it’s not mandated, professional credentials and certification may also prove helpful for a home and building inspector in Tennessee. The International Association of Certified Home and Building Inspectors offers well-respected credentials for candidates in Tennessee.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in Tennessee
Tennessee’s aspiring home and building inspectors may consider the entries below for top-class training.
901 Home Inspection
901 Home Inspection in Memphis offers a comprehensive training program for prospective home inspectors in Memphis, Southwest Tennessee, and Northwest Mississippi. The school is an InterNACHI partner.
Tennessee Real Estate Educational Systems
Tennessee Real Estate Educational Systems – TREES, Inc. – is another destination where candidates can receive approved training to start their home and building inspection careers. The program includes classroom training and 2 onsite home inspections.
Notable Mentions
Additional options include ABC Home Inspection Institute, Home Inspection Training Institute Today, Hi-Tech Home Inspection Training, and the Inspection Certification Associates (ICA).
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Salary & Career Outlook
In Tennessee, home and building inspectors who fall among the midpoint of earners make an annual salary of around $48,502. Those among the highest earners in the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $106,947, while those among the lowest earners in the bottom 10% still manage an annual average salary of $21,997.
With time, experience, and positions in better companies, it is possible to scale a home and building inspector salary in Tennessee and move from the bottom or midpoint to the top 10% in the state. Location is another factor that may play a really important role.
For instance, Johnson City and Memphis are Tennessee’s top-paying cities for home and building inspectors, with annual average salaries of $137,212 and $118,647, respectively. These are followed by Hendersonville and Nashville, with annual average salaries of $66,424 and $64,200, respectively.
Murfreesboro completes the top five with an annual average salary of $60,564.
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