Home inspection is regulated state by state. Most regulated states use the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), and a few accept it alongside their own state exam. Pick your state for its exam, education, field training, insurance and continuing education rules, along with who to contact.
States not listed here
North Carolina uses its own state exam rather than the NHIE. States such as California, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri, plus Washington, DC, don't license home inspectors, though many inspectors there take the NHIE voluntarily. Montana and Nebraska regulate inspectors but don't require the exam.
Summarized from the state regulation summaries published by the NHIE's exam board and state licensing agencies, checked October 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with your state regulator before you apply.